Helpful Contacts: Social Assistance and Food Security

It is vital that all people have access to food and social security. Find out more below.

How to apply for the R350 Unemployment Social Grant
1. Contact the SASSA customer care tollfree number 0800 601011
2. Send an email to grantenquiries@sassa.gov.za

Who can claim for Social Relief of Distress
1. Households without an income
2. Child-headed households
3. Households where the sole breadwinner is deceased
4. Recipients of temporary disability grants that lapsed in March
5. Anyone who is unable to work due to a medical condition
6. Those who are experiencing extreme hardship during the state of disaster

How to apply for Social Relief of Distress
Access to food and food parcels is a hot topic under lockdown as many people are hungry. President Ramaphosa announced on 21 April that SASSA will be rolling out a technology solution to deliver ‘food assistance’ to people through food vouchers. However, it will take some time to get this working. In the interim, the Department of Social Development in collaboration with the Solidarity Fund and various nonprofit organisations is working to deliver food parcels to different areas around the country. To apply for social relief of distress please dial 0800 60 10 11 toll free and select option 3.

FunDza has been able to find some contacts for food parcels in the Eastern Cape. These numbers are:
Alfred Nzo: Mrs Mgilane – 0798738006
Amathole: Mr Langa – 0663074612
Buffalo City: Mrs Siziba – 0825771804
Chris Hani: Ms Mpondwana – 08324115812
Joe Gqabi: Ms Mngini – 0824115698
Nelson Mandela: Mr Ngqabayi – 0828518491
OR Tambo: Ms Titus – 0823368071

10 Responses

I applied and got the money, it really helped.

Team24 · 3 years ago

At least u did receive food parcel

thandiantonia · 3 years ago

I did apply and my application was approved and i got the money.

Lucani · 4 years ago

Hi I have apply for the unemployment grant and the outcome said decline. And I am not working,how did this this work? Or is for some people that are working ? So I would like to know what steps can I take ? Or I must just give up?

Tyented · 4 years ago

Hi @Dan Tyente. Unfortunately, we don't have contacts in SASSA - we just provide the information. Do hope that you come right with the application.

Mignon · 4 years ago

I have been waiting for this food parcel long time ago now I gave up

Hi my application says pending,i have applied from the 11 may ,if call that number of sassa ,they don't know why is taking long

Dan Tyente · 4 years ago

Hi @annelizevanniekerk36@gmail.com. If you're unable to access your social grant you may be able to receive a food parcel. SASSA as well as several NPOs are making food parcels available in various communities. Find out about how to access food parcels here: FAQs: Food Parcels Explained

FunDza Team · 4 years ago

hi i went to apply for children grant in march but had to go and fetch my card the next week couldn't go because they announced the lockdown ...i have no idea what to do ...iam calling sassa 's line ...sending emails ...iam still getting no answer from them ...please please help

ann…@gmail.com · 4 years ago

Tjo south Africans you are blessed😢😢😕

Chichi83 · 4 years ago