THE South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has introduced an additional fourth payment day to assist beneficiaries with grant reviews and eLife Certification. Previously, Sassa allocated three days for grant payments, with specific days for Older Persons Grants, Disability Grants and Children’s Grants.

This new fourth day is specifically for beneficiaries identified for reviews or certification, allowing them to receive their grants while completing the necessary verification steps.

Also read: Sassa’s July payment dates revealed

Dr. Paseka Letsatsi, the national spokesperson for Sassa, said that beneficiaries who received their grants on the July 7th payment day, the fourth day of that cycle, must visit a Sassa office to finalise their grant review. 

“This month, for example, we paid Older Persons Grants on July 2, Disability Grants on July 3 and Children’s Grants on July 6. Beneficiaries who still needed to have their social grants reviewed or undergo eLife Certification were paid on July 7, which is what we refer to as the fourth payment day,” he said.

Failure to do so could result in their grants being suspended in the next payment cycle. Letsatsi said that some beneficiaries are still unaware of this fourth payment day and become concerned when their grants are not paid on the usual three-day schedule, even after receiving notifications.

Receiving communication

Sassa sends out bulk SMS messages to beneficiaries selected for reviews or eLife Certification before the fourth payment day. 

Letsatsi urged beneficiaries to promptly respond to Sassa’s communications regarding grant reviews or eLife Certification, whether through direct contact or the self-service portal. 

“We would also like to appeal to our beneficiaries to inform Sassa whenever their contact details or residential addresses change because we use the information captured in our system when a person first applied for a grant. If your personal details change and you do not notify us, we will continue sending communication to the contact number or address on our records, believing that you will receive it,” said Letsatsi. 

Reasons for grant reviews 

These grant reviews and eLife Certifications are conducted in accordance with the Social Assistance Act, 2004, to confirm ongoing eligibility for social assistance. Beneficiaries are legally obligated to report any significant changes in their personal circumstances, including financial or marital status.

The agency conducts these reviews to prevent payments to deceased or ineligible individuals, detect fraud, protect public funds and ensure grants reach those who are entitled. 

August payment dates

Sassa has also announced the payment schedule for August.

• Older persons grant- August 4
• Disability grant- August 5
• Children’s grant- August 6
• Fourth payment day- August 7

Sassa said they are committed to ensure all eligible beneficiaries receive their social grants, while simultaneously strengthening the integrity of the social assistance system.

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