SASSA has announced the dates for collection of social security grants for the month of August.
Here are the latest dates for the payment of government social security grants as published on SASSA’s official website:
Here is the official full payment schedule for the rest of the 2021/22 financial year:
Meanwhile, SASSA has yet to announce how citizens may apply for the Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress grant that President Cyril Ramaphosa announced would be reinstated following the recent unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. The unrest has led to many people losing their businesses and jobs as the country continues to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.
SASSA did however warn the public on Monday via its official Twitter account, not to fall for a scam that is incorrectly encouraging people to apply via text message for the social relief of distress grant.
SASSA tweeted: “Please be vigilant of the below false information that does NOT come from SASSA. No applications of the special Covid-19 SRD grant will be made via telephone;email or USSD. Details&date on which the application system reopens will be announced soon.”
Ramaphosa announced the reinstatement of the Covid-19 R350 grant social relief of distress grant on Sunday night following the violent unrest.
“Although calm has been restored to these areas, the impact of the violence and destruction continues to be felt by households, employees and businesses. We are taking decisive action now to secure the livelihoods of millions of people that have been threatened by both the pandemic and the unrest,” Ramaphosa said.
“To support those who have no means of supporting themselves, we are reinstating the Social Relief of Distress Grant to provide a monthly payment of R350 until the end of March 2022. This has been made possible by the slight improvement we have seen in our revenue collection,” he said.
“We are expanding the number of people who are eligible for this grant by allowing unemployed caregivers who currently receive a Child Support Grant to apply. Details on the reinstatement of the grant, including the process for application, will be announced shortly,” he said.
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Questions People Ask About SASSA
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“The rationale behind was to protect beneficiaries from the December shopping traffic and its attendant risks especially for the elderly,” he added.
“The move however is misinterpreted as a December double payment by a few and others think another early payment for January is on the cards- which is not true.”
Letsatsi further said social grant beneficiaries are also reminded that upon approval of their grants they have the right to choose a payment method.
“They can either choose a direct payment into a bank account of their choice or a manual cash payment at a paypoint for instance. A beneficiary choosing a direct payment into their bank account makes it easy and convenient because they can receive their money anywhere in the country,” he explained.
“Beneficiaries who wish to switch to banks can arrange that at their nearest SASSA office. SASSA however does not cover bank charges that may arise in the case of direct payments into private bank accounts of beneficiaries.”
More Information on SASSA
Apply for the Unemployment Grant of R350.
Check Unemployment grant status
Student Loans in South Africa: How to Apply and What to Expect
For many young South Africans, accessing higher education is a dream that often comes with a financial challenge. Fortunately, several student loan optionsstrong> are available in South Africa to help fund university, college, or TVET studies. Whether you’re looking for a government loan like NSFAS or a private student loan from a bank, understanding the process is essential for success.
What Are Student Loans?
Student loans are a form of financial aid provided to eligible students to help cover tuition fees, books, accommodation, and other study-related expenses. In South Africa, these loans can come from government institutions like NSFAS or private banks such as Nedbank, Standard Bank, FNB, and Absa. Most loans offer repayment flexibility and low-interest options until you graduate.
Types of Student Loans in South Africa
- NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme): A government-funded loan/grant program for students from low-income households. Covers tuition, housing, transport, and meals.
- Bank Student Loans: Offered by most major banks. These are credit-based and require a guardian or parent as a co-signer.
- Private Loan Providers: Companies like Fundi offer educational loans covering various costs such as school fees, gadgets, and textbooks.
Requirements to Qualify for a Student Loan
Each provider has its own criteria, but most South African student loans require the following:
- Proof of South African citizenship or permanent residency
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a recognised tertiary institution
- Parent or guardian with a stable income to co-sign (for private loans)
- Completed application form with supporting documents (ID, proof of income, academic records)
How to Apply for a Student Loan
To apply for a student loan in South Africa, follow these steps:
- Identify your loan provider: Choose between NSFAS, a bank, or a private lender.
- Gather necessary documents: ID copies, academic transcripts, acceptance letters, and income statements.
- Complete the application form online or at a branch.
- Await approval: Some banks offer instant decisions, while NSFAS can take a few weeks.
- Receive disbursement: Funds are typically paid directly to the institution or your account, depending on the lender.
Loan Amounts and Repayment
The loan amount you can receive depends on your chosen lender and financial need:
- NSFAS: Covers full tuition, residence, books, and a personal allowance. The loan becomes a bursary if you pass all your courses.
- Banks: Can provide up to R120,000 or more annually, depending on tuition costs and credit history.
Repayment usually starts after graduation or once you start earning an income. Bank loans may require interest-only payments during your studies. NSFAS repayment only begins when you earn above a specific income threshold.
FAQs on Student Loans in South Africa
1. Can I apply for a student loan without a parent or guardian?
For government loans like NSFAS, yes. But most banks require a financially responsible co-signer, especially for students without an income.
2. Is NSFAS a loan or a bursary?
NSFAS starts as a loan, but it converts to a bursary if you meet academic performance requirements. This means you may not have to pay it back.
3. What is the interest rate on student loans?
Private banks offer competitive rates between 5% and 12%, depending on the applicant's credit profile. NSFAS charges a much lower interest rate, usually linked to inflation.
4. What happens if I fail my courses?
If you’re funded by NSFAS and fail, your loan won’t convert into a bursary, and you’ll need to repay the full amount. Banks may continue charging interest, and your co-signer may be held liable.
5. Can I use a student loan to pay for accommodation and laptops?
Yes. Both NSFAS and many bank student loans cover costs beyond tuition, including housing, meals, textbooks, and electronic devices like laptops or tablets.
Final Thoughts
Student loans in South Africa offer a much-needed financial lifeline to thousands of students every year. Whether you're applying through **NSFAS** or a private bank, ensure you understand the **terms, interest rates, and repayment conditions** before signing any agreement. Make informed decisions today to secure your academic and financial future tomorrow.