New August dates announced for SASSA grant payments
Further staggering is not ruled out in the near future because of the need to comply with government protocols of social distancing
THE South African Social Security (SASSA) has announced new dates for grant payments, with the disability grant separated from old age grants.
The old age grant will be paid from 3 August, disability grants paid from 4 August, while other grants will be paid from 5 August.
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‘We wish to announce that, in terms of this new arrangement, disability grants will not be paid on the same day as the old age pension grant,’ said SASSA CEO, Totsie Memela.
‘Earlier this year, we announced the staggering of social grant payments. This is being continued in August to further enforce social distancing, and reduce the number of people who report to grant access points on any day.
‘All the social grant access points – such as post offices and merchants – attract a high number of beneficiaries trying to access their money on the same day. This is risky, especially for the aged and those with disabilities.’
She added that the government has decided that the country remains on Level 3 of the lockdown, as a precautionary measure to ensure that the spread of the virus is contained, and lives are spared.
‘We therefore urge the public to work with government in ensuring that the curve of this virus is flattened by complying with the staggered payment dates.
‘It is known that our elderly people are the ones who are most vulnerable to the virus and as SASSA we came with strategies to ensure that everyone’s safety is given a preference.
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‘The staggering of grants began after the lockdown, and we should see this as an extension of this process to further limit the number of beneficiaries at payment facilities.
‘The process will be monitored closely and further staggering is not ruled out in the near future, because we need to comply with government protocols of social distancing and washing of hands particularly.’
‘Beneficiaries should remember that they don’t have to withdraw their money on the first payment date but can withdraw it on any day after the payment date as it will remain in the accounts till they withdraw it,’ Memela said.
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