Special Relief Fund Announcement

SASSA has established a Special Relief Fund to provide additional support to grant recipients affected by the recent floods in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and parts of the Western Cape. The fund will provide emergency financial assistance to help beneficiaries recover from flood damage.

The initiative comes in response to the devastating floods that have displaced thousands of families and damaged critical infrastructure in the affected provinces. Many grant recipients have lost their homes, belongings, and important documents in the disaster.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Special Relief Fund, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a current SASSA grant recipient
• Reside in one of the officially declared disaster areas
• Have suffered direct loss or damage due to the floods
• Not be receiving other flood-related government disaster relief

SASSA will verify residence in affected areas through municipal records and disaster management reports. Beneficiaries will need to complete a simple declaration form detailing the losses they have suffered.

Relief Benefits

The Special Relief Fund will provide the following support to eligible beneficiaries:

• Emergency Cash Grant: A once-off payment of R2,500 per household
• Temporary Accommodation Subsidy: R1,200 per month for up to three months for those displaced from their homes
• Document Replacement Assistance: Free replacement of SASSA cards and grant-related documentation
• School Uniform and Supplies Grant: R1,000 per child for families with school-going children who lost educational materials

These benefits will be paid in addition to regular grant payments and will not affect eligibility for existing grants.

Application Process

SASSA has simplified the application process to ensure quick assistance:

1. Complete the Special Relief Application Form (available at SASSA offices, disaster relief centers, or online)
2. Submit the form at any SASSA office or designated disaster relief center
3. Provide your SASSA grant reference number and ID number
4. Complete a declaration of losses suffered

Mobile SASSA teams will also visit affected communities to assist beneficiaries who cannot reach SASSA offices. Applications can be submitted immediately and will be processed within 48-72 hours.

Payment Methods

Relief funds will be disbursed through the following channels:

• Direct deposit to the beneficiary's bank account
• SASSA card (funds will be loaded onto existing cards)
• Cash payments at designated relief centers for those without banking access
• Mobile payment units in areas where infrastructure has been severely damaged

Beneficiaries can choose their preferred payment method when applying for relief.

Additional Support Services

In addition to financial assistance, SASSA is providing the following support services:

• Counseling and psychosocial support for affected beneficiaries
• Assistance with applications for replacement identity documents
• Referrals to other government departments for additional support
• Information on temporary shelter facilities
• Health and hygiene packs for displaced families

These services are available at all SASSA offices in affected areas and at designated disaster relief centers.

Contact Information

For more information about the Special Relief Fund, beneficiaries can contact:

• Flood Relief Hotline: 0800 60 10 11 (toll-free)
• WhatsApp: 082 046 8553
• Email: floodrelief@sassa.gov.za
• Visit any SASSA office in affected provinces

The hotline operates 24/7 to provide information and assistance to affected beneficiaries.

Implementation Timeline

The Special Relief Fund will be implemented according to the following timeline:

• Immediate: Application process opens
• Within 72 hours: First payments disbursed
• Ongoing for 3 months: Continued support for displaced beneficiaries
• After 3 months: Assessment for extended support where necessary

SASSA has committed to ensuring that all eligible beneficiaries receive support within one week of application.