The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has set the record straight on COVID-19 Relief Grant application numbers in which media report media reports suggesting that the Agency received 17 million applications for the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant in September 2024.
The grant agency said that it wishes to clarify that the figure of 17 million applications represents the cumulative number of applications received since the last major application process in April 2022. As of May 2024, the total number of clients for this specific grant has reached 17 million.
SASSA said that evaluates all applications every month, meaning that all valid applications from previous months are also considered. The Agency advises clients not to re-apply each month.
“SASSA has implemented a biometric system that protects clients against identity fraud to enhance system and client security and prevent potential fraud and corruption,” said SASSA.
“This is achieved through facial recognition software using an electronic Know Your Client (eKYC) process”. Added SASSA
Additionally, the Agency is collaborating with law enforcement agencies to address attempts by individuals to manipulate the system for fraudulent purposes.
