The process for applying for Social Relief of Distress is the same as for all other grants.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO APPLY FOR RELIEF?

You will need the following documents to apply for relief:

• A valid bar-coded South African identity document or any other alternative proof of identity of the applicant, spouse or their children
• Proof of minimal resources (in other words, that you are in a crisis situation)
• Proof of marital status
• Proof of admission of spouse to prison, treatment centre or hospital or proof that you are awaiting trial
• Discharge certificate of prison, treatment centre or hospital
• Proof of temporary medical disability
• Proof from the magistrate’s court that you are not receiving any maintenance
• Proof of insufficient means by way of a declaration
• Any other alternative proof may be accepted (See Model letter: Application for Social Relief of Distress Grant)

WHAT IS THE VALUE OF THE SOCIAL RELIEF OF DISTRESS GRANT

The value of the Social Relief of Distress Grant must be equal to, in the case of:

• A single person: an amount not more than the maximum amount payable per month in respect of an older person’s grant
• A married person: where both spouses live together, an amount not more than the amount payable per month for each adult
• A child: an amount not more than the maximum of the type of child support grant applied for

If you are not eligible for a grant, the amount would be at the discretion of SASSA but it should not be less than the amount of the Child Support Grant.

HOW IS THE SOCIAL RELIEF OF DISTRESS GRANT PAID OUT?

When your application is approved, you will be issued with a voucher or a food parcel.

It will take less than 30 working days for your application to be processed and checked and either approved or refused. If it is refused you will get a letter explaining why it has been refused and how you can appeal.

TRANSPORT RELIEF – There is also a special form of relief for transport money. This relief is given once only and must be recommended by the social worker for people who:

• Have been told by their doctor or clinic that they need special medical treatment, but they cannot afford the transport to get to the place where they will be treated
• Have been promised a job but do not have enough money to pay for transport to reach the place of employment

What do you need in order to apply for relief?

• A document from the doctor that explains the treatment needed and where it is available
• A letter from a prospective employer confirming date and place of employment to substantiate the application