A total of 327, 528 applications were received since the SMS line for the Emergency Income Grant became operational. The Ministry of Finance says 180 554 applications were rejected for various reasons. This include people who applied by using identity documents of deceased persons and those who already benefit from the Government’s other social grants. Public relations officer in the Finance Ministry Tonateni Shidhudhu says delays in releasing the payment were mainly caused by the verification processes, to ensure the grant is given to the rightful person while maintaining the credibility of the scheme. Shidhudhu reminds the public that criminal charges could be laid against those found to have falsely claimed under this scheme and recovery procedures for false claims will also be instituted.