The Government of South Africa has made an announcement regarding the new Low Income Worker Relief Programme to provide some respite to vulnerable workers from further increasing cost of living. Beneficiaries under the scheme will receive a relief stipend of R1,200 per month, to which food vouchers worth R400 have been added.
The Reason for the Relief Programme
Low-income earners could hardly feel worse. Inflation was soaring, fuel prices were up in the sky, and so were prices of every basic commodity. Minimum wage earners themselves and those slightly better off go each day trying to make ends meet.
Therefore, to look after workers outside of social grant schemes, the Department of Employment and Labour established this programme to:
- sensitize workers outside of existing social grant schemes;
- Address food insecurity within households; and
alleviate some economic burden on employees in vulnerable sectors such as retail, domestic work, security, and agriculture.
Details of the Relief Package
There are two types of assistance under direct support that are offered under this relief scheme:
- R1,200 Cash Stipend Monthly: To be paid directly into the bank or mobile wallet registered with the beneficiary.
- Food Voucher Worth R400 a Month: Accepted almost everywhere at major supermarkets and local stores for the purchase of basic groceries.
The entire R1,600-a-month aid package is merely token support to help workers with their transport or food expenses.
Who Is Eligible for This Support?
Not all working people shall be qualified by being qualified automatically. One should meet the following provisions to be eligible for the relief:
- South African citizen or permanent resident.
- Is a full-time or part-time worker earning under R5,500 per month.
- May not be receiving any other government stipend or relief benefits that overlap therewith.
- Should have a valid South African ID and proof of income.
Informal workers could also qualify if they can show evidence proving they regularly earn below the threshold or submit documentation such as payslips, affidavits, or any proof of employment.
Application Procedure for Relief Funds
Funding can be applied online or offline:
- Online Application: Through the official website of the Department of Employment and Labour, one may create a profile and upload documents, including the following: Copy of ID, certificate of income, bank details.
- Offline Application: Applicants also have the option of visiting their local labour centres, municipal offices, or community halls where mobile registration points have been set up.
- Employer-Assisted Registration: In certain industries, registrations can be expedited by government assistance through employers who then file applications on behalf of all qualifying employees so as to hasten the release of funds.
Payments from this fund will begin being released after approval of beneficiaries in the next month.
Payment and Disbursement of Food Vouchers
- Money Stipends: The payment occurs every month on the 5th directly into bank accounts or to mobile payments.
- Food Vouchers: A voucher is transmitted to the beneficiary’s mobile phone by the means of a text message, or via a mobile app, which contains unique codes that will be accepted at any participating store.
Such a mechanism ensures fast response in relief aid to the beneficiaries in both
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