WhatsApp applications OPEN for Covid-19 grant – here is number
Heavy traffic on the agency’s website has slowed down the process of the grant applications. You can now apply via Whatsapp.
A WhatsApp line is up and running for people to register for the R350 Covid-19 grant.
HERE ARE THE WAYS YOU CAN APPLY:
Sassa spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi said heavy traffic on the agency’s website has slowed down the process of the grant applications.
He said when the system was opened last week, within a minute, they had 2,000 applications.
“We did take it through a stress process just to check if it can work. We got a positive observation, however, as the number increased the system became slower. The good thing is that in the meantime we can introduce this option… we are going to do better.”
“This morning (Monday), I got the good news that the WhatsApp line is up and running.”
The first payments are expected in the last week of August.
Not sure if you are eligible for the grant?
The eligibility criteria for the Covid-19 grant:
A Social Relief of Distress Grant of R350 per month as indicated in the Directions is payable for the period indicated therein to a person who is —
- a South African Citizen, Permanent Resident or Refugee registered on the Home Affairs database and persons who are holders of special permits under the Special Angolan Dispensation, the Lesotho Exemption Permit dispensation and the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit Dispensation, and asylum seekers whose section 22 permits or visas are valid or were valid on 15 March 2020;
- Currently residing within the borders of the Republic of South Africa;
- above the age of 18 and below the age of 60;
- unemployed;
- not receiving any social grant in respect of himself or herself;
- not receiving an unemployment insurance benefit and does not qualify to receive an unemployment insurance benefit;
- not receiving a stipend from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme and other financial aid;
- not receiving any other government COVID-19 response support; and
- not a resident in a government funded or subsidised institution.
All applications are done electronic/digitally and any of the following frontline application channels may be used;
- Firstly, through the website at https://srd.sassa.gov.za;
- Through our WhatsApp line on 082 046 8553; or
- The USSD line *134*7737#
“Please note that an application should be submitted through only one of the above channels – it is not necessary to submit multiple applications. Confirmation will be received as soon as the application has been successfully submitted.”
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