Social Grant Relief

Social Grant Relief is one of the grants offered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). It is also known as the Social Grant Relief. This particular grant was meant for people who were negatively affected by the COVID-19 financially. It is undeniable that lots of businesses, individuals and families were affected economically by the COVID pandemic. In the bid to ameliorate its effects, the South African government set up this grant.

This grant was originally not meant to be a permanent scheme but a a temporal measure. Beneficiaries were to receive R350 for three months, however, it has continued to exist after the COVID-19 has taken a dip. This piece will take a look at how this grant is. Who is eligible to apply? What are the requirements? And the process to apply.

What is the Relief Grant?

The Relief Grant is a three month breather given to citizens of South Africa and permanent residents to support unemployed and those who earn below the minimum wage. It was set up because, primarily, a lot of people lost their sources of livelihood during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

How much is the SASSA Grant?

The grant is a monthly stipend of R350 to people who qualify after application. The money is paid into the bank account of qualified applicants. For those who don’t have a bank account, they receive their stipends in cash.

Who is eligible for the SASSA Relief?

Just like every other grant or fund, you must be certain that you qualify before you apply. Once you check for what is needed for eligibility and you are sure you qualify, you can proceed to put in your application. Here is a shortlist of the requirements for the SASSA Relief. Possessing the following will make you eligible:

• You must be a permanent resident in South Africa, or must be a citizen of South Africa.
• You must be at least 18 years of age
• You should be earning less that the minimum wage or have no source of income or financial support
• You should not be on any other grant or any other form of social or unemployment insurance
• You should not have applied for or received the SASSA Relief grant before
• Once you meet all of the requirements listed, you can continue with your application process.

How to apply for the Relief Grant

The following instructions below is a guide to how to apply for the SASSA Relief online:

• First open the official site of the SASSA online:
• Look for the “R350 grant” link on the homepage and click on it.
• If this is the first time you are applying for the grant, you will have to register first.
• You register by supplying some details about yourself: These include your name, your ID number, your telephone number and your residential address
• After registration, an SMS will be sent to your number with your username and password.
• Now, with the username and password given you, you can now log into your account
• Go ahead and fill in the application form now by supplying the requested information such as your personal details, your bank details, and contact information.
• Upon completing the form online, click on the “submit” button
• Waiting patiently for a confirmation message

You can always check the status of your application by logging in to your account and clicking on the “check status” button

If you cannot apply online, you can also apply through WhatsApp.

To apply via WhatsApp, follow these instructions:

• First, save the SASSA WhatsApp number (082 046 8553) to your contacts
• Then, send a message to the number that says “Hi” or “Hello”
• Once you do, you will receive a prompt for your application
• Follow this prompt to complete your application
• Now, give your banking details where you can receive your assistance.
• If you don’t have a bank account, select “cash payment option”
• After you submit your application, you will receive a reference number via WhatsApp that you can use to check the status of your application.

Conclusion

The SASSA Relief has come to stay to provide with financial assistance to permanent residents and citizens of South Africa. Once you were affected by the COVID-19 and can provide proof of same, you can apply for the relief.

What you have to do is to check for the eligibility criteria and you qualify, you can proceed to apply. Make sure that while you are applying, you provide the correct information that is requested of you.