More than 3.5-million apply for special Covid-19 grant

WITHIN days of the system going live, more than 3.5 million people applied for the six month special Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant.  According to the National Department of Social Development the special grant is not available to those already receiving social grants.

“The special Covid-19 SRD Grant is intended to mitigate the undue hardships faced by individuals and families through this difficult time. We are pleased with the intake so far and we urge all eligible individuals to apply on time,” said Minister of Social Development, Lindiwe Zulu.

“Once again, we appeal to those already receiving social grants not to apply as they are not eligible for the Special Covid-19 SRD Grant. It is only meant to benefit persons who are currently not receiving any form of income support from government,” added Zulu.

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The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) had recorded 3 585 040 applications on Friday, 15 May, just days after applications opened nationwide on Monday, 11 May. A staggering 2 394 949 applications were made using the SMS line, while 204 434 applicants used the website, 485 657 applied via WhatsApp and 500 00 sent their application via email.

Once applications have been assessed and verified, those eligible will be notified and SASSA will request the applicant’s banking details. An applicant must be a South African citizen, permanent resident or refugee who is registered on the Home Affairs system.

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“To ensure that the information system is not clogged, we appeal to all applicants not to upload any form of documentation on the application,” said Zulu.

To apply for the special grant, WhatsApp 082 046 8553, SMS *134*7737# or log on to srd@sassa.gov.za.

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