SASSA News- We are Struggling With R350 Grant Appeals Process

All recipients of the R350 grant were required to reapply for the crucial relief measure as the regulations under which the grant was provided to citizens had changed. This change also saw the adjustment of the qualifying criteria of the grant.

The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has also been conducting an information roadshow to inform and assist clients with applications and appeals for the R350 grant. Grant applicants have complained that they have not received decisions on their appeal applications leaving them with the crucial government relief.

Sassa says they have encountered challenges with regards to the appeal process.

The agency said, “With regards to appeals, we have struggled a bit with the systems in line with legislative requirements such as the POPI act. However soon those will be approved and resolved”.

Sassa spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi explained that when appeals are made, Sassa needs to ensure that the POPI Act is complied with.

He explained, “If we engage the banks, the banks will tell you that we cannot give you any information of an individual we’ll be violating the legislation, however we think we are getting very close to each other in the banks and other stakeholders to make sure that those who made an appeal are paid”.