Employed individuals have the means to tackle the challenges of financial crises, but unemployed people cannot bear the difficulties. For them, the government has introduced multiple financial aid programs in which they can enroll and get paid.
These programs aim to improve their quality of life and assist them financially so they can manage their daily commodities expenses. The application process for these programs is also easy and short; you need 5 minutes to apply for financial aid.
1. The Unemployment Insurance Fund
The first name on my list is Unemployment Insurance Funding, or UIF. The program is solely designed to assist unemployed citizens so they can afford basic commodities. People with different backgrounds can apply for financial aid, and the department will award you with a small amount of money.
The program helps individuals who are fired or lose their jobs for any reason except deceiving the employer or violating laws. UIF’s mission is to help individuals for a short period in which they can find a job and start earning. If you are looking for financial aid, you can apply for UIF funding by visiting the office or applying through its website.
Eligibility Criteria
- An applicant must be a South African.
- An applicant must have contributed to the UIF while working.
- An applicant must have not resigned, been suspended, or absconded from work.
- An applicant must be working less than 24 hours for an employer.
- An applicant must be a learner, a public servant, a foreigner working in a contract-based position, or only earning a commission.
- An applicant on maternity leave or paternity leave can also apply for a UIF grant.
- A physically ill or disabled applicant can also apply for UIF.
2. The Social Relief of Distress Grant
South African Social Security Agency launched a grant for unemployed people in the days of the pandemic, SRD. It is a short-term grant for people who are not receiving any other financial aid. The mission of SRD is to increase their well-being and improve their quality of life.
Eligibility Criteria
- An applicant must be a citizen of South Africa.
- An applicant must be unemployed and have no means of income.
- An applicant must not enroll in any other financial aid program.
- An applicant is between 18 and 60 years of age.
- An applicant must not possess a significant amount of assets.
- An applicant must seek asylum in South Africa.
3. The National Youth Development Agency
The above two programs are specially designed for the unemployed people, but the National Youth Development Agency is for the young people of South Africa, which also targets the unemployed youth. The purpose of this program is to give grants and loans to young people, including the unemployed ones, so they can thrive.
Eligibility Criteria
- An applicant must be a citizen of South Africa.
- An applicant must be between 18 and 35 years of age.
- An applicant must have skills or experience for the enterprise he conducts.
- An applicant must be willing to attend enterprise development training.
- An applicant must be business-oriented.
- An applicant must demonstrate a need to get a grant in order to start a business.
Other Programs
These three are the major financial aid programs for unemployed people, whether youth or senior citizens.
However, you can search for minor programs based on your city or province, such as the IYanda Foundation, The City Soul Institute, or assistance from the Department of Labor. Additionally, you can apply for the Department of Social Development (DSD).
Before you apply for financial aid, you should see their eligibility criteria, carefully evaluate the terms and conditions, and then apply for the program. The majority of the people do not consider the importance of eligibility criteria.
When their applications are rejected or declined, they start protesting or accusing the department. Despite these activities, you should apply for the programs I have mentioned above.
The programs such as UIF, SRD, NYDA, or DSD will help you deal with the financial crisis until you find a job. The aim of these programs is to assist the unemployed and financially deprived South Africans. I hope this information will help you in the future; thank you.