Spouse Earns But Won't Support You? Here's How SASSA's SRD R350 Can Help You

Spouse Earns But Won’t Support You? Here’s How SASSA’s SRD R350 Can Help You

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According to recent statistics, a significant number of South African women are financially dependent on their spouses. This arrangement can work well for both parties when the marriage is healthy and stable. However, when the relationship sours, the dependent spouse may find themselves in a precarious financial situation, especially if their partner refuses to support them. In such cases, the government offers various forms of assistance, including the SASSA grant, the SRD grant, and the R350 grant.

The SASSA grant is a social security net that provides financial assistance to vulnerable individuals and families. The grant is means-tested, which means that applicants must meet certain income and asset thresholds to qualify. Similarly, the SRD grant and the R350 grant are designed to provide temporary relief to those who are struggling financially. These grants are also means-tested, and applicants must meet certain income and asset thresholds to qualify.

If you are a dependent spouse whose partner refuses to support you, you may be eligible for one or more of these grants. However, navigating the application process can be challenging, especially if you are not familiar with the requirements and procedures. In this article, we will explore the role of SASSA and SRD in providing financial assistance to vulnerable individuals and families, the eligibility criteria for the R350 grant, and the legal recourse available to dependent spouses who are being denied financial support.

Key Points

  • SASSA, SRD, and R350 grants are available to provide financial assistance to vulnerable individuals and families.
  • Eligibility for these grants is means-tested, and applicants must meet certain income and asset thresholds.
  • Dependent spouses who are being denied financial support may be eligible for these grants and can seek legal recourse.

Understanding Financial Responsibilities in Marriage

Marriage brings together two individuals who share their lives, dreams, and finances. In a healthy marriage, both partners are expected to contribute to the household’s financial responsibilities, regardless of who earns more.

Financial responsibilities in marriage include paying bills, saving for emergencies, investing for the future, and supporting each other’s needs and wants. It is important for both partners to be aware of their financial responsibilities and work together to achieve their financial goals.

When it comes to finances, communication is key. Couples should discuss their financial situation, goals, and challenges. They should create a budget and stick to it. They should also be transparent about their income, expenses, and debts.

In a marriage, both partners should contribute to the household’s finances. If one partner earns more than the other, they should not be solely responsible for paying the bills. Financial responsibilities should be divided based on each partner’s income and expenses.

It is important to note that financial responsibilities in marriage do not end in case of divorce. Spousal maintenance or alimony may be awarded to the financially weaker partner to ensure their financial well-being. Therefore, it is important for both partners to be aware of their financial responsibilities and work together to achieve financial stability in their marriage.

The Role of SASSA and SRD

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is a government agency responsible for the administration and distribution of social grants to eligible citizens. One of the grants that SASSA administers is the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, which was introduced in May 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The SRD grant is a temporary monthly payment of R350 cash to assist unemployed individuals with no other income source. According to the SASSA website, the grant is for “anyone who has insufficient means, does not receive social grants, or who is not contributing to or eligible for UIF payment.”

The SRD grant is intended to provide temporary relief to individuals who are struggling financially due to the pandemic. However, it is important to note that the grant is not intended to be a long-term solution. Recipients of the SRD grant are encouraged to seek employment or other sources of income as soon as possible.

It is also worth noting that the SRD grant has eligibility requirements, and not everyone who applies will be approved. Applicants must meet certain criteria, including being a South African citizen or permanent resident, being over the age of 18, and not receiving any other form of income or social grant.

Overall, the role of SASSA and the SRD grant is to provide temporary financial relief to individuals who are struggling due to the pandemic. While the grant is not a long-term solution, it can provide much-needed support to those who are facing financial hardship.

Eligibility for R350 Grant

To be eligible for the SASSA SRD R350 Grant, applicants must meet certain criteria. These criteria are as follows:

  • Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee/asylum seeker with valid papers.
  • Must be currently unemployed or not receiving any income.
  • Must be between 18 and 59 years old.
  • Must not be receiving any other form of financial support from any source.

It is important to note that only those who meet the eligibility criteria and have no financial support from any source should apply for this grant.

Applicants can apply for the R350 grant on one of the following platforms:

If an applicant meets the eligibility criteria for the R350 grant, they should apply as soon as possible to receive the much-needed financial assistance.

Legal Recourse When Spouse Refuses to Support

When a spouse refuses to provide financial support, the other spouse may seek legal recourse. In South Africa, the law recognizes a reciprocal duty of support between spouses during the subsistence of a marriage. This duty is based on the questions of need, ability, and means to provide such support.

If a spouse refuses to provide financial support, the other spouse may apply for spousal maintenance. Spousal maintenance refers to the legal obligation of one spouse to financially support the other spouse after or during a divorce or separation. The amount of maintenance payable is determined by the court after considering factors such as the needs of the spouse seeking maintenance, the means of the spouse from whom maintenance is sought, and any other relevant factors.

It is important to note that there is no law in South Africa that mandates that spousal maintenance must be ordered when parties divorce. Neither spouse has a right to spousal maintenance on divorce. However, if a spouse is in need of financial support and the other spouse has the means to provide it, the court may order spousal maintenance.

