Sassa ‘verification delays’ leave 150k beneficiaries unpaid
The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has confirmed that at least 150,000 beneficiaries have not been paid their social grant payments for January.
The agency says the delay was caused by a verification process conducted every month to prevent fraud.
The verification process includes background checking of banking details, ID numbers, names, and addresses.
Sassa spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi says beneficiaries will be paid once their personal details have been verified.
"We can confirm that about 150,000 were affected by non-payment; this was due to us doing the verification processes where we communicated with them that they must come and verify if they are still alive. The intention is Sassa may have picked up fraudulent activities taking place within those grants.
"We have instructed our provinces to interact directly with the beneficiaries, and they will give us an update on the progress made. This is not specific to any grant. Sometimes, you will find that the ID number does not match the account number opened.
"Sassa urges recipients to provide correct banking details when they apply for their social grants for the first time or when they amend their personal details. Providing Sassa with incorrect banking details may delay the availability of the money into the beneficiary bank account."
In September last year, another glitch left thousands of beneficiaries without payment for weeks.
DA Shadow Minister of Social Development Bridget Masango says the government should ensure that the payments are made as some beneficiaries depend on it.
"For many mothers, the Child Support Grant is their only income, and Sassa’s payment failure places additional strain on them at the start of the school year when they have to purchase school uniforms and shoes."
"The DA has been inundated with concerns from beneficiaries that they might have to reapply and be without their funds for months."
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