The Department of Social Development has recently announced that those in need would have to reapply for the R350 Social relief of distress (SRD) grant. This comes as the government starts to move away from the national state of disaster framework.
All applicants will need to apply online, even if they have been approved for the grant before. There are various online platforms where potential beneficiaries can apply – here are all the ways to apply for the R350 SRD grant.
R350 SRD grant no longer falls under the Disaster Management Act
The R350 grant was first introduced under the Disaster Management Act as a means to aid people who did not have any income due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, since the national state of disaster was lifted in April, the grant will now fall under the Social Assistance Act.
“Given that the Covid-19 SRD will now be provided for under a new legislative framework, and that additional qualifying and assessment criteria will be added, those in need of assistance will have to apply for the Covid-19 SRD or reapply if they were previously in receipt of this grant,” the Department of Social Development said.
During the 2022 State of the Nation Address (SONA) in February, President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that the R350 grant will be extended until March 2023, as more than 10 million depend on the grant money.
Applicants will only be considered for the month that they apply for
The department further reminded all applicants that they will only be considered for the R350 SRD grant from the month the application is made. This will then be validated every month.
“This means that all applications lodged in April will be considered as from April 2022.”
Click here for everything you need to know about applying for the R350 SRD grant.