Over 325 000 people who applied during the first cycle are yet to claim their R350 SRD grant.
Photo: Supplied
Over 325 000 people who applied during the first cycle are yet to claim their R350 SRD grant.
Photo: Supplied
SASSA has moved to warn social grant recipients of a ‘fake news’ post doing the rounds this week, leading some people to believe that the R350 grant will increase ten-fold. The dubious message has spread like wildfire across WhatsApp and several other messaging platforms, as authorities race to prevent citizens from falling victim to a scam.
Is the R350 grant increasing in value? Nope…
The false and malicious communication implores social grant beneficiaries to ‘apply for a COVID-19 grant’ worth R3 500, over the next six months. No such plans have been announced by the government, and indeed, the R350 grant comes to a halt at the end of April. SASSA’s purse strings remain tight, and an increase of this size would be impossible to fund.
Over six million people have already claimed the SRD payment over the past 12 months, but at no point has it ever been called a ‘survival grant’, as labelled in the false post. SASSA posted the following warning to its social media channels, in the hope that it will help inform the public and prevent individuals from passing these messages on elsewhere.
The communication sends users a link, and asks for them to submit personal details to claim their ‘increased fees’. However, this is wholeheartedly a scam, and only serves to defraud those who engage with it.
Scam alert: The fake SASSA message you need to avoid
kindly note that the below message is fake and does NOT come from SASSA or government. Please ignore it @The_DSD @nda_rsa @PostofficeSa @GovernmentZA @GCISMedia pic.twitter.com/rPqqPZNtEF
— SASSA (@OfficialSASSA) March 3, 2021
Applying for the R350 grant
SASSA also moved to remind their clients that the R350 grant can only be claimed online. Reports that you can complete this application in-person are also fraudulent. Staff will, however, help advise you on the electronic process.
“Applications for the special COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress grant are only electronic. DO NOT VISIT SASSA OFFICES TO APPLY FOR THIS GRANT. If you need assistance to apply, SASSA staff and appointed volunteers can assist. The Special COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress amount is R350 per month, from the date it is approved.”
SASSA on their R350 grant
