Payment of social grants going well: department
The Department of Social Development says social grants payments are underway across the country for beneficiaries who receive their grants through ATMs and merchants.
Department spokesperson Lumka Oliphant said 2.6 million beneficiaries had already accessed their grants by 10.00am Saturday morning.
"The Minister of Social Development, Ms Bathabile Dlamini, MECs, local government leaders and various SASSA officials are on the ground countrywide responding to queries and monitoring the payments," said Oliphant.
Oliphant said beneficiaries are encouraged to contact the SASSA call centre for any enquires on 0800 60 10 11.
"So far, over 1500 queries have already been handled," said Oliphant.
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Beneficiaries who receive their grants at pay points will receive their grants as normal from Monday, 3 April 2017.
"We urge beneficiaries to use the official SASSA branded card to access their social grants," said Oliphant.
Oliphant added that they have noted that social grants increases are effective as of Saturday.
The old age grant will increase by R90 to R1600 for pensioners over the age of 60, and R1620 for those over 75.
The disability and care dependency grants also increase by R90 to R1600 a month.
Foster care grants increase by R30 to R920 a month.
The child support grant increases by R20 to R380 a month.
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"Government remains committed to improving the living conditions of poor, vulnerable and underprivileged South Africans. The social assistance programme remains an important safety net for millions of South Africans" said Minister Dlamini.