President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that unemployed South Africans could now for the first time receive an unemployment grant as the country continued to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.
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At a press briefing earlier today (29 April) Minister of Social Development Lindiwe Zulu explained how the Special Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant would be disbursed to those who qualify.
“This grant will be implemented in terms of the existing avenue provided for by the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) channel, which is administered in accordance with the provisions as set in the Social Assistance Act, 2004.”
The grant of R350 would be administered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).
The criteria for access to the grant are as follows:
- Social relief may be provided to South African citizens, Permanent Residents or Refugees registered on the Home Affairs system.
- Above the age of 18.
- Unemployed and not receiving any income.
- Not receiving any social grant.
- Not receiving any unemployment insurance benefit and does not qualify to receive unemployment insurance benefit.
- Not receiving a stipend from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme.
- Not resident in a government funded or subsidised institution.
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Applicants will need to provide the following in order for their applications to be processed:
- Identity number/Department of Home Affairs permit.
- Name, surname and initials as captured on the ID.
- Gender and disability (if any).
- Banking details – bank name and account number.
- Contact details – cell phone number.
- Proof of residential address.
Once the grant has been finalised by the department, electronic applications can be made by:
- Sending a WhatsApp message to 0600 123 456 and selecting SASSA or send an email with the above details to SRD@sassa.gov.za
The minister said as she was aware that not everyone had access to WhatsApp or email, the department was working on other access channels including SMS, and self-help desks and online.
“Volunteers will be trained to assist those who do not have access to this technology or who are not technologically savvy.
“We have already received commitments from the NYDA, NDA and Community Development Workers in some of the provinces to assist. SASSA will further unpack these in consultation with provincial structures and civil society organisations.”
Notification of the outcome of an application would, she added, be provided in the same manner in which the application was made.
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