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
