Government dismisses R3,500 Covid-19 grant as fake news

The government has dismissed reports of the social relief of distress (SRD) grants being increased to R3,500 as fake news.

This is after a message circulating on social media claimed more than three million South Africans would receive R3,500 for six months.

It reads: “Don’t miss out on this Government Covid-19. Support grant. More than 3 million South Africans will receive R3,500 for a period of six months. First time applicants receive payments within 24 hours after approval. It takes only few seconds to apply. Hurry!”

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The government has urged South Africans to refrain from circulating the message.

[#FakeNewsAlert] Please refrain from sharing this content with friends and family because it is not true. For any Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grants related information- visit: https://t.co/JkqGwkbunx pic.twitter.com/crVYn3eRaO

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) March 3, 2021

President Cyril Ramaphosa extended the special Covid-19 grant by a further three months, but the amount remains at R350.

There is no need to go to a Sassa office to apply as all SRD processes are done online. Those who have been receiving the grant and are in the system need not re-apply.

To qualify for the grant, one must be:

• South African citizens, permanent residents or refugees registered with Home Affairs;
• Resident within the borders of the Republic of South Africa;
• Above the age of 18;
• Unemployed;
• Not receiving any income;
• Not receiving any social grant;
• Not receiving any unemployment insurance benefit and do not qualify to receive unemployment insurance benefits;
• Not receiving a stipend from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme;
• Not receiving any other government Covid-19 response support; and
• Not resident in a government funded or subsidised institution.

Compiled by Vhahangwele Nemakonde

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