The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) continues to be at the forefront of alleviating poverty in our communities.

SASSA gives hope to the poor through the provision of Social Relief of Distress (SRD).

In issuing SRD, SASSA will apply criterion that seeks to assist people without an income to cater for their immediate needs.

The provision of SRD by SASSA is in terms of the set criteria provided by policies and guidelines, which emphasise the following;

–          Social grant beneficiaries who did not receive their social grant for the month, due to various reasons e.g. failed bank verification

–          Temporary Disability Grants that lapsed in March 2020, and beneficiaries could not re-apply as a result or lockdown.

–          Cases that are approved and waiting for payment.

–          Families facing undue hardship, who will be screened to check their eligibility.

People already in receipt of a social grant do not qualify for SRD. Government is using a multi-pronged approach to reach out to those that are in need of assistance during the lockdown period.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development has been at the forefront in the provision of food parcels through their food bank. SASSA is working together with the Department of Social Development in the provision of food parcels as the needs are received through the referral system and customer hotline centres.

SASSA encourages people who meet the above qualifying criteria, to call SASSA National Call Centre at 0800 60 10 11 or 011 241 8320.

Clients will be screened telephonically to assess if they are eligible and will be provided with the outcome.