Here’s why some SASSA applicants may not qualify for R350 grant

The SASSA R350 Social Relief Grant reapplication process may result in millions of people losing their only source of income. Any applicant who receives R350 or more in financial assistance from their family will be ineligible for the grant.

With over 13.4 million people in the country without a job and 18.3 million living in poverty, SASSA claims it is attempting to ensure that only the most vulnerable people receive the cash.

The Department of Social Development met with Parliament to discuss measures to narrow the eligibility conditions, claiming that only 10.5 million applications for the award had been budgeted.

In an effort to “cut down” on bogus claims, the new proposal mandates that anyone receiving more than R350 in monthly financial support from family will no longer be eligible.

Previously, any sum from family over R590 was considered sufficient, implying that people did not require government assistance.

Lindiwe Zulu, the Minister of Social Development, presented a formal submission to Parliament to tighten up on who gets public monies.

“The duty is to preserve these funds and aspects of the regulations has to be strengthened in fraud protection and ensuring they go to those who they are intended for. The department will thus be providing the R350 grant to fewer people this time around.”

People who rely on these handouts, on the other hand, claim this is merely another ruse by the government to postpone grant payments even longer.

The previous Covid-19 relief grants ran out in March, however they were extended until March 2023.

However, starting of April 5, the money that was previously provided under the Disaster Management Act budget was transferred to Section 32 of the Social Assistance Act.

Since the announcement of reapplications in April, the majority of applicants have not been paid since March.