The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has moved swiftly to refute misinformation circulating on social media regarding alleged changes to the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant eligibility criteria.
In a media statement released on 19 January 2026, SASSA addressed claims suggesting the agency had amended its policy to allow foreign nationals broader access to the grant using South African taxpayers’ money.
No Policy Changes Made
SASSA categorically denied that any regulations or policies governing the COVID-19 SRD have been modified.
The agency emphasized that no amendments were announced by either the Minister of Finance during the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement or the Minister of Social Development, Ms Sisisi Nokuzola Tolashe, during her Budget Vote Speech.
“We wish to categorically state that no regulations have been amended nor has the eligibility criteria changed,” said SASSA CEO Mr Themba Matlou.
“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.”
Current Eligibility Requirements Remain Unchanged
The COVID-19 SRD Regulations published in 2022 continue to govern who qualifies for assistance. According to these regulations, applicants must be persons with insufficient means and meet the following criteria:
Citizenship and residency status: Applicants must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, refugee, holder of a special permit under the Special Angolan Dispensation, Lesotho Exemption Permit Dispensation, or Zimbabwe Exemption Permit Dispensation, or an asylum seeker with a valid Section 22 permit or visa.
Database registration: Individuals must be registered on the Department of Home Affairs database or on SASSA’s social grant database with a unique system-generated identifying number for those without identity documents.
Additional requirements: Applicants must be between 18-60 years of age, currently residing within South Africa’s borders, not residing in government-funded or subsidized institutions, and must not unreasonably refuse employment or educational opportunities.
Grant Statistics
As of 1 January 2026, SASSA reported receiving 14,135 COVID-19 SRD applications from individuals who are permanent residents, refugees, or special permit holders. Of these applications, 8,368 were approved and 2,690 payments were processed.
Call for Responsible Information Sharing
CEO Matlou urged South Africans not to circulate incorrect or false information, warning that misinformation could cause unnecessary confusion and tension in a country already facing social challenges.
“Members of the public need to verify information through official SASSA and government channels before circulation,” Matlou emphasized.
The agency reiterated its commitment to executing its social assistance mandate to support the most vulnerable in society, in line with the Social Assistance Act of 2004 and relevant regulations.
SASSA encourages beneficiaries and the public to verify information through official channels before sharing on social media platforms.
For media enquiries, contact: Paseka Letsatsi, SASSA Spokesperson | Tel: 082 883 9969
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