SASSA R350 Grant Closing Date: Apply Before Time
I sighed in relief after Enoch Godongwana announced the SASSA R350 grant closing date extension till March 2024. Are you an applicant for the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) financial assistance grant, the R350? Then you’re in luck!
There has been so much demand for this lifeline grant since its introduction during South Africa’s COVID-19 lockdown period that SASSA had to alter its application process to ensure it can process more applications quickly and efficiently.
We’ll discuss the SASSA R350 closing date and why potential applicants apply quickly before the deadline.
SASSA R350 Closing Date is Approaching!
As a means of helping millions of affected citizens, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has implemented a range of social grants, with the temporary R350 COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant being the most recent one.
This grant has immensely assisted those who lost their jobs or had their incomes adversely affected by the pandemic. However, the grant’s benefits will only last for a while.
Overall, this blog post will provide all the information and details you need to ensure your application is submitted before the SASSA R350 closing date.
Check Your Eligibility and Apply As Soon As Possible
If you’re an adult South African citizen with no income, not receiving other social grants, and not receiving UIF, you are likely eligible for the R350 SRD grant. The initial phase of applications received millions of submissions from desperate citizens, and new applications are still being processed.
But, the SASSA R350 grant closing date is rapidly approaching. It means that applications need to be submitted as soon as possible. You can submit your application through a variety of channels, including:
- Electronic channels
- The SASSA website.
Eligibility Criteria
Make sure the applicant fulfills all these criteria before applying for the SASSA R350 grant:
- Should be a South African Resident (OR)
- Refugees in South Africa
- Asylum seeker in South Africa (having valid visa section 22 permit/visa)
- Special permit holder in South Africa (under the Special Angolan Dispensation, the Lesotho Exemption Permit Dispensation, or the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit Dispensation)
- The age groups should be (18-60 years old)
- Income must be R624 or less per month
- Must be unemployed or have insufficient means to support themselves
- You should not receive social grants for anyone else
- You should not be eligible for UIF payments
- You must not receive the NSFAS stipend (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)
- You must not refuse to accept employment and educational opportunities.
Meet the Required Document and Verification Requirements
As part of the application process, several documents and verifications will be required to prove your eligibility for the cash grant. As a result, anyone interested in applying must double-check that they have all the required documents and ensure they are legitimate.
The verification process ensures that the grant is disbursed fairly, so ensure you have all the needed documents to avoid delays or rejections.
- Visit the SRD grants website and check your SRD status
- Inquire from the Toll-Free Call Center at 0800601011.
- Send a WhatsApp message to 082 046 8553
Why is it Crucial to Apply before the Closing Date?
The deadline for R350 SRD Grant applications was initially set for April 2023, but it has now been extended to March 2024. Therefore, applicants are required to submit their application forms as soon as possible to avoid getting caught in the last-minute rush.
Also, delays in processing applications can result in late payment of the grant. Applying early ensures your application is processed, and you can receive your disbursements quickly.
What Happens After the Closing Date?
No new applications will be accepted after the SASSA R350 grant closing date, March 2024. All applicants with unapproved or unsuccessful applications will no longer be able to apply for the Grant. So, applicants need to submit their applications before the deadline to take advantage of the opportunity for financial assistance.
According to DSD facts, they had received a budget of R44bn for the SRD Grant to cover 10.5 million individuals in March (2022), and millions still need this social assistance.
Update your information as there are many changes in terms and conditions, like applying online (they can only apply online), administrative challenges, tedious bank verification process, etc.
How a disabled person or an old man/woman can manage to apply without any assistance? Consequently, a decline in the applications and approvals has been witnessed simultaneously.
Conclusion
The SASSA R350 SRD grant has helped millions of vulnerable citizens across South Africa mitigate the financial impact of the pandemic. However, the grant will only last for a while, and all eligible applicants need to submit their applications as soon as possible before the closing date.
It’s crucial to ensure you have all the required documents and meet the verification requirements to avoid delays or rejections. Applying ahead of time also ensures that the application is processed and payments are disbursed on time.
Take advantage of this opportunity for financial freedom – apply for the R350 grant now!