During the first week of January 2024, more than 100,000 social grant beneficiaries were left in distress as their grants were suspended. This means that they received no financial support since the first week of December 2024 and will continue to wait for support until their grants are reinstated.
The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) began paying January 2024 social grants on 3 January and concluded on 5 January 2024. However, of its 19 million beneficiaries, more than 150,000 beneficiaries did not receive their money.
Sassa revealed that the non-payment of 150,000 social grants was the result of discrepancies in grant beneficiary details. These discrepancies relate to ID numbers that do not match with bank records, incorrect banking details and changes changing grant payment methods.
The agency suspended these grant payments to prevent people from wrongly benefitting from grants.
This matter was basically picked up by the AG [auditor general] sharply so, Hence we had to make a decision to ensure that we pay the right grant to the correct person
So When Will Grants Be Paid?
If a beneficiary did not receive their January 2024 grant payment and is found to be eligible for a grant payment, they will be paid during the February payment run.
It was confirmed that they will receive a double grant payment, their outstanding January 2024 grant payment and their February 2024 grant payment.
February 2024 Grant Payment Dates
- Older Persons Grant - 2 February 2024
- Disability Grants - 5 February 2024
- Children's Grants - 6 Feb 2024
Sassa emphasises the need for accurate information and urges beneficiaries to update their details promptly. The agency is working to address the backlog, verifying and paying legitimate beneficiaries while cautioning against phishing attempts.
Grant beneficiaries who require financial assistance can collect their Sassa grants at several different payment points. These payment points include ATMs and retail stores such as Pick n Pay, Checkers, Shoprite and Boxer.
