REK YOUR CHEQUE: Simplifying the grant process

Ever since the R350 Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant was announced, there has been endless confusion.

This is mostly because SASSA has failed so miserably in their communication with the public, and in the implementation of their stated plans.

Many people have been left frustrated and drained by this process.

Sadly, there are many people who still need more clarity on this special grant meant for people who have no form of income at all.

Even the format of the frequently asked questions on the SASSA website is confusing.

So I have tried to simplify it and put it in a format which I believe is easier to read and understand.

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) and answers, as per SASSA.

Q What is the qualifying criteria for the special Covid-19 social relief of distress grant?

A South African citizens, permanent residents, refugee, asylum seeker or citizens of Lesotho, Angola and Zimbabwe who hold special permits registered on the Home Affairs database can apply for the grant if:

1. You are residing within the borders of the Republic of South Africa and are above the age of 18.

2. Are unemployed and not receiving any social grant.

3. Not receiving unemployment insurance benefit and do not qualify to receive unemployment insurance benefit.

4. Not receiving a stipend from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme.

5. Not in receipt of any other government Covid-19 response support and not a resident in a government funded or subsidized institution.

Q What is the required information for application?

A An identity number or a Department of Home Affairs Refugee, Asylum Seeker or Special Permit number as well as your name and surname as captured on the ID or permit, your gender and disability, your contact details including a cell phone number and residential address.

No hard copies required and no attachments required.

Q How do I apply? What are the application channels that are available?

A Via WhatsApp on the number 082 046 8553 or on the website https://srd.sassa.gov.za.

Q Can I go to a SASSA office to lodge an application for the SRD Grant?

A No, SRD applications cannot be done at local offices.

Applications for the Special Covid-19 SRD Grant of R350 per month must be completed electronically by using one of the two available channels.

No forms will be made available as the entire process is electronic.

NO ONE should pay for the application - the process is free.

Q I made an application for the Special Covid-19 SRD Grant and I have not received feedback from SASSA, any advice?

A Please note that SASSA experienced high application volumes in the first couple of weeks.

Many people also apply more than once or apply on all the channels.

This delays the process as SASSA has to verify all applications and ensure that there are no duplicates.

In the end, SASSA will only consider one application per applicant.

Once the application has been considered, a SMS message will be sent to the applicant.

Every applicant will be advised about their outcome.

Q How are payments for this grant being done?

A Payment shall be done through direct deposit into your own bank account or through a cash transfer option which goes to the cellphone and can be withdrawn at an ATM of your choice.

Applicants, who do not have a bank account, will be able to select one of the following four banks to receive a cash transfer payment: ABSA, FNB, NEDBANK or STANDARD BANK. Where no choice is made as to how to receive the payment, SASSA will send the payment through the Post Office.

All asylum seekers and special permit holders will be paid through the Post Office, where a personal appearance, with the relevant documents will be required to prove identity before payment is affected.

Q Will the grant be paid to a SIM card that is not RICA’d to my name?

A The cellphone number must have been registered in your own name.

Q Can I get paid via cash sent if the cell phone is not mine?

A No, the cellphone number must be registered and belong to the applicant.

Q Can all the unemployed adult members of my family apply using one address?

A Yes!

Q I am over 60 years, can I also apply?

A If you are over 60 years, you need to apply for an Old Age Grant. The Special Covid-19 SRD grant of R350 is not payable to people over the age of 60.

Q Will I get paid on the anniversary of my first payment every month?

A Not necessarily, the validations are done monthly, depending on whether the applicant still meets the criteria.

Q If my application takes long to finalise will I receive double payment or backpay?

A If the applicant qualifies in the month of the application, he/she will be paid for that month, and also be paid for the current month if the applicant still meets the application criteria.

The payment may not necessarily be a double payment or a lump sum, or on the same day.

Q Where can I self-check my status for WhatsApp applications?

A For WhatsApp, applicants you can send a message to 082 046 8553; type “SASSA”, then type “Status” and follow the message prompts.

Q What is the meaning of “pending status”?

A This means the application is in progress. When verification is completed, the applicant will receive an SMS notification of the outcome. Only those with Status Approved will receive the SMS.

*Moeshfieka Botha is Head of Research and Consumer Education at National Debt Advisors.

For more debt and personal finance information visit www.nationaldebtadvisors.co.za