WHILE 3.2 million Covid-19 grants have been approved and 1.2 million have been paid, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) said numerous applications for the R350 grant have been declined because applicants do not meet the criteria.
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According to SASSA, successful applicants are unemployed, without any kind of income, not receiving any kind of government assistance such as UIF and NSFAS, or social grants or any other financial support and must be above the age of 18.
SASSA CEO Totsie Memela said the department is aware that this has caused unhappiness from applicants and thus it is important for beneficiaries to understand the criteria.
“We are doing everything in our power to solve the matter and a dedicated email address and phone number have been made available to process complaints. Those who feel aggrieved should either call 0800 60 10 11 or email srd@sassa.gov.za with their complaints in order to access the recourse mechanism. Our aim is to pay the right grant to the right people,” added Memela.
Memela said beneficiaries are advised to use their own personal accounts not those of their neighbours and also ensure that their personal details are exactly as they appear on their identity document.
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“Personal information is very important because during verification check should we find out that the information provided during application does not correspond with the Identity document information that might results to the application being rejected,” Memela concluded.
The majority of declined applications are from people already on the UIF database or qualifying to receive it, said SASSA.
They advised these applicants to contact the Department of Employment and Labour to apply for UIF.
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