SASSA warns about special grant scams

POTENTIAL beneficiaries of the special Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant have been urged not to fall prey to various scams surrounding the R350 payments.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) warned that it will take legal action against those sharing false information and misleading applicants.

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The agency also urged potential Covid-19 SRD beneficiaries not to pay any money for applications as the process is free of charge.

SASSA, which administers the grant payments, said it has already received 3 585 040 applications since it officially opened the process on Monday last week.

The largest number of applications have been received through the SMS line with a total of 2,3 million submissions.

‘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.

The applications are currently being assessed and verified. Once approved, Sassa will contact applicants for banking details.

Zulu further appealed to applicants to be patient and not to visit Sassa offices.

‘Once again we appeal to those already receiving social grants not to apply as they are not eligible for the special Covid-19 grant. It is only meant to benefit persons who are currently not receiving any form of income support from government,’ Zulu said.

An applicant must be a South African citizen, permanent resident or refugee, who is registered on the Home Affairs system and is a resident within the borders of the Republic of South Africa.

Applicants must be above the age of 18, unemployed, not receiving any income, not receiving any social grant or any unemployment insurance benefit and does not qualify to receive unemployment insurance benefits.

They must also not be receiving a stipend from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme and not a resident in a government funded or subsidised institution.

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

Applicants can apply by sending a message to the WhatsApp line on 082 046 8553 or use the USSD or SMS line *134*7737# or emailing srd@sassa.gov.za

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