SASSA payment WOES: Why the DELAYS in fund distribution?

While the R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has been a lifeline for many unemployed individuals, payment woes grow due to inconsistent patterns.

SASSA beneficiaries, relying on the R350 grant due to joblessness, have taken to social media platforms to voice their dissatisfaction with the inconsistency amid rising day-to-day costs.

ALSO READ: Did you know? You can now apply for your social grant online

What have you had to give up because of high food prices?

"I had to go to bed hungry a few times because I could not afford to buy food. I am unemployed and haven't received my SRD grant for 8 months (some months were skipped from April 2022, and their reason was that I received… pic.twitter.com/nSKUNtSPF0

— Amandla! (@AmandlaMobi) August 14, 2023

Even after their applications were accepted, some recipients expressed frustration over irregular payment schedules, raising concerns about the grant’s effectiveness.

Introduced in 2020 amid the COVID-19 lockdown, the SRD grant sought to ease financial stress for unemployed individuals. However, specific beneficiaries note inconsistent receipt of the grant.

ALSO READ: R350 grant: How to apply and track your application

SASSA PAYMENT WOES, WHY THE DELAYS?

SASSA addressed these concerns by admitting a backlog causing delays in grant payments, impacting beneficiaries.

The scheme highlighted reasons for the delays, disclosing that some R350 grant applicants had pending applications.

EWN reported that the approval process includes thorough verification to confirm eligibility, checking citizenship, and validating UIF registration.

ALSO READ: R350 SRD grant: Reasons why your application may be declined

Verifying bank details is vital, but SASSA stressed a comprehensive assessment before granting approval. After successful verifications, applicant statuses become “approved.”

Delays also stem from application errors. Inaccurate or incomplete bank information caused payment issues. SASSA urged precise account details.

There is no fixed payment date for the special COVID-19 SRD grant. Every month your application will be checked to verify if you still qualify for the grant. You will be paid each month, provided you still qualify for that month.

— SASSA (@OfficialSASSA) August 21, 2023

ALSO READ:Here are the payment dates for September

WHY WAS THE GRANT INTRODUCED?

Reintroduced in April 2020 due to COVID-19’s economic impact, the R350 grant is now in its third phase. It helps jobless South Africans without other income.

Recognizing frustration, SASSA confirmed dedicated efforts to speed verifications. Complex checks may extend processing times.

ALSO READ:How to appeal a rejected R350 grant application

Given the difficulties, SASSA urged patience, assuring commitment to prompt and accurate grant disbursement.

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