Updated on January 8, 2024
We highly recommend that low to medium-income households in South Africa take the time to review this article. It provides comprehensive information on the updated eligibility criteria for the New R350 Grant. The Treasury has introduced additional criteria to assess eligibility for the R350 grant, and this article delves into the details.
Revised Eligibility Criteria for R350 Grant
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has announced an extension of the SRD Grant until March 2025, allocating R34 billion for continued payments. The Treasury plans to maintain strict eligibility criteria, considering factors like bank account balances during the evaluation process.
If an individual doesn’t meet the requirements for the grant, measures will be taken to prevent them from accessing it. In a move to tackle abuse of the system, the National Treasury has introduced two additional eligibility criteria for the New R350 Grant.
For a more in-depth understanding of the New R350 Eligibility Criteria, it’s essential to read on. This article delves into both the existing and recently introduced eligibility criteria, shedding light on the significance of the R350 grant.
Significance of the R350 Grant
The SASSA Social Relief of Distress Grant (SRD 350) is accessible to both refugees and individuals with asylum seeker permits. This grant, provided by the South African government, is aimed at those currently unemployed. The monthly amount is R350, commencing from the approval date, and it serves as a special COVID-19 social grant designed to offer financial assistance.
Introduced in 2020 to support unemployed individuals during the pandemic, the SRD grant has transformed into a crucial form of assistance for millions of South Africans. Currently, nearly 7 million people receive this monthly award from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).
If you meet the qualifying requirements and require financial assistance, a crucial initial step is to apply for the SRD SASSA grant. Online application can be done through the SASSA mobile application or website.
New R350 Eligibility Criteria Overview
| Article Theme | New R350 Eligibility Criteria |
| Complete Name of the Grant | Social Relief of Distress Grant (SRD 350) |
| Provided By | South Africa |
| Administered By | SASSA |
| Amount | R350 |
| New Eligibility Criteria | Discussed Below |
| Announced By | Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana |
Treasury Introduces Supplementary Criteria for Assessing R350 Eligibility
The National Treasury has revealed the inclusion of two new requirements in the existing SRD grant criteria. These extra criteria for evaluating R350 eligibility have been introduced to ensure that only deserving applicants receive financial assistance.
One of the new criteria involves ensuring that SRD grant candidates do not possess multiple bank accounts. Additionally, individuals with R670 or more in their bank accounts are not eligible for the social relief of distress grant.
The administration is concerned that individuals might exploit the system by having multiple bank accounts, thereby circumventing the established restrictions meant to ensure that only deserving recipients receive the grant.
Existing Criteria for R350 Grant Eligibility
To qualify for the SRD award, applicants must adhere to specific current eligibility criteria. They must be unemployed citizens or permanent residents of South Africa aged between 18 and 59. Additionally, individuals with special permits and permanent residents are also eligible to receive the SRD award.
Grant beneficiaries should not receive any form of support from the South African government or any state-affiliated institution. SRD award recipients are prohibited from being beneficiaries of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) or the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).
Closing Thoughts
To confirm ongoing unemployment status, applicants need to reapply for the award every three months, as highlighted by Modise. This precaution is essential, as eligibility for the SRD Grant is forfeited if an individual’s income surpasses the grant’s designated income level during this period.
Based on actual data, only 5.2 million out of the 11.3 million applicants who met the eligibility criteria after the new requirements were introduced in April were selected. In contrast, when the R350 handouts were initially introduced with less stringent qualifying requirements, a total of 10.5 million people have benefited from them.
We are thrilled to have assisted you by providing the latest update on the New R350 Eligibility Criteria.