The Sassa R350 grant is one of the many ways the South African government strives to support the most vulnerable in society. This grant involves eligible persons accessing a total of R350 every month for 6 months. The goal is to ensure they are able to boost their lives and achieve some level of decency amidst harsh economic times.

True to its intention, the grant has seen a lot of beneficiaries supported. Most of these individuals can attest to the program's success because of how much of a difference it has made. While many still wish that the amount would be increased to match the changing basic needs today, they acknowledge that it is better than nothing.

Most of those who get the grant are people who would otherwise suffer for lack of income. You can check your sassa status online to see if you are eligible for the grant. Some appreciate the support because it is a boost to their meager earnings and helps make things better. Captured below are a few ways the grant has been instrumental in the lives of deserving South Africans and other eligible beneficiaries.

How the Grant Has Helped Beneficiaries

Since its first introduction, this grant has helped many South Africans, eligible refugees, and asylum seekers. Many that would have struggled because of underpaying jobs or lack of decent income sources have managed to get through months with the government's support. There are testimonials of how many people have benefitted after successfully applying for and getting the grant.

Many South Africans who would otherwise end up on the streets confessed to receiving help when needed. The convenience of receiving the money via mobile pay or at a PayPoint is something many appreciate. 

While many appreciate the support, they hope the amount can be increased to meet their basic needs. Disabled individuals on the program also have a lighter burden with this grant. Overall, South Africans are happy with this grant despite its many challenges. 

The direct impact of this grant has been felt most at the grassroot level. Beneficiaries getting support have been able to escape situations that would have risked their life. Some of the direct benefits include:

Reduced Poverty Level in Poor Provinces

Provinces known for high rates of poverty such as Eastern Cape and Limpopo, benefit most from social grants. Individuals who would often go hungry for lack of food now can afford a meal or to, for the short period they are under the grant’s support. 

This allows many of them sufficient time to seek employment to better their lives as some of the immediate basic needs (food) is already catered for by the grant. As such, any extra income that comes in can be channelled to bettering their lives. 

Reduced Sexual Vulnerability

In the poorest neighbourhoods, anything can happen for survival. Such high levels of vulnerability have pushed young girls and women into sexual predation in exchange for basic needs such as food. Sometimes these women are taken advantage of and still fail to get the food they need. An even bigger problem is that the consequences of these sexual predators can be dire. 

Cases of early pregnancies and venereal diseases increase. Most kids drop out of school because of life challenges which could have been avoided by access to basic needs.  The SASSA grant helps eliminate such desperation since the most vulnerable in society are assured of food as they struggle for other wants.

Protection of the Disabled and the sick

Life can be challenging in an economy that is not supportive. It is even more challenging for the disabled individuals. The fact that these individuals are limited in terms of job access means that they have many odds against them. Such grants make life bearable as it helps supplement the little earnings the disabled individual may get. 

On the other hand, those managing chronic illnesses or loved ones with such conditions may not always have the time to fend for themselves. For such individuals, getting this kind of social support is a plus that eases their burden.

Support for the urban poor

Sometimes the income one earns is too small to cater for everything, especially in urban areas. The overstretching of finances can lead to different outcomes including stress and desperation. 

Therefore, when families are able to get support for some of their basic needs, they have an increased chance to fight for another day. The urban poor can benefit from such grants as a supplementary way to help them manage with increased bills.

The impact of SASSA R350 and other social grants cannot be underestimated. These grants go a long way in ensuring that those they support have a chance to fight again. It helps lessen the burden to some extent, albeit in a small way.