Social Relief of Distress

Social relief of distress is a temporary provision of assistance intended for persons in such dire material need that they are unable to meet their or their families' most basic needs.

In order to qualify for Social Relief of Distress, the applicant must comply with one or more of the following conditions:

• The applicant is awaiting permanent aid;
• The applicant has been found medically unfit to undertake remunerative work for a period of less than 6 months;
• The breadwinner is deceased and insufficient means are available; 
• The applicant has been affected by a disaster, and the specific area has not yet been declared a disaster area; and the applicant has appealed against the suspension of his or her grant;
• The person is not a member of a household that is already receiving social assistance; 
• The person is not receiving assistance from any other organization.

Period of Social Relief of Distress (New Policy)

Social Relief of Distress is issued monthly or for any other period for a maximum period of 3 months. Extension of the period by a further 3 months may be granted in exceptional cases.

Transport expenditure may be paid in exceptional cases where:

• The applicant is referred for treatment by a medical officer and no other transport arrangements can be made; and
• The applicant must travel to a specific destination to accept employment where he or she will not be dependent on further State Aid.