If a spouse fails to comply with a court order for spousal maintenance, the other spouse may apply for a contempt of court order. This order requires the non-compliant spouse to comply with the court order, failing which they may face fines or imprisonment.

In addition to spousal maintenance, a spouse who is in need of financial support may also apply for social grants such as the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant, the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, or the COVID-19 R350 grant. These grants are means-tested and are only available to those who meet the eligibility criteria.

In conclusion, when a spouse refuses to provide financial support, the other spouse may seek legal recourse by applying for spousal maintenance or social grants. It is important to consult with a legal professional to understand the options available and to determine the best course of action.

Steps to Apply for SASSA, SRD, R350

If you are struggling financially and your spouse is not supporting you, you may be eligible for the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant of R350. Here are the steps to apply for the grant:

  1. Visit the SASSA website at srd.sassa.gov.za.
  2. Click on the “Apply Now” button.
  3. Fill in your personal details, including your name, surname, ID number, and contact details.
  4. Provide information about your income and expenses.
  5. Choose your preferred payment method.
  6. Submit your application.

You can also apply for the SRD grant via WhatsApp by sending a message to 082 046 8553. However, SASSA recommends that you apply online to avoid delays.

Once you have submitted your application, SASSA will review it and notify you of the outcome via SMS. If your application is successful, you will receive the grant for up to six months. You can reapply for the grant after the six-month period if you still meet the eligibility criteria.

It is important to note that you can only apply for the SRD grant once, either online or via WhatsApp. SASSA will only process one application per applicant, so make sure that you provide accurate and complete information in your application.

Impact on Marital Relationship

When one spouse refuses to provide financial support, it can have a significant impact on the marital relationship. Financial strain is a leading cause of marital conflict and can lead to feelings of resentment and mistrust. The spouse who is not receiving support may feel neglected and unsupported, which can lead to emotional distress and strain on the relationship.

In some cases, the lack of financial support can also lead to a breakdown in communication and intimacy between spouses. When one spouse is struggling to make ends meet, they may be less interested in spending time with their partner or engaging in activities that require money. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can further damage the relationship.

In addition to the emotional toll, the lack of financial support can also have practical consequences. The spouse who is not receiving support may struggle to pay bills or provide for their basic needs, which can lead to stress and anxiety. This can also lead to long-term financial instability, which can further strain the relationship.

Overall, the lack of financial support in a marital relationship can have far-reaching consequences. It is important for both spouses to work together to address financial issues and support each other during times of need. If one spouse is unwilling or unable to provide support, it may be necessary to seek outside assistance from programs such as SASSA, SRD, or R350 to ensure that basic needs are met and the relationship can continue to thrive.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if a spouse earns but refuses to support their partner, the partner may be eligible for assistance from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). The agency offers various grants, including the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, which provides temporary relief to individuals who are experiencing financial distress.

To qualify for the SRD grant, applicants must meet certain criteria, including being a South African citizen or permanent resident, not receiving any other form of income support, and having no other means of support. Applicants must also undergo a means test to determine their eligibility, which takes into account their income and assets.

If an applicant is approved for the SRD grant, they will receive a monthly payment of R350. However, it is important to note that the grant is only temporary and is intended to provide short-term relief. Applicants must reapply every three months to continue receiving the grant.

It is also important to note that the SRD grant is not intended to replace the responsibility of a spouse to provide support to their partner. If a spouse refuses to provide support, the partner may be able to take legal action to enforce their rights.

Overall, the SRD grant can provide much-needed assistance to individuals who are experiencing financial hardship due to a lack of support from their spouse. However, it is important to explore all options and resources available, including legal action, to ensure that individuals receive the support they are entitled to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for SRD grant?

According to SASSA, the Social Relief of Distress Grant (SRD Grant) is for South African Citizens, Refugees, Asylum Seekers, and Special Permit Holders, between the ages of 18 and 60 years. Applicants must not be receiving any income or social security grant, and they must not be receiving UIF benefits.

How do I check my SRD grant status?

To check the status of your SRD grant, you can visit the SASSA website and enter your ID number and cellphone number. Alternatively, you can send an SMS with the word “SRD” followed by your ID number to 082 046 8553.

Can I apply for the R350 grant if I receive the Child Support Grant?

Yes, you can apply for the SASSA R350 grant even if you receive the Child Support Grant. However, you cannot receive both grants simultaneously. If you are approved for the R350 grant, your Child Support Grant will be suspended for the duration of the R350 grant payment.

What are the banking details for SRD grant payments?

SASSA pays the SRD grant through the South African Post Office. Applicants are required to provide their banking details to the Post Office when they apply for the grant. If you do not have a bank account, you can still receive your payment through the Post Office’s special disbursement channels.

How do I apply for the SASSA R350 grant online?

To apply for the SASSA R350 grant online, you can visit the SASSA website and fill out the online application form. You will need to provide your personal information, including your ID number, cellphone number, and banking details.

Why was my SASSA payment declined and how can I fix it?

Your SASSA payment may be declined for various reasons, such as incorrect banking details, expired ID documents, or incorrect personal information. If your payment is declined, you can contact SASSA’s toll-free number at 0800 60 10 11 to find out the reason for the decline and how to fix it.

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