How to track SASSA R350 grant

You can now apply for the SRD grant on WhatsApp.
Photo: Supplied

Urgent update on the R350 grant – what recipients need to know

Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu gave an update on the special R350 grant, which is now received by over 7 million people monthly

How to track SASSA R350 grant

You can now apply for the SRD grant on WhatsApp.
Photo: Supplied

Approximately 7.5 million South Africans now receive the R350 COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu has said.

Zulu gave an update on the grant during a media briefing in Pretoria, 10 October 2022.

The minister has apologised to applicants and beneficiaries of the special grant for the challenges they likely faced after the end of the provisions of the National State of Disaster under the Disaster Management Act and the switch over to the regulations of the Social Assistance Act that facilitates the implementation of this benefit.

“We regret the pain and hardships that these challenges occasioned for many of you for whom this intervention is the difference between, on the one hand, hunger and indignity, and on another, leading a dignified life. This is noteworthy at this juncture when the country is on course with the implementation of the economic growth interventions that are designed to immediately lead us into a territory where more jobs can be created and more people can be gainfully employed or self-employed,” Zulu said.

R350 GRANT BENEFICIARIES URGED TO NOT CHANGE BANKING DETAILS

In addition, Lindiwe Zulu has encouraged recipients and applicants of the R350 grant to not change their bank details frequently because every new account must be verified, something the Department of Social Development has been noticing.

“Once your bank details are loaded or updated, please wait for a response from your bank before changing your details. With regards to payments, we are still having challenges with beneficiaries who upload incorrect bank details. We also urge all approved applicants who are not yet paid to check the status of bank verification, and if needs be, correct their banking details,” Zulu said.

The minister stressed that the continuation of the R350 grant was in the interests of the country’s most vulnerable.

“Equally, we note that the vast majority of South Africans prefer to be in employment. Until such time that the economy has sufficiently grown, we cannot helplessly sit by and watch the people lose their dignity. Because the decisions that are relevant to this benefit have profound implications either way. We opt to err on the side of caution where changes are being effected to the COVID-19 SRD framework. This is indeed responsible than being found to have mismanaged public resources,” she said.