Millions of low-income and vulnerable South Africans rely on essential social grants from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) for their basic survival. With widespread poverty and unemployment across the nation, exacerbated by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, these government welfare programs provide a crucial lifeline.
For struggling individuals and families, having a thorough understanding of how to access and utilize SASSA’s offerings is critical. One of the most vital forms of support is the Special COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress grant, commonly referred to as the R350 grant. This emergency monthly payment aims to aid those whose livelihoods have been severely affected by the pandemic’s consequences.
In this comprehensive guide, we will outline everything you need to know about successfully applying for, qualifying for, and receiving your approved SASSA grants. This includes detailed information on:
Having a full understanding of the ins and outs of SASSA’s offerings will empower you to access the monthly financial support you need during these challenging times.
An Overview of Social Assistance Policy and Main SASSA Grants in South Africa
As part of the nation’s wide-ranging social welfare system, the South African government utilizes SASSA as the administering body to distribute regular financial aid to disadvantaged groups through an array of social grant programs. Besides the short-term COVID-19 R350 grant, the main long-term SASSA offerings include:
Old Age Grant:
For South African citizens and permanent residents over the age of 60 who meet the income threshold requirements. Provides up to R1970 per month to support impoverished seniors.
Disability Grant:
South African citizens and permanent residents aged 18 to 59 who are medically certified as unfit to enter the labor market due to physical or mental disability. Provides up to R1970 per month.
Child Support Grant:
For low-income parents and primary caregivers of children under 18 years old who pass a means test. Provides R480 per month for each eligible child to aid with basic needs.
Foster Child Grant:
Registered foster parents to aid with raising an orphaned or abandoned child placed in their long-term care. Provides R1090 per month.
Care Dependency Grant:
For parents, caregivers, and foster parents of children with severe mental or physical disabilities requiring permanent care before turning 18. Provides R1970 per month.
Grant-in-Aid:
An additional R450 per month can be paid to existing Disability Grant recipients between 18 and 59 who require full-time attendance by another person due to their disability.
War Veteran’s Grant:
South African citizens and permanent residents who fought in World War 1 or World War 2, are now over the age of 60. Provides R1970 per month.
These long-standing SASSA grant programs provide consistent cash payments monthly to support vulnerable groups meeting the eligibility criteria. For citizens struggling with poverty, disability, orphan care, and more, social grants help cover basic living expenses when people lack other sources of income. With widespread economic challenges across South Africa, SASSA’s welfare offerings serve as an essential lifeline for millions.
Understanding the Special COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant (R350 Grant)
In response to the devastating economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic that left many South Africans unemployed and destitute, the South African government introduced a temporary Social Relief of Distress grant in May 2020. Better known as the R350 grant, this short-term program aims to support vulnerable individuals and families who lost income due to the pandemic and have no other means of financial support.
Approved beneficiaries receive R350 per month, paid directly for a limited period to provide urgent assistance covering basics like food, utilities, and housing. The grant specifically targets low-income individuals who are not receiving assistance from other sources like UIF, NSFAS, or additional SASSA grants. Applicants face strict eligibility criteria and checks from SARS to qualify.
Let’s take a detailed look at the R350 grant application process, payment schedules, collection methods, and more so you can access this vital monthly support.
R350 Grant Application Process and Requirements
To qualify for the short-term COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant (R350 grant), applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Aged between 18 and 60 years old
- South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee with a valid ID number
- Currently unemployed or not receiving any income
- Not receiving any other social grant or UIF payment
- Not receiving a stipend through NSFAS or another governmental program
- Not being cared for in a state institution
- Passing a SARS means test indicating a low-income threshold
The R350 grant specifically targets individuals hardest hit by the pandemic’s widespread job losses and economic downturn, who have no other means of financial support. Approved recipients can only collect the R350 grant for a limited period, though payments have been repeatedly extended due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
To apply, you must provide:
- Your ID and personal details
- Proof of your low-income status from SARS
- Banking details to receive payments
- Any medical assessments if applying due to illness or disability
You can submit your application online via https://srd.sassa.gov.za or visit your nearest SASSA office for assistancein applying in person. Applications undergo intensive screening and approval is not guaranteed – be sure you meet all the eligibility criteria.
Monitoring the Status of Your R350 Grant Application
Once you submit your R350 grant application, be diligent about monitoring its status during the 1 to3-monthh processing period. You can check your progress via:
- The https://srd.sassa.gov.za portal using your ID number
- The SASSA Moya app’s “Application Status” section
- Calling the SASSA call center at 0800 601 011
- Visiting your nearest SASSA office in person
Checking regularly allows you to address any issues that may be delaying approval. If your application is rejected, you can re-apply after addressing the reasons provided. Persistently follow up until you receive final approval.
