SASSA introduces better payment methods
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has released grants payment dates for the remainder of the 2020/21 financial year.
Prioritising old age and linked grants, these will be paid out first each month (September 3), followed by disability and linked grants a day later (September 4) and then unlinked children’s grants (September 7).
During August, SASSA presented beneficiaries with an opportunity to receive their grants at their chosen and convenient outlets, which means that beneficiaries could change from receiving their grants at the South African Post Office to a bank account of their choice or vice versa. This development is a response to the challenges some beneficiaries have experienced, including long queues and the fact that funds run out at times.
Beneficiaries of the Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress funds are requested not to visit the post office during the first seven days of the month, as that week is reserved for payment of the normal grants. Beneficiaries should not go to the post office before they have received the sms notification that says funds are available. The sms notification is used to limit the numbers of people reporting to a post office on a particular day and also to ensure that sufficient cash is available.
SASSA further appealed to beneficiaries to ensure that their information is captured and updated correctly. If choosing to receive your grant in a bank account, ensure that the account is active and in your name as SASSA cannot pay money for one person into the account held by another.
“If choosing a money transfer option, ensure that the cell phone number provided is correct and is registered in your name,” Totsie Memela (SASSA chief executive officer) said.
Beneficiaries who failed to update their information during August, or provided incorrect banking information will for the remaining months receive their grant at the post office. Payment dates for the remainder of the year are as follows: October 5 – old age and linked grants; October 6 – disability and linked grants and October 7 – unlinked children’s grants; November 3 – old age and linked grants; November 4 – disability and linked grants and November 5 – unlinked children’s grants; December 1 – old age and linked grants; December 2 – disability and linked grants and December 3 – unlinked children’s grants.
For more information, phone the SASSA toll free number on 0800 601011.
