IF pensioners do not withdraw their monthly grants in time, they face the risk of having their income deducted by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) without their consent.
This is exactly what happened to Richards Bay pensioner, Praigie Moodley, who was shocked to discover that about R2 000 had disappeared from his SASSA account after he had not withdrawn cash for two consecutive months.
The 64-year-old, who had been visiting his son in Johannesburg, said there was no need to withdraw his pension during his three-month stay with family.
‘So when I got back home, I expected to have about R3 000 in my account,’ said Moodley.
‘I became suspicious when there were differing balances every time I checked my account.
‘When I queried the matter at the SASSA office in Alton, I was asked why I did not use my money because it could be given to others.
‘The regional office confirmed that my balance was more than
R3 000 and I was told to go to the Mandlazini pay-out point to receive my outstanding balance,’ Moodley said. However, when he explained his shortfall to SASSA officials on 6 November, Moodley said he was not paid the correct amount inclusive of his November grant.
‘They requested that I go back to the SASSA office on 10 November. I was told that if there were no movements in my account for more than two months they would remove the monies and transfer it back to government.’
Unjustified
The Bay pensioner was eventually paid out his outstanding grant at Empangeni Rail the following day.
‘I received what was due to me through persistence. But I wonder how many pensioners would have given up because of some unjustified explanation by SASSA clerks.
‘I shudder to think of the plight of illiterate pensioners, or those who are sick and frail. Many pensioners cannot read or write. Any amount can be withdrawn from our accounts and we will not know,’ Moodley said.
SASSA spokesperson, Mbizeni Mdlalose told the Eyethu Bay Watch if grants were not withdrawn for three months, it could mean that pensioners ‘did not need the money or were no longer alive’.
‘We are using SASSA money for people who are poor. Even if you are in Johannesburg or anywhere within the borders of SA, you can use your SASSA card.
‘We do not just pay the money back without a valid explanation,’ Mdlalose said.
