South Africa News

Sassa defends R350 COVID-19 grant rejections

Sassa is defending the rejection of numerous applications from South Africans trying to get access to the R350 COVID-19 grant. The social security agency had initially promised to make pay-outs by the end of May, but as it stands scores of people are yet to be paid out.

The agency says it’s important for beneficiaries to understand the criteria of the grant. To qualify one has to be unemployed, have no income and not be receiving any kind of government assistance, such as UIF, NSFAS or any other social grant.

SASSA applicants

So far 3.2 million applicants have been approved and R1.2-million has been paid out.

Sassa CEO Totsie Memela said beneficiaries should understand the criteria for the grant.

“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,” Memela added.

Payments are still in progress and Sassa still needs to do a verification check before any payments can be done.

Applicants are processed daily but the major source of delays come from the necessary verification process which SASSA has to do with other institutions which are dependencies in the value chain.

Memela said beneficiaries should 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.

– Coronavirus Hotline Number: 0800 029 999 from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday

Help protect your loved ones by sharing this official South African government COVID-19 service with your family, friends and community. Send HI to 0600 123 456 on WhatsApp.

The NICD has another Clinician Hotline to improve #COVID19 communication and support for healthcare providers. The Clinician Hotline is 0800 11 1131, operating 24 hrs. The Public Hotline is 0800 029 999 also operating 24hrs.

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Source: eNCA