HOW to avoid SASSA Social Relief of Distress Grant exclusions in May 2024

SASSA Social Relief of Distress Grant exclusions are the most prevalent complaint to the South African Social Security Agency. This is according to Democratic Alliance shadow minister Bridget Masango, who said this following extensive oversight inspections of SASSA offices last week.

Last month – April 2024 – the SRD grant was increased by R20 to R370 for the first time since its inception during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, because of budget constraints and ever-tightening economy, SASSA Social Relief of Distress Grant exclusions are on the rise, too …

SOCIAL RELIEF OF DISTRESS GRANT EXCLUSIONS

Applications for SASSA SRD in May 2024 can be done exclusively online. Image: File

This follows the Department of Social Development’s (DSD’s) gazetted amendments for stricter procedures in reclaiming ill-got funds. Every month the South African government spends more than R22-billion on social grants, which equates to 17% of the country’s tax revenue. To qualify for Social Relief of Distress, you must earn less the R634 per month.

The rationale by government was to support those with zero financial means who live below the Food Poverty Line of R760 per month. If this is you and you need financial support, visit the SASSA SRD website HERE. Then follow the prompts and input the necessary info via your cellphone number.

HOW TO APPLY FOR SASSA SRD IN 2024

Social Relief of Distress Grant exclusions are only increasing as more than double the amount of recipients apply every month. Image: File

Alternatively, you can dial *134*7737#. Answer a series of questions via text on your phone and confirm your citizenship status and address. If any of these factors change, it’s important you keep the agency up to date. Failing to do so could lead to Social Relief of Distress Grant exclusions. Click HERE to change your SASSA status.

The agency says it is essential that you check back each month to see you qualify for the Social Relief of Distress Grant. This can be done at the link HERE. There are essentially seven main statuses that dictate Social Relief of Distress Grant exclusions. Here’s quick reminder of their meaning:

MONTHLY STATUS CHECK

The agency wants you to check and confirm your SRD status every month. Image: File

• COMPLETE: This means SASSA has received your application. But it has not yet been approved.
• PENDING: SASSA is in the process of verifying your application. No further action is needed by you.
• APPROVED: Congrats, SASSA has approved your grant application. The agency will also share with you when the next payment is due.
• BANK DETAILS PENDING: Update this urgently if SASSA does not have banking details for you. Submit banking details HERE.
• REAPPLICATION PENDING: The agency has not yet received a reapplication for your R370 Social Relief of Distress Grant. Resubmit urgently HERE.
• DECLINED: You did not meet all the criteria and the agency has declined your application. A reason will be given to you in writing. If you disagree, lodge an appeal with the DSD HERE (within 90 days).
• REFERRED: This means you’re deemed to be acting fraudulently. This can either be due to your wrongdoing or a third-party tampering with your account. Email: [email protected] to rectify within 90 days.

MAY 2024 PAYMENT DATES

Check below for the next SRD payment period. Image: File

• SASSA SRD May 2024: From Saturday 25 May to Thursday 30 May 2024.

*The agency warns that SRD grant payouts may take between 2-3 working days to reflect in you bank account.

The South African Social Security agency currently pays out 10-million SRD grants per month. It’s understood that is only half of the total applications it receives each month (from roughly 16-million people).

OTHER REASONS FOR SRD EXCLUSION

You may not receive more than one SASSA social grant at a time. Image: File

Due to budget constraints, the agency is clamping down on Social Relief of Distress Grant exclusions to better police irregular payments. Therefore you will also lose your SRD R370 if:

• Grants have not been collected for three consecutive months.
• The recipient starts to receive another social grant through the agency.
• If the beneficiary passes away.
• Should you fail to cooperate with the agency.
• If you misrepresent your means in the SASSA application and have therefore committed fraud.

NEXT READ: UPDATED info: May 2024 SASSA Older Persons grants

Are you battling with SASSA Social Relief of Distress Grant exclusions in May 2024? Be sure to share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below. And don’t forget to follow us @TheSANews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest updates.

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