R350 Grant Payment Schedules, Dates and Collections
If approved as an R350 grant beneficiary, you will receive an SMS notification indicating your confirmed payment date each month. Payments are typically scheduled in the first week of the month. Here are the expected payment days for early 2023:
January 2023 Payments:
- Older Persons: Wednesday, 4 January 2023
- Disability Grant Recipients: Thursday, 5 January 2023
- Child Grants and Other: Friday, 6 January 2023
February 2023 Payments:
- Older Persons: Wednesday, 1 February 2023
- Disability Grant Recipients: Thursday, 2 February 2023
- Child Grants and Other: Friday, 3 February 2023
March 2023 Payments:
- Older Persons: Wednesday, 1 March 2023
- Disability Grant Recipients: Thursday, 2 March 2023
- Child Grants and Other: Friday, 3 March 2023
April 2023 Payments:
- Older Persons: Tuesday, 4 April 2023
- Disability Grant Recipients: Wednesday, 5 April 2023
- Child Grants and Other: Thursday, 6 April 2023
You can collect your monthly R350 grant through:
- Direct deposit into your personal bank account
- Withdrawal from SASSA-affiliated ATMs and retailers
- Cash collection at South African Post Office branches
- Cash withdrawal at Pick n Pay, Boxer, Shoprite, Checkers or other stores
- Money transfers through services like Money Market, Cash Send, etc.
Be sure to notify SASSA of any changes to your contact details or preferred payment method. Then collect your funds on the confirmed date and use them to cover your most pressing monthly living costs.
What to Do If You Haven’t Received Your R350 Grant Payment
If you don’t receive your R350 grant on the expected payment date, take the following steps right away:
- Double-check your approved status and confirm the payment date.
- Call the SASSA hotline immediately at 0800 601 011 to report non-payment.
- Confirm that your personal, ID and banking details are correctly updated with SASSA.
- Visit your nearest SASSA office as soon as possible for in-person assistance.
- Persistently follow up via calls, emails, and office visits until the issue is resolved and your rightful grant payment is made.
As an approved beneficiary, you are entitled to your R350 grant funds each month. Be proactive and diligent in resolving any disruptions or delays.
Who Oversees and Administers SASSA Grants?
SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) is the government agency mandated to administer, oversee and distribute social assistance grants to low-income citizens. Their national office is based in Pretoria, with regional and local offices across all provinces.
SASSA was formed in 2004 under the Department of Social Development, taking over management of grants from provincial governments in an effort to harmonize and centralize welfare programs at a national level. Their aim is to ensure effective, efficient and equitable distribution of financial aid through services like:
- Processing grant applications.
- Determining eligibility and approving beneficiaries.
- Managing validation processes and enquiries.
- Overseeing grant payment systems and schedules.
- Detecting and preventing fraud/corruption.
- Maintaining beneficiary databases and records.
- Providing channels for beneficiary support services and queries.
- Collaborating with other state departments to streamline welfare programs.
- Partnering with local and community organizations to expand their reach.
- Reporting on performance indicators for transparency.
All social grant applicants and beneficiaries in South Africa deal directly with SASSA, who serve as administrators and distributors of state welfare funds.
SASSA Contact Information for Grant Enquiries and Issues
If you need to engage with SASSA regarding any grant applications, payments, or other issues, you can reach them via:
- Toll-Free Call Centre: 0800 601 011
- Email: grantenquiries@sassa.gov.za
- Website: www.sassa.gov.za
- National Office: 012 400 2111
- Provincial Office Contact Numbers:
You can also visit or call your nearest local SASSA office, found in communities across South Africa. Engage SASSA promptly if you have any grant queries, issues or complaints via these channels.
Adherence to Social Grant Requirements and Spending Policy
To maintain your approval for SASSA grants, you must adhere to all program terms during the payment period:
- Meet the eligibility criteria, such as age, citizenship, income status.
- Cooperate with re-evaluations of your qualification as required.
- Promptly report any changes in your circumstances that may affect eligibility.
- Provide SASSA with your updated contact details when they change.
- Do not register for or accept duplicated assistance from other relief programs.
- Utilize funds only for approved basic living expenses like food, utilities, housing.
- Avoid spending grant money on non-essential items, luxuries or illegally.
- Comply with re-application processes for extensions after your initial approval term.
Strictly abiding by all requirements allows SASSA to continue disbursing your grant securely. Misusing funds or breaching rules could see your grant stopped.
Overview of Social Grants for Permanent Residents and Refugees
South Africa also makes certain social grants available to permanent residents and registered refugees in times of need. To qualify, you must meet the eligibility criteria for each grant and:
- Have an official, valid permit for permanent residence or refugee status.
- Be lawfully residing in South Africa.
- Pass income-based assessments proving financial need.
