Latest news with #COVID-19SocialReliefofDistress
The South African
10 hours ago
- Business
- The South African
Back to drawing board for 2026 revised SASSA SRD grant
Parliament sent back the revised SASSA SRD grant to the Department of Social Development this week. It's touted to become a Basic Income Grant for the unemployed in 2026. However, the working group wants to see urgent changes before it is approved. As such, a draft policy for the revised SASSA SRD grant was initiated with the committee for Social Protection, Community and Human Development back in November 2024. However, the committee sent it back to the DSD on Wednesday this week, citing 'affordability and economic opportunities for beneficiaries.' The none-permanent COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress grant has been extended every year since 2020. Image: File Before the new-look stipend is approved, it must survive various engagements. Like with the Office of the Presidency, National Treasury and Department of Employment and Labour. The South African Social Security Agency believes this will be concluded within a few months. From there a draft will be published for public comment. Policymakers from the DSD were told to 'better integrate pathways from income support to employment.' Currently, the grant pays out R370 each month to roughly 9-million beneficiaries living below the poverty line. However, the committee wants to see it become better 'aligned with broader economic objectives,' like jobs … South Africa's unemployment rate has only been increasing in the last decade, forcing many to exist in the informal sector. Image: File Essentially, the 2026 Basic Income Grant will be for those without jobs, but not to the point of creating long-term dependency on the grant. Therefore, the DSD and SASSA have to improve their data systems and align government programmes to make it work efficiently. Government is concerned that if and when they make the grant permanent, it must be budgeted for every year to remain viable (unlike the current R370 SRD which isn't permanent). While the department sets to work 'tightening' the revised SASSA SRD grant, it has requested that the National Treasury extend SRD for two more years. However, the Treasury has only approved the continuation of the current SRD grant until March 2026. There's simply not enough taxpayer money to ensure everyone who applies for a SASSA grant will be approved for one. Image: File In response to yet another delay to the revised SASSA SRD grant, many MPs were scathing of the DSD's work. The EFF's Noluvuyo Tafeni noted the policy has been in development for over two decades and was still not ready. Likewise, the DA's Alexandra Abrahams questioned whether the revised SASSA SRD grant policy would ever see the light of day. Finally, the MK's Nhlanhla Gcwabaza argued that SASSA should work to help people exit the grant system, not make them dependent on it … Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
5 days ago
- Business
- The South African
SASSA grant payment dates June 2025: Why June is different
SASSA has announced the grant payment dates for June 2025. However, there are some changes that could affect when some people get their grants. SASSA has provided updates about delays that may impact payments. This includes a new process for checking eligibility and a biometric system for COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) applicants. In May, SASSA reported that over 200,000 grant payments might be delayed because some recipients have undisclosed income. SASSA is investigating these cases to see if the individuals still qualify for support. This process began before June, and its effects will continue this month. If you are a beneficiary who needs to verify your income, you may not receive your grants on the usual date. This will depend on the results of the review. Starting in June 2025, all new applicants for the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant must complete biometric verification as part of their application. SASSA emphasised that they made this change to help reduce fraud and ensure that grants go to those who really need them. This new step may slow down how quickly new SRD grants are processed and approved. Applicants are urged to always have their smart ID card ready and complete the process online on the official SASSA website. The dates for June 2025 are as follows: Older Persons Grant – Wednesday, 4 June 2025 Disability Grant – Thursday, 5 June 2025 Children's Grants and others – Friday, 6 June 2025 SASSA urges beneficiaries to remember that they do not need to rush to withdraw their funds on the payment day. Once the money is paid, it will stay in their account until they decide to take it out. SASSA also reminds beneficiaries to check their grant status online, keep their bank and personal information up to date, and respond quickly to verification requests. If you have not received your payment, contact SASSA directly or visit the nearest office for help. As June approaches with new systems and income verification reviews, it is crucial for beneficiaries to stay updated. Remember, payment schedules can change, especially when new security measures are introduced. Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
