Social Relief of Distress is a temporary grant that you can apply for if you need assistance when you're struggling to meet you or your family’s basic needs.
To qualify, you mustn’t be getting money or any other form of help (such as food vouchers or food parcels) from any other organisation, and nor may anyone in your household already be receiving a grant.
You may qualify for the Social Relief of Distress if you comply with 1 or more of the following conditions:
You must be a citizen of South Africa and living in South Africa at the time of applying for the grant and you must be able to prove that your family can’t meet its basic needs.
The amount of the social relief of distress grant isn’t allowed to be more than the maximum adult grant. The amount for each child isn’t allowed to be more than the child support grant. The grant is usually for 3 months only, but in exceptional cases can be extended for another 3 months. Money for transport can also be given to you, if the social worker recommends it, for the following needs:
How can you apply for the Social Relief of Distress grant
You can apply for Social Relief of Distress grant by filling in an application form at your nearest regional offices. You don’t need to pay anything to make the application.
You’ll be interviewed, have your fingerprints taken, and given information on whether you qualify. You’ll also need to show certain documents and provide some information, including:
When you make the application, you can say how you'd like the money to be paid. The money can be paid out in cash on specific days at a Pay Point, or you can get the money paid electronically into your bank account. Remember that normal bank charges can apply to any money going in and out of your bank account. You can decide to change the payment method at any time by filling in a form at a welfare office, but the change will only happen a month later.
How long will it take before you get the grant?
It will take about 30 working days for your application to be processed and checked and either approved or denied. If your application is denied you’ll get a letter explaining why it’s been refused and how you can appeal.
If it’s approved you’ll start receiving payments within 3 months. You can track your application and find out when you can expect payment by calling the toll-free SASSA call centre on 0800 601 011.
Social Relief of Distress is issued monthly for a maximum period of 3 months. An extension of a further 3 months may be granted in exceptional cases.
General enquiries:
Western Cape regional office: 021 469 0200
Toll-free helpline: 0800 601 011 for information on:
Source: www.sassa.gov.za