DA calls for clear timelines on SASSA’s new database for rejected Special Covid-19 R350 grant
1 July 2020
The Minister of Social Development, Lindiwe Zulu, must give clear timelines on when and how the new review process for the special Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress grant of R350 will come into fruition to avoid the confusion that has muddied the payment of these grants thus far. On Tuesday, South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) indicated that another database for rejected applications will be brought on board to review those applications that didn’t meet the relevant criteria.
While the Democratic Alliance (DA) is pleased that this database will give those, who have fallen through the gaps that have not received aid from UIF or SASSA, another opportunity to receive relief funding – we hope that SASSA will get its act together and that this is not more hot air.
Since its inception the special Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress grant has been fraught with problems. Almost three months after the announcement of the grant on 21 April 2020, only one batch of payments have been made.
Questions about the status of applications often go unanswered, and many people that should have qualified for the grant have received no indication whether they will eventually receive payment, or if they have failed in their application and should appeal.