SASSA to pay grants early as national disaster declared
The department encouraged social grant beneficiaries not to withdraw their money on the first day of payments and to avoid areas where large numbers of people are gathered for their own personal safety.
THE South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) will pay social grants early in response to the State of National Disaster as announced by President Ramaphosa on 15 March.
The social security agency will pay grants to older persons and persons with disabilities from 30 and 31 March and other beneficiaries will be able to access their grants from 1 April.
Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu said SASSA engaged with the relevant stakeholders – including the retail and banking sector and the consumer goods council, to determine a feasible approach to pay social grants earlier in order to avoid congestion at retail stores and other pay points.
“We are aware that the impact of Covid 19 will be felt much harder by the most vulnerable in society – especially the elderly, hence we have decided for earlier payments for older persons and persons with disabilities to ease congestion and overcrowding. I also wish to thank sectors – most importantly, the banking and retail sectors, for working with us in this regard,” said Zulu.
Also read: SASSA urges beneficiaries to stagger collecting grants
The department roped in all Social Development MECS and provincial and regional SASSA offices to monitor all pay points especially those in the rural areas to ensure that payments are distributed in line with the Disaster Management Act provisions.
Zulu said that for other grant recipients additional measures will be implemented to manage numbers at all pay points.
“This is to ensure that hygiene protocols for everyone are strictly followed and social distancing is maintained,” said the Minister.
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Beneficiaries are also encouraged to use the facilities available on the SASSA/SAPO debit card and swipe the card to pay for purchases, rather than withdraw cash.
SASSA, together with its stakeholders, is also in the process of looking at the feasibility of changing payment dates from 1 to 5 of each month, or the nearest working day if the 5th falls on a weekend or public holidays.
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