The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has just announced that grant payment dates will now start on the second day of each month as from April 2022.
Previously, the dates were unpredictable and sometimes started as late as the fifth of the month, causing grant beneficiaries financial difficulties.
SASSA payment dates relief
In a tweet on Tuesday (22 March), SASSA said it had heard the longstanding appeals from beneficiaries regarding the payment dates.
“As from April 2022, social grants will be paid from the second day of the month. If the second day of the month falls on a weekend or public holiday, the payment will take place on the following working day,” it explained.
“As usual, the older persons and linked grants will be paid first, followed by disability grants the following day
and then child grants. We are a listening organisation and we are confident that this arrangement will work for you.
“We would like to thank all of you for your cooperation and support during the challenging times we have experienced.”
Payment schedule
SASSA’s payment schedule for 2022 and 2023, which has been published on the Agency’s website, already reflects this new arrangement all the way to March next year.
Since 2 April falls on a Saturday, payments will start from Monday, 4 April. The new arrangement will be a slight relief not only for the elderly, but also for those who receive their grants last.
Social media users have previously argued that the first date should actually be on the first of the month. “You need to change the dates back to the 1st of the month. It was understandable before when you were paying people extra. 7th is too far the last payment date should not be after the 3rd,” Twitter user Hlengiwe replied to a SASSA update recently.
Another Twitter user, Rochelle George, added, “SASSA can you please give us a fixed date for grant payments? Why a moving calendar as if we don’t have commitments to be met by a certain date? Give us a specific date to allow us to negotiate a debit date with our creditors. This isn’t asking for a lot, why is it so difficult?”
Although SASSA has responded to their appeals, some have already argued that the latest decision makes no real difference.
“To me this thing doesn’t make any sense because if the second day is on a Saturday, then older persons will get their money on the 4th of the month, so what is the difference here?” wrote Thulani Khumalo.