Cape Town – The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has denied social media claims that its Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant rules were changed to give foreign nationals broader access.
Sassa emphasised that no amendments have been made and that eligibility still follows the 2022 regulations, which allow temporary assistance to South African citizens, permanent residents, refugees, valid asylum seekers, or holders of certain special permits who meet age, residency, and income criteria.
“This information is incorrect, misleading and may cause unnecessary confusion to social grant beneficiaries and the public at large.
“Sassa wishes to categorically state and put it on record that no policies or regulations have been amended regarding the Covid-19 SRD,” Sassa spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi said in a statement.
He added: “No such amendments were announced either by the Minister of Finance during his Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement and Minister of Social Development, Sisisi Nokuzola Tolashe during her Budget Vote Speech.
“Should there be any changes in our regulations, that will be announced by the Minister of Social Development, and the amended regulations will thus be published.”
The agency warned the public to verify information through official channels before sharing, noting that any future changes would be formally announced by the Minister of Social Development.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
