The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) wishes to inform all beneficiaries of social grants about early payment dates for the coming festive season.

The December payment cycle has been brought forward to the end of November.

Payment of social grants will therefore be made from 27 November to 13 December. Beneficiaries are advised that the next payment cycle will only start during the first week of January 2015.

Sassa acknowledges that this is a very busy time of the year and would like to give its beneficiaries enough time to shop and prepare for the festive season, long ahead of the usual Christmas shopping rush.

The Minister of Social Development Bathabile Dlamini together with the Deputy Minister Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu and management wish all social grant beneficiaries and their families a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

“As we are now entering the festive season, I urge you all to be extra careful with your Sassa cards and pin codes. Please do not give your Sassa cards and pin codes to anyone including loan sharks. Enjoy this period to the fullest with your loved ones,” said Minister Dlamini.