SASSA releases the R350 SRD grant payment dates for February. Image: Supplied
SASSA releases the R350 SRD grant payment dates for February. Image: Supplied
Although the R350 grant has been a financial safety net for millions of South Africans, it seems as if the popular SASSA fund will become a ‘closed shop’ for the foreseeable future.
What’s the problem with the R350 grant?
New applicants have been told they cannot go ahead and secure their R350 grant, because SASSA is currently unable to process the data while in a state of ‘legal limbo’. The agency says that the handout has to be regulated by the Social Assistance Act, and not the expired State of Disaster laws.
Until this transition happens – and R350 grant payments are legally defined by legislation from the Department of Social Development – new applications will be put on hold. Paseka Letsatsi, a spokesperson for SASSA, revealed earlier this week that first-time claimants for April are going to have to try again at a later date.
“The legal framework for the grant has changed, with the ending of the state of disaster. The grant now has to be included under the Social Assistance Act. SASSA is unable to process applications for the R350 relief grant until the work to provide a legal framework for the grant is completed. Announcements will be made in due course.”
“The legal framework has to change. The grant can’t be provided under the Disaster Management Act. SASSA is currently busy with the inclusion of this grant under the Regulations to the Social Assistance Act.”
Paseka Letsatsi
[ON AIR] @OfficialSASSA says it will not be processing new applications for the R350 Covid grant until regulations are amended. Paseka Letsatsi, @OfficialSASSA Spokesperson on #SAfmSunrise with @StephenGrootes #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/8pZmiXyYGT
— SAfmRadio ???? (@SAfmRadio) April 20, 2022
SASSA latest: New applicants ‘cannot get SRD grant’, but existing customers unaffected
There is good news for claimants already on the SASSA system, though: They are completely unaffected by this legal confusion. If a R350 grant beneficiary chooses to collect their payment from a South African Post Office (SAPO) branch in April, the last three digits of their ID number determine the date of collection.
- 21 April – 084 & 089
- 22 April – 080 & 085
- 25 April – 081 & 086
- 26 April – 082 & 087
- 27 April – No payment
- 28 April – 083 & 088
- 29 April – 084 & 089
