The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has warned beneficiaries against disclosing their personal information online. This comes after a social media post doing the rounds is calling on vulnerable people to submit application forms for ‘Sassa food parcels’.
Sassa has confirmed this social media post is false and not from the agency. This post may be designed to get vulnerable individuals to disclose their personal information.
Please note that the information below is false and does NOT come from SASSA
This practice is known as phishing. Phishing refers to a technique for attempting to acquire sensitive data, such as bank account numbers, ID numbers and other personal information, through a fraudulent solicitation in email or on a website, in which the perpetrator masquerades as a legitimate business, in this case, Sassa or a reputable person.
Sassa Offers Social Relief Of Distress
Social Relief of Distress (SRD) from Sassa is a temporary aid for individuals who are in extreme need and cannot support their families basic necessities.
Eligibility Criteria
SRD is available to those who are awaiting approval for children's grants. It is also offered to individuals whose family has recently experienced a crisis or disaster, such as a house fire, causing significant hardship.
The support is also offered to individuals who do not qualify for other available grants despite their urgent need for assistance.
Individuals who due to recent medical issues, are temporarily unable to work for less than six months or are unable to obtain maintenance from the other parent of their children can also apply.
In cases where the family's primary provider has passed away or is imprisoned for less than six months qualify for SRD.
How Social Relief of Distress Works
SRD can come in the form of food parcels, vouchers to buy food and in some provinces, cash payments
This assistance typically lasts up to three months but may be extended for an additional three months if needed.
How to Apply
To apply for SRD, visit your nearest Sassa office you'll need to provide:
- Your 13-digit bar-coded ID and your children's birth certificates.
- If you lack these documents, provide:
- An affidavit commissioned by a Justice of the Peace, including a clause against false information (as per the Social Assistance Act, 2004).
- A sworn statement from a reputable person (e.g., councillor, traditional leader, social worker, or minister of religion).
- Proof of application for an ID or birth certificate from the Department of Home Affairs.
- Other acceptable documents include a temporary ID, baptismal certificate, clinic card, or school report.
SRD Application Processing
- Your application will be processed immediately upon submission.
- It will be assessed for credibility and genuine need.
- If documentation is incomplete, you will still receive assistance for the first month.
- Ensure all documents are provided before the second month's payment is due to continue receiving aid.
- If your situation remains unchanged after three months, you can apply for a three-month extension.
It is free to apply for SRD and application forms are available at Sassa offices, not online.
Not To Be Confused With SRD Grant
The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant is a form of social assistance available to unemployed people living in South Africa. This support is paid in the form of a R370 grant payment to approved SRD grant beneficiaries monthly.
