Sassa paydays normalise from January after December early payment

Social grants are usually paid from the first of every month except in December, Southern Courier reports.

As from January 2018, Sassa will pay beneficiaries who use banks, ATMs and merchant outlets from January 1 despite the day falling on a public holiday. As usual, this applies to any other public holiday falling on the first day of the month.

Payment at Sassa pay points will start on January 4, all over the country except the Western Cape which will open its pay points from January 3.

READ MORE: Sassa and Sapo strike provisional deal on social grants

Specific and individualised payment dates are printed on payment slips for beneficiaries using Sassa pay points to ensure that Sassa pays the right grant to the right person at the right time and place.

The early December payment, which started on November 28, was welcomed by Sassa beneficiaries with both hands. The rationale behind it was to protect beneficiaries from the December shopping traffic and its attendant risks especially for the elderly.

The move, however, is misinterpreted as a December double payment by a few and others think another early payment for January is on the cards, which is not true.

Social grant beneficiaries are also reminded that upon approval of their grants they have the right to choose a payment method. They can either choose a direct payment into a bank account of their choice or a manual cash payment at a pay point for instance.

A beneficiary choosing a direct payment into their bank account makes it easy and convenient because they can receive their money anywhere in the country. Beneficiaries who wish to switch to banks can arrange that at their nearest Sassa office. Sassa how, however, does not cover bank charges that may arise in the case of direct payments into private bank accounts of beneficiaries.

Sassa and Sapo strike provisional deal on social grants

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