Can NSFAS Bursary Holders Apply For The SASSA SRD Grant – A Detailed Guide

The South African government has a variety of social assistance programs aimed at alleviating poverty and providing financial aid to those in need. Among these, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) have become significant pillars for supporting the country’s underserved citizens. While these two schemes cater to different groups—NSFAS for students and SASSA for broader socio-economic relief—the question arises: can NSFAS bursary holders also apply for the SASSA Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant?

This blog will explore whether individuals who are receiving funding from NSFAS are eligible to apply for the SRD grant, considering the eligibility criteria, government policies, and the application process.

What Is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government initiative designed to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are enrolled in public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges in South Africa. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries to cover tuition fees, accommodation, books, and other study-related expenses.

The bursary is meant to ensure that financially needy students are able to pursue higher education without worrying about tuition and other related costs. Upon completion of their studies, students are required to repay the bursary, but only if they are employed and earning above a certain income threshold.

What Is The SASSA SRD Grant?

The SASSA Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant is a temporary financial assistance program created to provide relief to individuals and households facing hardship. It was first introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic but continues to support individuals who find themselves in vulnerable economic positions.

The SRD grant provides a monthly cash payment to eligible individuals who are not receiving other forms of government aid, including unemployment benefits, social grants, or pensions. The grant is aimed at those who do not have a stable income but require financial assistance to meet their basic needs.

Eligibility Criteria For The SASSA SRD Grant

Before we dive into whether NSFAS bursary holders can apply for the SASSA SRD grant, it is important to understand the eligibility criteria for the SRD grant.

• Age: Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 59.
• Income: The SRD grant is available to individuals who have no formal income. The income threshold is R350 per month, which means anyone earning above this amount is not eligible.
• Other Social Grants: Individuals who are receiving other government benefits such as pension, child support grants, or disability grants are not eligible for the SRD grant.
• Residency: Applicants must be South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees.
• Not in a Government Job: People employed by the government, state-owned entities, or those receiving UIF or other forms of formal employment-based support are excluded.

Can NSFAS Bursary Holders Apply For The SASSA SRD Grant?

Now, we get to the crucial question: Can NSFAS bursary holders apply for the SASSA SRD grant?

The answer is a bit nuanced. At first glance, it might seem like NSFAS bursary holders could be disqualified from applying for the SRD grant due to receiving financial assistance from NSFAS. However, a closer look reveals that eligibility is not based solely on receiving bursary funding, but rather on the applicant’s current financial situation and other criteria.

Here’s a breakdown of factors to consider:

1. NSFAS as Financial Aid for Students

NSFAS bursary holders are students, and NSFAS funding is provided solely for education-related purposes. NSFAS does not provide financial aid for general living expenses, meaning that the funding cannot be used for food, transport, or other daily needs unless specifically stated (e.g., for accommodation or textbooks). The money given to students under NSFAS is allocated strictly for educational use, and it is not a salary or regular income.

2. SRD Grant’s Income Criteria

The SRD grant is designed to help those without formal income support. Therefore, the key issue for NSFAS recipients applying for the SRD grant is whether or not their financial situation qualifies under the SRD grant’s income criteria.

• If the NSFAS bursary holder is also employed (either part-time or full-time), their income may surpass the SRD grant’s threshold, disqualifying them from receiving the SRD.
• If the NSFAS bursary holder is not employed and has no other source of income (such as a job or unemployment benefits), they might still qualify for the SRD grant as long as they meet the income threshold and other eligibility criteria.

3. Does Receiving NSFAS Affect SRD Grant Eligibility?

The South African government recognizes that students who receive NSFAS funding may not be financially secure due to the increasing cost of living and study-related expenses. NSFAS funding is often insufficient to fully cover all of a student’s living costs, especially in the case of students who may not have additional sources of income.

• NSFAS funding should not be treated as income when assessing eligibility for the SRD grant. However, any additional source of income (including part-time jobs or other financial assistance) must be considered, as these could affect eligibility.
• If an NSFAS bursary holder’s income from other sources (like part-time employment) exceeds the SRD threshold, they would not be eligible for the SRD grant.

4. Application Process

NSFAS recipients who are eligible to apply for the SRD grant must do so via the official SASSA SRD website. The application process involves providing personal details, proof of income (if any), and bank account information for the disbursement of funds.

It is essential for applicants to be honest about their financial situation during the application process. False declarations may lead to the rejection of the application or the cancellation of the SRD grant if awarded.

Should NSFAS Bursary Holders Apply For The SRD Grant?

If you are an NSFAS bursary holder and you do not have any income beyond your NSFAS funding, it is worth applying for the SRD grant. While the NSFAS bursary may not be enough to cover all of your expenses, receiving the SRD grant could help alleviate some of the financial pressures. However, it is important to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria and that your total income is below the required threshold.

If you are employed or have any other form of income, you may not be eligible for the SRD grant, so you should consider other available forms of financial aid or relief.

In conclusion, while NSFAS bursary holders are not automatically disqualified from applying for the SASSA SRD grant, eligibility depends on several factors. If an NSFAS recipient does not have any additional income, they may qualify for the SRD grant, provided they meet all the eligibility criteria. It is essential to carefully evaluate your financial situation before applying to ensure that you qualify for the grant.

If you are a bursary holder and believe you may be eligible for the SRD grant, you can apply directly through the official SASSA portal.

To apply for the SRD grant, please visit: Apply for the SASSA SRD Grant.