President Cyril Ramaphosa announced during the family meeting that the Social Relief of Distress Grant (SRD) will be reinstated until March 2022. The grant of R350, administered by the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa), will also be extended to unemployed caregivers who currently receive child support grants.

“This will build on the strength of our existing social protection system, which is one of the greatest achievements of our democracy,” the president said. 

“No country can expect its economy to grow, or to live in peace and harmony, while many of its citizens remain marginalised, hungry and excluded.”

Applications for the R350 SASSA Social relief of distress grants are now open. For information please visit https://www.gov.za/coronavirus/socialgrants

What you should do

1. Apply for social relief of distress at your nearest South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office.
2. Submit your application with the following documents:
   • your 13-digit bar-coded identity document and your children’s birth certificates. 
   • if your identity document and/or a birth certificate are not available:
     • an affidavit commissioned by a Justice of the Peace. The affidavit must contain a clause which indicates that provision of incorrect or inaccurate information will result in prosecution in terms of Section 21 of the Social Assistance Act, 2004. 
     • a sworn statement by a reputable person who knows the applicant and the child. This may be from a councillor, traditional leader, social worker or minister of religion. 
     • proof that an application for a birth certificate or identity document has been lodged with the Department of Home Affairs. 
     • where applicable, a temporary identity document issued by the Department of Home Affairs. 
     • a baptismal certificate. 
     • a road to health clinic card. 
     • a school report.
   • please note: No application can be processed without the sworn statement/affidavit.
3. If you do not have an identity document and birth certificates, an affidavit from your local police station, chief, councillor or religious leader may be enough proof.
4. Show proof that you:
   • have applied for a grant 
   • have had an emergency (e.g. provide a police report that your house burnt down)
   • have tried to get maintenance 
   • have no other support 
   • are married, divorced, or single 
   • have no income 
   • have a short-term medical disability.
     

How long does it take

• Your application will be processed immediately.
• Once your application is submitted, it will be assessed for credibility and your genuine need for the service. 
• Even if you do not have all the documents, you will get your first month’s food parcel, voucher or cash. 
• Remember to take all the documents to the officer before the second month’s payment is due. If you do not, you may not get your second and third month’s food parcel, voucher or cash. 
• If there is no change in your circumstances after you have received the grant for three months, you may apply to have the grant extended for another three months. 
  

How much does it cost

The service is free.