The main social grant programs permanent residents and refugees can apply for include:
- Older Person’s Grant – Over 60 with low income
- Disability Grant – For those unable to work due to disability/illness
- Care Dependency Grant – For disabled children under 18 requiring permanent care
- Child Support Grant – If the primary caregiver of a child under 18
- Foster Child Grant – For formally fostering an orphaned or abandoned child
These grants provide vital welfare assistance to disadvantaged foreign nationals facing poverty, unemployment, disability and care burdens. Submit your applications directly via SASSA to see if you qualify.
Grant Payment Support for Foreign Nationals without Local Banking
For foreign nationals and refugees who get approved for South African social grants but don’t have access to local banking, SASSA makes special provisions to support grant payments and collections through:
- Cash payments at designated pay points – with proof of ID and fingerprints
- SASSA branded cards to make cash withdrawals from POS terminals
- Partnerships with money transfer operators to send funds to foreign locations
Notify SASSA that you require these alternative payment arrangements when applying for social grants or anytime your circumstances change. This ensures you can still receive approved welfare funds despite lacking local banking.
Overview of Social Relief for Undocumented Foreign Nationals
Strict criteria limit social grants from SASSA only to citizens, permanent residents and registered refugees with legal immigration status. However, South Africa’s Department of Social Development notes that undocumented foreign nationals have a constitutional right to seek social assistance when facing dire needs.
Options for undocumented migrants include:
- Applying for emergency relief at designated DSD local offices
- Seeking aid from recognized NGOs, charities, and faith-based groups
- Accessing assistance from migrant support organizations
While ineligible for regular SASSA grants, DSD states that no person should be without essential basics like food, water, and shelter in times of utter desperation. Various organizations try to provide help, especially during disasters.
Welfare Support Options for Migrant Workers in South Africa
Migrant workers from neighboring countries often pursue employment opportunities in South Africa, especially in sectors like mining, agriculture, and hospitality. If you have a valid work permit, options for seeking social assistance include:
- Accessing UIF payments if you lose your job – available to documented foreign employees.
- Applying for emergency relief from the Department of Social Development if facing utter destitution.
- Use thrift stores, soup kitchens, and shelters run by NGOs and charities if you have no income.
- Asking your High Commission, embassy, or migrant community organizations for repatriation or welfare help.
- Seeking assistance from faith groups – many churches have outreach programs.
While ineligible for core SASSA grants, alternative support is available to migrants with nowhere else to turn in times of crisis.
Overview of Social Assistance for Returning South African Emigrants
South African citizens who lived abroad as emigrants for over five years are ineligible for social grants upon first returning to the country. This aims to deter welfare misuse by non-active citizens. However, after three continuous months back in South Africa, returning citizens can apply for assistance if facing financial desperation through:
- Seeking urgent relief funding from the Department of Social Development.
- Accessing support from NGOs and charities assisting the poor.
- Turning to local community groups and leaders for basic aid.
- Utilizing soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, and the like.
- Ask family for help until able to get back on your feet.
After being back in South Africa for over six months, returning emigrants can also formally apply for regular SASSA grants if they now meet the eligibility criteria as active citizens again.
Overview of Social Grants for South African Students Studying Abroad
As a South African citizen studying overseas at an accredited tertiary institution, you remain eligible for key social grants from SASSA subject to regular eligibility checks. These include:
- Disability Grant – If you are between 18-59 with a certified disability or illness impacting your ability to study.
- Child Support Grant – If you are the primary caregiver to any children under 18 back home.
- Care Dependency Grant – If you care for any children under 18 with disabilities/illness.
- Foster Child Grant – If you have been approved to foster a child through the courts.
Submit your grant application online or visit your nearest SASSA office to begin the assessment while you are home on break. If approved, your grant funds can be sent to you regularly via bank transfers while abroad. This financial support aims to assist with ongoing daily and educational costs.
Getting Social Assistance for South African Students Studying Overseas
Besides SASSA grants you remain eligible for, additional options for South African students to get financial aid while studying abroad include:
- Applying for scholarships, bursaries and study loans via NSFAS, universities and donors.
- Asking your foreign university and host government about any available stipends, allowances or living expense support.
- Applying for local welfare programs related to unemployment, housing, medical needs etc.
- Joining university societies for South African students who fundraise and support each other.
- Finding part-time employment and work-study programs.
- Asking family back home to assist with any shortfalls or emergencies.
- Crowdsourcing donations from extended social networks.
Combining multiple sources of support can help fund your international studies when SASSA grants alone are not enough.
We hope this detailed guide gives you extensive insight into successfully accessing and utilizing South Africa’s vital SASSA social grants. These welfare programs provide a crucial lifeline to vulnerable groups facing unemployment, poverty, disability, and more as our nation rebuilds following COVID-19’s devastating impacts. Understand your rights and follow the processes