The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has rejected claims circulating on social media that it has changed the Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant to allow wider access for foreign nationals.
Sassa spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi said the information spreading online was false and misleading.
He warned that the claims were causing confusion among grant beneficiaries and the public.
No policy changes to SRD grant
Letsatsi said Sassa had not amended any policies or regulations linked to the Covid-19 SRD grant.
“Sassa wishes to categorically state that no policies or regulations have been amended regarding the Covid-19 SRD,” he said.
He added that claims suggesting asylum seekers and special permit holders were newly accessing taxpayers’ money were incorrect.
According to Sassa, only National Treasury and the Department of Social Development have the authority to change social assistance policy.
Letsatsi said neither institution announced any amendments during the most recent budget processes.
“No such amendments were announced by the Minister of Finance during the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement or by the Minister of Social Development, Sisisi Nokuzola Tolashe, during her Budget Vote Speech,” he said.
Public will be informed of any future SRD grant changes
Letsatsi said if government introduced any changes in future, the Minister of Social Development would announce them formally and publish amended regulations.
Sassa said eligibility for the Covid-19 SRD grant remains governed by regulations published in 2022.
The rules allow temporary assistance for people with insufficient means who are South African citizens, permanent residents, refugees, valid asylum seekers, or holders of specific special permits, provided they meet age, residency and income requirements.
As of 1 January, Sassa received 14 135 SRD applications from permanent residents, refugees and special permit holders.
Of these, the agency approved 8 368 applications and paid 2 690 beneficiaries.
Warning against misinformation
Letsatsi urged the public to verify information before sharing it.
“Members of the public need to verify information through official Sassa and government channels before circulation,” he said.
