Students SASSA Grant Questions and Answers

 

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) administered the SRD Grant to play a crucial role in allowing disadvantaged students to access education through financial assistance. The SRD grant was initially introduced as a temporary solution to eliminate economic difficulty as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

To date, the SRD grant has become a vital resource for financially needy students wanting to pursue tertiary studies. Often, poverty-stricken university students face the dilemma of having to maintain their academics whilst making ends meet, therefore, the SRD grant is something many depend on to meet these needs.

However, many students who receive the Social Relief of Distress Grant (SRD Grant) face an additional dilemma by being unsure if they can qualify for bursaries, loans, or other forms of financial aid. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know as a student, if you are receiving a SASSA Grant.
 

SASSA SRD Grant is Increasing from April 2024

 

Can SASSA Grant recipients receive NSFAS funding?

Yes, SASSA Grant holders can qualify for NSFAS funding, however, it does not automatically guarantee that the student will receive the NSFAS bursary. Just like any other application, the student needs to ensure that they meet the qualifying criteria outlined by NSFAS.
 

Can SASSA Grant recipients receive bursaries?

Yes, SASSA Grant recipients can receive bursaries while receiving a social grant. One of the qualifying criteria for bursary awards usually are “students must be from a financially disadvantaged background”, likewise, students who receive the SRD Grant are in financial need.

When sending a bursary application, the student has the responsibility to also submit proof that they are a SASSA Grant recipient. Such proof can be submitted in the form of a SASSA Grant letter and various other SASSA details.

Students are encouraged to remember that their financial income is not the only requirement for a bursary award. Similarly to NSFAS, the student will need to ensure that they meet the qualifying criteria for the bursary they are applying for.
 

See which bursaries are OPEN for application here

 

Can SASSA Grant recipients receive student loans?

Before you apply for a SASSA SRD Grant you will need to consider the type of loan you are taking out and who you will be receiving it from. Some student loans may look at your income (which includes the Grant) if you qualify. However, it is important to note that this is not always the case and students are encouraged to talk to the loan providers or their institutions to get clarity on how SRD Grant may affect their application.
 

Will your SASSA SRD Grant affect your academic progress or enrollment status?

Receiving a SASSA SRD Grant should not affect your academic progress or enrollment status. However, students are encouraged to ensure that necessary finances are in place to cover all key educational expenses.
 

Should a student declare their SASSA SRD Grant when applying for financial aid or bursaries?

It is vital that students declare if they are recipients of a SASSA SRD Grant when applying for financial aid or bursaries. Failure to do this could result in the candidate’s application from these funders being disqualified, and thus affect their chances of receiving financial aid in the future.