The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has given an update in a statement on the delay in payment in October for some of the SRD grant beneficiaries. The agency informs recipients of the necessary steps to take to ensure they receive their grants.
SASSA‘s statement, released on 14 November 2024, first explained why some payments were delayed. They said their efforts to curb identity theft as the reason. The agency said it conducts reviews regularly of the status of clients and the banking details. Find out more on the delays, what to do and when you should receive payment.
WHY ARE SASSA SRD GRANT PAYMENTS DELAYED?
SASSA said delays are caused mainly by two reasons. One is the time it takes to do the necessary fraud checks. Another is the removal, temporarily, of beneficiaries that need to do verifications. GroundUp also reported on the issue on 12 November 2024, where some beneficiaries expressed their frustration.
The agency said the reviewing of the SRD grant recipients’ information and status is for their benefit. The verification process protects the beneficiaries’ accounts from identity theft and fraud. They explained: “These reviews are based on specific data markers to ensure the safety and accuracy of payments to the rightful beneficiaries. This process is essential to address any concerns or anomalies that may arise.”
The temporary removal of recipients causes further delay. This is because they have to do verifications first before they can receive payment. SASSA said: “These reviews may occasionally result in delays and the temporary removal of beneficiaries from the current payment run while further verification is conducted.”
COVID-19 SRD grant beneficiaries have flocked Mzimvubu Town Hall in Emaxesibeni, Eastern Cape. Beneficiaries have heeded the call to check their application status, make enquiries, and to do facial recognition. #SASSACARES pic.twitter.com/c2KLtB8Oou
— SASSA (@OfficialSASSA) November 14, 2024
WHAT SHOULD SRD GRANT BENEFICIARIES DO?
After the necessary checks have been done, recipients are separated into two groups. These are those who have been cleared and the ones who need to verify their identity through facial recognition. To know which category beneficiaries fall in, SASSA said those not cleared are sent messages to their phones informing them to verify.
WHEN CAN SRD GRANT RECIPIENTS RECEIVE PAYMENT?
SASSA explained what happens of you got an SMS because you fell in the category of those who were temporarily removed pending verification. “Once verification is complete and clients are cleared post-review, payments will be scheduled in a subsequent special run and distributed as soon as possible.”
For those who were already cleared, SASSA said their payments are issued after the checks. According to the statement, beneficiaries are supposed to start getting paid this week. “All other clients who have been cleared will receive their payments in a special run early next week.”
The South African revealed the dates SRD grant recipients will receive their November and December grants. The last payment of the year will be ssued earlier than usual.
WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS ON THE CONSTANT DELAYS IN PAYMENT FOR GRANT BENEFICIARIES?
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