SASSA urges beneficiaries to stagger collecting grants
The call was made as the country fights against the COVID-19 pandemic.
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THE South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has advised social grant beneficiaries to avoid collecting their grants on the first day of payment as the country fights against the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Beneficiaries are requested to avoid collecting their grants on the first day of payment due to the high pedestrian traffic at shopping malls and other outlets. Once SASSA has paid money into a beneficiary’s account, the money will stay there and can be accessed at any day of the month instead of taking a health risk of visiting an outlet on the first day of the month,” SASSA said in a statement.
President Cyril Ramaphosa declared the Coronavirus outbreak a national state of disaster on Sunday.
The Presidents also announced a number of interventions to curb the spread of COVID-19 in South Africa, including amongst others, a ban on gatherings of more than 100 people.
Related COVID-19 news: Durban North listed as possible Covid-19 quarantine site
“Where a client is above 75 years of age and is bedridden and unable to report to a SASSA office, an application process can be completed under section 15 and Regulation 10 (1) of Social Assistant Act, 2004 to have a procurator or proxy apply on behalf of the affected client.
“The chosen procurator must be appointed in writing and produce that letter together with all their documents including identity card so that the application can be processed. The application will follow normal process,” SASSA explained.
Local office managers will ensure that the allowed number per day rule is adhered to so that no more than 100 people are served at a time.
The number will depend on the size of the waiting area.
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