– The first payments of the temporary R350-per-month unemployment will be made by 15 May, government confirmed.
– Applications will initially be received via WhatsApp and email, but field workers will also help those without access to technology.
– There will be no backpay for late applicants.
Government has confirmed details for the R350-per-month Covid-19 grant applications due to be paid to millions of unemployed people. The first payments are expected on 15 May, and will end in October.
The temporary Covid-19 grant is for the unemployed over the age of 18, who are receiving no other form of government assistance, including from the Unemployment Insurance Fund and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. They also can’t live in a government funded or subsidised institution. The grant will be available to South African citizens, permanent residents or refugees registered with Home Affairs. They have to live in South Africa.
Importantly, payments will only be made from the date of approval up to the end of October 2020. “So if applicants apply in June their payments will be from June and there will be no backpay,” minister of social development Lindiwe Zulu told a media briefing on Wednesday.
Also, she stressed that those who apply for the grants consent that the SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) will cross-check their ID, residency, sources of income, welfare benefits with government departments and financial institution. “False applications will give rise to possible prosecution,” she warned.
Applicants will be able to apply via WhatsApp or email, as soon as government regulations about the grants are gazetted.
They must then WhatsApp 060 012 3456 or email SRD@sassa.gov.za. (Applications are not yet accepted.)
Applicants will be required to supply the following:
- ID number
- Name and surname (as specified in ID)
- Gender
- Any disabilities
- Contact details
- Proof of residence
- Banking account and bank name
Other channels including SMS, self-help desks and an online application process are still being finalised, Zulu said.
Zulu said that the final application system – which will include these additional channels – still needs to be finalised, but that government is struggling with establishing a credible system that is not too expensive. The cost of some of the current proposals are “unbelievable”, she added.
The WhatsApp system is already functional, and was tested over the past weekend.
“For people with no access to technology, volunteers will be trained to assist applicants who cannot use technology and will be provided with gadgets to capture details on behalf of applicants,” she added.
Notification of the outcome for a grant application will be sent via the same channel that the application was filed.
Currently, payments will be only made via bank accounts, which Zulu says was the subject of great debate – given that many unemployed people may be unbanked. She says government is still working on a plan to reach those without accounts.
Summary of social development:
Social grant payments will not be delayed as they are critical to poor people, said Minister Lindiwe Zulu. The department has access to a budget of R43 million to provide food parcels for vulnerable people and the grants will be increased as announced.
The payment of grants will be staggered to prevent large numbers at pay-points and psycho-social support provided for those who survive coronavirus and abuse.
The minister highlighted the increase of gender-based violence during the lockdown.
Older person grants will be paid on the 3rd on the month and there are conditions in applying for the special Covid distress grant: Applicants must provide proof of identity, address, and have a bank account.
Zulu said that the department was working to reach thee unbanked.