Hunger and starvation caused by natural disasters can devastate the affected communities. For instance, KwaZulu-Natal Province was hit by catastrophic floods in 2021, which left many people vulnerable. Fortunately, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides Social Relief for Distress in the form of food vouchers to people who cannot meet their basic needs due to floods. If you are a victim of flooding or related disasters, you can apply for a SASSA SRD food voucher. Read on to learn the steps you can take to apply for this kind of assistance.
How do I get a SASSA SRD food voucher?
If you want a SASSA food voucher, you must contact your ward councilor, social worker, or the nearest municipality and provide your details for consideration. Applications for food vouchers are immediately processed since they are urgent. A food voucher shortly follows after the approval of your application.
Beneficiaries can get food vouchers for only one month since it is expected that things will normalize after that period. Additionally, it is assumed that the most vulnerable people in different communities are already benefiting from other forms of SRD, like the R350 grant.
If you want further information about how to apply for a food voucher, you can contact SASSA’s toll-free number on 0800 60 10 11. You must ask everything before submitting your application to avoid rejection while you desperately need something to eat with your family.
How Much Is a Food Voucher From SASSA?
Food vouchers constitute an immediate response to crises faced by individuals, families, or communities following a disaster. The food voucher was initially pegged at R700 but has since been increased to R1,980 after the floods in KwaZulu-Natal. In the event of death caused by the disaster, the affected family will get R3 960 in food vouchers and cash.
The amount of food vouchers offered to victims might not be sufficient to sustain a family, but the good thing is that it helps them get basic needs. For instance, the average food basket in March 2022 was slightly above R4 400, yet the value of the food voucher was R3 960.
On top of getting food vouchers, affected families will also get school uniforms for their children. Boys are eligible to get R2 500 worth of assistance, while girls will receive R2 700.
How to Apply for SASSA Vouchers Online?
Food vouchers are processed in an emergency, and the fastest way to apply for one is to visit your nearest SASSA office or provide your details to your municipality or councilor. Therefore, applications for food vouchers are not available online.
Make sure you provide all the necessary documents when you submit your application for a food voucher. Incomplete or false documents can lead to rejection of your application. Submit birth certificates for children who do not have IDs. If you want assistance in completing your application for a food voucher, do not hesitate to contact the SASAA official.
SASSA believes that a person in crisis may not afford the luxury of applying for a food voucher online since the verification process can take longer. However, if you apply in person, you will likely get an instant result. Additionally, the policy helps SASSA maintain the standard criteria when it comes to the selection of beneficiaries. If you cannot walk due to old age or illness, you would rather send someone to apply on your behalf because there is no online service.
Who Qualifies for Sassa Food Vouchers?
Hunger caused by a lack of food due to a natural disaster can threaten the lives of many people in the affected areas. All individuals who have been impacted by natural disasters in a specific place are eligible to apply for food vouchers. Citizens, permanent residents, and refugees can apply for relief in the form of food vouchers.
The most deserving nationals in need of food are eligible to get food support. While South African citizens are given preferential treatment, all victims can get the vouchers as long as they can prove their dire circumstances.
When you apply for a food voucher, you must first obtain a food parcel 2026 application form. Complete the form and then submit it together with your ID and wait for approval. The verification process is fast, so you should expect to get your voucher any time you submit your application to the right office. Applicants for SASSA food vouchers must have active phone numbers for easier communication.
Natural disasters are unavoidable, and they often lead to destruction and cause extreme suffering to the affected people. Hunger is one of the severe impacts of natural catastrophes like floods. Dealing with the aftermath of a disaster can be challenging, which is why SASSA offers food vouchers to victims. To apply for this kind of voucher, you need to visit your local councilor, social worker, or municipality to submit your application.
