The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) notes with concern information circulating on social media platforms that the Agency has updated its policy to allow foreign nationals to get South African taxpayers’ money under the guise of being Asylum Seekers and Special Permit holders. 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 Social Relief of Distress (SRD). In addition, no such amendments were announced either by the Minister of Finance during his Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement and Minister of Social Development, Ms Sisisi Nokuzola Tolashe during her Budget Vote Speech. National Treasury and the Department of Social Development are two competent government entities responsible for any policy shift in social assistance.
SASSA CEO, Mr Themba Matlou has urged members of the public to not circulate incorrect or false information as this may cause unnecessary confusion and tension in the country faced with social challenges. “We wish to categorically state that no regulations have been amended nor has the eligibility criteria changed. Should there be any changes in our regulations, that will be announced by Minister of Social Development, and the amended regulations will thus be published. Members of the public need to verify information through official SASSA and government channels before circulation,” emphasised Matlou.
The COVID-19 SRD Regulations that were published in 2022 outline the eligibility criteria for the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress. According to the regulations a person in need of temporary assistance may qualify for the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress if he or she is a person with insufficient means.
Moreover, the person with insufficient means must be:
- a South African citizen; or
- a permanent resident; or
- a refugee; or
- a holder of a special permit under the Special Angolan Dispensation, the Lesotho
Exemption Permit Dispensation or the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit Dispensation; or - an asylum seeker, whose section 22 permit or visa is valid.
- Registered on the Department of Home Affairs database or registered on SASSA’s
social grant database with a unique system generated identifying number for people
without identity documents.
Furthermore, the applicant must also be between the age of 18-60 years, currently residing within the borders of South Africa; not a resident in a government funded or subsidised institution; and not unreasonably refuse to accept employment or educational opportunities.
As of 01 January 2026, SASSA received 14 135 COVID-19 SRD applications from applicants who are either a permanent resident, refugee, or holder of a special permit. Of these, 8 368 applications were approved and 2 690 were paid.
CEO Matlou reiterated SASSA’s commitment in executing its social assistance mandate to the most vulnerable in society in line with Social Assistance Act of 2004 and relevant regulations.
Story by: SASSA
