The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has provided further details on the extension of the R350 social relief of distress (SRD) grant to March 2023.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the extension in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday last week.
“Mindful of the proven benefits of the grant, we will extend the R350 SRD grant for one further year, to the end of March 2023,” Ramaphosa said.
“During this time, we will engage in broad consultations and detailed technical work to identify the best options to replace this grant.”
Applications are still done online
In its update on Tuesday (15 February), SASSA said SRD applications are still done online. It urged applicants whose applications were rejected to request for reconsideration via the application portal here.
Alternatively, they can call 0800 60 10 11 (select option 3) for officials to lodge a reconsideration on their behalf. For a step-by-step guide on lodging an appeal for reconsideration, click here.
“Declined applicants who already lodged reconsideration applications should continue to lodge reconsideration requests for each month they are declined,” SASSA added.
“All clients who have been paid through the Post Office are encouraged to get bank accounts and upload details on the system (https://srd.sassa.gov.za) for the money to be paid into their personal accounts upon approval.
“Note that all bank accounts are subject to bank verification. Ensure that all banking details are correct and the account is in the name of the applicant.”
Approved clients ‘will be paid’
The Agency also sought to reassure approved applicants who have not yet received their grant payments that they will soon receive them.
It explained, “Clients who have been approved but not yet paid by end of January 2022 will still be paid through existing payment channels, namely the South African Post Office or direct deposits into personal bank accounts.”
It urged clients who may have any queries or need more information to contact it via 0800 60 10 11 or send an email to GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za or visit http://www.sassa.gov.za.