SASSA SRD grant applications hit a shocking surge: Why?

SASSA SRD grant applications hit a shocking surge, according to IOL.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has taken a significant step by implementing biometrics technology to verify applicants for the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant. This move comes in response to a dramatic increase in applications, 17 million as of September. While SASSA acknowledges the spike, they remain cautious, noting that many applicants may not meet the necessary criteria.

Originally introduced as a R350 support mechanism during the COVID-19 pandemic, the SRD grant now provides R370 monthly to assist approximately 10 million unemployed individuals in South Africa. This grant is crucial for those unable to provide basic necessities for their families.

Who qualifies for the SRD grant?

To be eligible for the SRD grant, applicants must meet specific criteria:

Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or registered refugee.

Reside in South Africa.

Be between 18 to 60 years old.

Be unemployed and not receive any other social grants, UIF payments, or NSFAS funding.

Have an income below a set threshold defined by SASSA.

SASSA: Enhanced verification to combat fraud

SASSA spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi emphasised that the verification process is rigorous. “The final count will be lower since not everyone will qualify due to not meeting the criteria,” he stated in an interview with Newzroom Afrika. SASSA has identified attempts by fraudsters to exploit the system using stolen identities, leading them to report these cases to the South African Police Services.

To improve security, SASSA has revamped its system. Previously, grant recipients could change their bank details and phone numbers without stringent checks. Now, they must use facial biometrics linked to Home Affairs for identity verification. “Fraudsters have identified a gap and go into the system to change phone numbers to theirs,” Letsatsi explained. This ensures that funds are deposited into the correct accounts, directly benefiting eligible recipients.

Analysing the applications by Province

Of the staggering 17.2 million applications, KwaZulu-Natal leads with 4.4 million applications, followed by Gauteng with 3.2 million and Limpopo with 2.3 million. Letsatsi described the surge in applications from certain provinces as suspicious but refrained from jumping to conclusions, stating, “Our processes are very clear; they will definitely be able to identify these situations.”

SASSA takes fraud seriously. “When we pick up this information. We pass it to the law enforcement agencies we work very closely with,” Letsatsi warned. This collaboration aims to track and apprehend individuals attempting to defraud the system, ensuring that assistance reaches those who genuinely need it.

Current unemployment trends in South Africa

As of August 2024, Statistics South Africa reported an official unemployment rate of 33.5% in the second quarter of 2024. The Quarterly Labour Force Survey revealed a decrease of 92,000 employed individuals. Bringing the total to 16.7 million, while the number of unemployed rose by 158,000 to 8.4 million.

Stay tuned with The South African as SASSA SRD grant applications hit a shocking surge.

Let us know your thoughts by clicking on the comment tab below this article. Or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook.