Applications for the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant, which pays out R350 per month, can now be done via email.
The regulations were gazetted on Saturday, May 9, and around six million people are expected to qualify for the grant.
South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) offices will not accept in-person applications, and field workers will be deployed to sign up those who don’t have access to technology, according to The South African.
Once applications are approved, Sassa will request confirmation of bank accounts through a secure site. Payments will be made to an approved bank account or through a money transfer for those who do not have a bank account.
Payments will only be made from the date of approval up to the end of October 2020.
Those who are receiving other forms of government assistance, including from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) do not apply for the grant, as well as those living in a government-funded or subsidised institution.
To apply electronically, email [email protected].
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