SASSA is considering a new database for rejected COVID-19 relief grant applicants

As people face financial difficulties due to the current pandemic, for many the COVID-19 relief grant offered a glimmer of hope. A small light at the end of the tunnel.

However, there have been certain issues in people receiving relief. Such is the issue, that the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is relooking at declined COVID-19 grant applications. This is to establish why certain individuals were rejected.

In early June close to 50% of processed applications did not qualify in terms of the criteria. Over 70% of those that did not qualify, were either receiving or qualified for UIF benefits according to the database that SASSA was using to sift through the applications.

Subsequently, SASSA took a decision to request an updated database to reconsider the declined UIF cases.

Out of this reconsideration process, it has come to light that 85% of the UIF cases which were previously deemed not to be qualifying, do qualify.

These individuals have now been approved and are being made aware of this development. Everyone affected will receive an SMS requesting them to provide their banking details.

According to SASSA, it is imperative to respond to the SMS as soon as possible. They must then follow the link provided. Furthermore, approved applicants are reminded the link cannot be shared with others. This is due to the link being linked to a specific ID number for security reasons.

SASSA added that out of the 3.2 million people who applied for the grant, 2.5 million people have been paid.

“Updating the UIF database has brought such a relief to us and the affected beneficiaries, the numbers will rise daily until we have paid all deserving individuals who were previously declined”, said Totsie Memela, SASSA CEO.

She added that SASSA is working with the Department of Social Development to finalise the modalities of the appeals process for applicants who still feel that their applications were rejected unfairly.

The appeals function will be added to the www.srd.sassa.gov.za website as soon as the relevant framework has been approved.