SASSA on date changes for paypoint social grants payments

SASSA is reviewing payment dates with a view to avoiding a repeat of the last payment cycle during the National Lockdown. A Disability and Older Persons Grant will be paid on the third day of every month starting in May 2020. The 6th of every month is the payment date for all other grants.

A grant payment for April 2020 was brought forward to the 30 March 2020 in order to comply with the State of Disaster requirements for people with disabilities and older adults. Payment channels opened as early as 30 March for Child Support grant beneficiaries who were unable to wait until April 1. In some stores and ATMs, maintaining social distance was difficult due to health concerns. A video showed a group of youngsters pushing older people in a Dobsonville shopping center in Soweto before they could access payment infrastructure.

Having experienced this unpleasant experience, SASSA began consulting with key players, including the National Treasury, South African Post Office, banking associations, retailers, and the Consumer Goods Council. Based on the consultations, it emerged that disabled and elderly people need to be protected from the month-end rush at payment outlets, and therefore, payments should be staggered in such a way that they receive their grants first.

In order to accomplish this, SASSA will utilize two payment files. It will cover all grant types (Child Support Grant, Foster Child Grant, Care Dependency Grant) while the second payment file will cover Old Age Pension and Disability Grant.

The Old Age Pension and Disability Grant will be paid on the third of every month or, if the third falls on a weekend or public holiday, the first working day following this date. 

On Monday, 04 May 2020, Old Age Pensions and Disability Grants will be available due to the 3rd of May 2020 being a Sunday. Besides these types of grants, money will be available starting on the 6th of May 2020.

Some beneficiaries (Old Age Pension and Disability Grant) receive benefits for Child Support, Care Dependency, and Foster Children on the same card. All linked grants will be available to them simultaneously with their Old Age Pensions and Disability Grants, in such cases.  After the money has been deposited into the account, it will remain there until used.

Also, read Postbank Apologises For Inconveniencing Sassa Grant Beneficiaries

Cash Pay Points

Payment dates for beneficiaries who collect their social grants at cash pay points will be affected by the changes introduced to stagger payment of social grants.  On 7 May 2020, cash paypoints will be available for payment. The dates communicated during their last payment will now be two days forward for beneficiaries who collect their grants at cash pay points. The new date will be serviced the first working day after the weekend or holiday if it falls on a weekend or holiday.

Your deposited funds will remain in your account if you do not use them. When the cash is deposited into your account, there is no need to withdraw it immediately. According to SASSA KZN Acting Regional Executive Manager Mr. Zanoxolo Mpeta, SASSA cards can be used as debit cards to pay for purchases, so beneficiaries do not need to withdraw cash and then use it later to buy goods.

DETAILS OF SASSA KZN CONTACTS FOR SOCIAL GRANT RECIPIENTS REQUESTING FOOD PARCELS DURING LOCKDOWN:

1. SASSA KZN Regional Office (Customer Care Call Centre): 033 846 3400 or the SASSA Toll Free number: 0800601011

Conclusion

Accordingly, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has modified paypoint social grant payment dates to increase efficiency and effectiveness. Beneficiaries’ needs and challenges were carefully considered when adjusting payment dates, as well as streamlining operations’ objectives.

SASSA and recipients of social grants will benefit from these date changes in a number of ways. SASSA can improve its administrative processes and provide a more consistent and reliable disbursement of funds by aligning the payment dates with the rest of the grant payment system. Beneficiaries who depend on these grants for a living are therefore less likely to experience delays and disruptions.

In addition, the revised payment dates help to achieve the overall goal of financial inclusion and empowerment. The SASSA is promoting a more integrated and inclusive approach to social welfare by integrating paypoint social grant payments with other payment methods, like electronic transfers and ATMs. Beneficiaries gain greater control over their finances, wider payment options, and access to formal banking systems as a result of this shift.

Also, read SASSA Appeals For Patience From Social Grant Recipients