srd.sassa.gov.za Asylum Seekers & Special Permit Holders Covid-19 Grant FAQs

Organisation : SASSA South African Social Security Agency
Facility Name : Special Covid-19 SRD Grant FAQs
Applicable For : Asylum Seekers & Special Permit Holders
Website : https://srd.sassa.gov.za/

FAQ On SRD SASSA Special Covid-19 Grant

Asylum Seekers and Special Permit Holders who are registered on the Home Affairs database and whose Section 22 Permits are valid, or were valid on 15 March 2020 can now apply for the Special Covid-19 SRD R350 grant.

Related / Similar Facility :
SRD SASSA Reconsideration Online Application

1. My asylum permit/visa has expired, can I still apply for the Covid-19 SRD grant?
Yes, as long as your asylum seeker documentation was valid on 15 March 2020 (the date that the National State of Disaster was declared) you are eligible to apply for the Covid-19 SRD grant.

Also note that any asylum seeker or refugee documentation that expired from 15 March 2020, has been deemed extended by the Minister of Home Affairs until 31 October 2020.

2. I don’t have my original asylum seeker document/ special permit. I have a copy only. Can I still receive the Covid-19 SRD grant?
Yes, all the applications will be verified by the Department of Home Affairs, as long as you are registered on the Department of Home Affairs’ system, you are eligible to apply for the grant.

3. I have changed my address, and it is not the same as the address on my asylum document. Which address must I use?
Please use your current address.

4. I do not have a bank account, can I still apply for the Covid-19 SRD grant?
Yes. You do not need a bank account in order to receive the grant, it can be sent to your nearest post office in a Postbank account.

5. What documents will I need in order to collect my grant money from the Post Office?
You will need your asylum seeker document, or your passport with your special permit in it.

6. How do I apply for the Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress grant?
You can apply by using, Whatsapp – 082 0468 553, or online at https://srd.sassa.gov.za/

7. I have an asylum seeker document, how long can I receive the grant for?
You only have to apply once for the grant.

The judgment handed down by the High Court in Pretoria on 18 June 2020, indicates that eligible asylum seekers and special permit holders will be entitled to payment of the grant, as if their grant had been approved on the date of the Court Order.

This means that eligible individuals on asylum seeker documentation or holders of a special permit, who apply in June, July or August will receive the grant from June 2020.

Each month SASSA will validated whether you still qualify. If you still qualify you will receive the grant for that month. These grants are currently only valid till October 2020.

8. Do I need my own cell phone number in order to apply for the Covid-19 SRD grant?
You may apply from someone else’s cell phone, however SASSA prefers that you provide your own cell phone number where possible as SASSA will send you SMS to that number to indicate whether you qualify and where your grant will be paid.

Your cell phone must be registered in your own name if you would like to make use of a cash send option from the banks.

Similarly your bank account must be registered in your own name if you want SASSA to pay money into your account. If you do not have a cell phone or bank account that is registered to your name, SASSA will open an account for you with Post Bank.

9. After making the application, when will I know whether I will receive the grant?
Once the application has been validated, SASSA will send you a SMS message with the outcome of your application.

10. If my application for the grant is declined, can I appeal this decision?
Yes, you would need to send an email to: covid19srdappeals [AT] sassa.gov.za

11. I do not understand the questions on the application, who should I contact?
You can contact the SASSA call centre on: 0800 60 10 11 who will be able to assist you with your application process.

12. I am an asylum seeker. My husband and I are on the same file, can we both apply for the grant?
Yes, you can both apply. You will however each have to apply separately. If you have any difficulties, contact the SASSA Call Centre on 0800 60 10 11

13. My children are documented in my asylum file, can they apply on their own for the grant?
The Covid-19 SRD grant is only available to persons who are older than 18 years. If your children are documented in your asylum file, but are over the age of 18 years, they are eligible to apply and should do so on their own application.

14. Where can I find all the information which I must provide on my application?
Please refer to the picture below which will provide you with assistance as to where to find all the information on your document.

15. Which reference number / ID number do I use for the application if I am an Asylum Seeker?
Asylum seekers must use the File Number as it appears on their ASYLUM SEEKER TEMPORARY PERMIT document. Note that other mandatory information is also required during application, but the File Number is used to uniquely identify each applicant.

16. What documents will I need to apply for the Covid-19 SRD grant?
You can apply with either your asylum document, or your special permit (Zimbabwean, Lesotho or Angolan).

17. What other information must Asylum Seekers provide?
** File Number
** Name (Full Names and Surname)
** Date of Birth
** Gender
** Permit Expiry Date

18. Which reference number / ID number do I use for the application if I am a Permit Holder?
Special Permit Holders must provide both the Reference Number and Passport Number as it appears on their permit. Note that other mandatory information is also required during application, but the Reference Number and Passport Number combination is used to uniquely identify each applicant.

19. What other information must Special Permit Holders provide?
** Reference and Passport Number
** Control No
** Name (Full Names and Surname)
** Date of Birth
** Gender
** Visa/Permit Expiry Date

General FAQ On Special Covid R350 Grant

General Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) On Special Covid R350 Grant

Q: What is the Special Covid R350 Grant?
A: The Special Covid R350 Grant is a temporary social relief grant introduced by the South African government in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. It was initially implemented in 2020 as an emergency measure to provide financial assistance to individuals who were financially impacted by the pandemic.

Q: How do I apply for the Special Covid R350 Grant?
A: Applicants can apply online through the designated online portal or via other designated channels such as the SASSA call center or local SASSA offices. It’s important to follow the official instructions and provide accurate information during the application process.

Q: How can I contact SASSA for more information about the Special Covid R350 Grant?
A: You can contact SASSA for more information about the Special Covid R350 Grant through their official call center or by visiting your local SASSA office. You can also check the SASSA website or official social media channels for updates and announcements related to the grant.

Additional Simplified Procedure

Here are the steps on how to apply for the SRD SASSA Special Covid-19 Grant online:
1. Go to the SASSA website.
2. Click on the “Apply for a grant” tab.
3. Select the “Social relief of distress (R350)” grant.
4. Create an account and log in.
5. Fill in the application form.
6. Provide your banking details.
7. Submit your application.

Here are the required documents for the online application:
** Your South African ID number
** Your cellphone number
** Your bank account number
** Your proof of residence

You can also apply for the SRD SASSA Special Covid-19 Grant by SMS, WhatsApp, or post.

Here are the SMS and WhatsApp numbers:
** SMS: 0600 123 456
** WhatsApp: 082 046 8498

Here is the postal address:
South African Social Security Agency
PO Box 1004
Pretoria
0001

Here are some additional things to keep in mind when applying for the SRD SASSA Special Covid-19 Grant:
** You must be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
** You must be between the ages of 18 and 60 years.
** Your household income must be below a certain threshold.
** You must not be receiving any other social grants.