The Impact of SASSA Social Relief of Distress Grant (Srd 350), As A Measure for Porverty Alleviation

South Africa faces multiple challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequalities, as is characteristic of many developing countries. Citizens are entitled to access social security if they are unable to support themselves and their dependents and meet all the requirements of a means test as determined by the Sassa Act.|The study seeks to examine to what extent the special COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant is effective as a vehicle for poverty alleviation for the majority of South Africans and includes both refugees and asylum seeker permit holders.|The study used a mixed-method research approach that combines qualitative and quantitative data. Twenty individuals were selected from the sample to examine the methods by which the Social Relief of Distress Grant (SRD Grant) has affected the unemployed majority of South Africans. The study used descriptive analysis to analyse quantitative data and used the national poverty lines of Stats SA to measure poverty lines. The study also analysed qualitative data using thematic analysis to see the different and recurring uses of social grants by beneficiaries.|The study reveals that the Social Relief of Distress Grant (SRD Grant) is useful and an effective vehicle for poverty alleviation; however, it has its challenges. For example, the amount of money is deemed by the recipients as insufficient, while in some cases it has been found to be the main source of income for the whole family, so it fails to cater for most of their basic needs. Furthermore, the study found that social grants have helped increase income expenditure among social relief grant beneficiaries and especially affected a third of the households that would go without any income if it were not for social grants. The participants indicated that the grants increased their purchasing power.