South Africans in dire need of the Covid-19 restriction, who heard about the new social allowance of R350 per month, are asked not to inquire about it for now.
The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa), the department of the social development department that pays out grants, says on Twitter social media information on how people can apply for the Covid-19 social emergency grant is premature.
You can't apply yet. Allow us to please finalize and test our systems for this new grant. We'll announce the method of application and a clear criteria very soon. What you posted is not accurate because that procedure is for the normal social relief of distress not the new grant https://t.co/s5Q8xywn0D
— SASSA (@OfficialSASSA) April 23, 2020
Sassa is still finalizing its systems to administer this grant, Details on who can apply will be published soon.
Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa announced Tuesday night that the allowance will be paid out for six months.
Sassa says people who want to apply for the usual social emergency allowance can call 0800 60 10 11. The social emergency allowance is usually paid to people waiting for another allowance or UIF payout to be approved or to people who suddenly experience great distress when a breadwinner dies or is sent to prison. The allowance is usually only granted for three months, but sometimes extended for another three months.
