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23 January 2009

The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) announced by the Minister of Social Development, Dr Zola Skweyiya, recently, is open to all citizens who qualify, regardless of their political affiliation.

This follows reports that in some areas, including the Eastern Cape, members of the public have been misled to believe that they must belong to certain political parties to obtain the SRD.

"We will take serious action without any delay against employees of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) or Social Development Department who are found to be misleading the public about the criteria for obtaining the assistance," Minister Skweyiya said.

Background

In November 2008 Minister Skweyiya announced the allocation of a further R500 million to the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and provincial departments of Social Development to provide relief to households or individuals facing hardship.

In order to qualify for Social Relief of Distress, the applicant must comply with one or more of the following conditions:

* the applicant is awaiting permanent aid
* the applicant has been found medically unfit to undertake remunerative work for a period of less than six months
* the breadwinner is deceased and insufficient means are available
* the applicant has been affected by a disaster, and the specific area has not yet been declared a disaster area; and the applicant has appealed against the suspension of his or her grant
* the person is not a member of a household that is already receiving social assistance
* the person is not receiving assistance from any other organisation.

Social Relief of Distress is issued monthly or for any other period for a maximum period of three months. Extension of the period by a further three months may be granted in exceptional cases.

Enquiries:
Zanele Mngadi
Cell: 082 330 1148

Issued by: Department of Social Development
23 January 2009
Source: Sapa