The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has launched a pilot project for potential grant recipients to complete applications online.

Sassa is a national agency of the government created in 2005 in order to distribute social grants on behalf of the Department of Social Development.

In a statement released on Monday, it said the pilot project will be launched on September 14 and will cover applications for child support, older persons and foster child grants.

Applications for these grants can be located on the Sassa website.

Sassa said after reviewing the system, other grants will be added to the portal.

It said this should be a relief to grant applicants as it will save many from the inconvenience of standing in queues at Sassa offices.

Not queueing also lowers the risk of contracting Covid-19 as the need to gather in public places will no longer apply, said Sassa.

This remote access is available via computer and mobile phone. The turnaround time is estimated to be 10 days, provided all stipulated documentation, such as identification documents of the applicant and spouse as well as banking details, are supplied.

Other than application forms, online submission for required documentation linked to an application, change of circumstances such as payment method, banking details address and status of applications can be viewed on the online portal.

Applicants accessing the online portal will need an email address to sign up and log in to access these services.

Sassa said applicants with no email addresses will receive feedback via SMS, and an email response will be sent to those choosing to be contacted via email.

This pilot project will run until September 25. Sassa has reiterated the importance of all required documents to be certified by a commissioner of oaths when attached on the system.