SASSA Works to Fix Technical Issues Causing Grant Payment Delays

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has recognized technical problems resulting in delayed grant payments for millions of beneficiaries in August 2022. SASSA is striving to fix the issues and return grant disbursements to normal.

Introduction

As per statements from SASSA, the agency faced IT system errors in early August 2022, causing interruptions in grant payments, including R350 Social Relief of Distress grants.

Annoyed beneficiaries took to social media to express concerns after approved grants were not received as anticipated on August 2, 3, and 4. SASSA has apologized for the delays and assured recipients that payments will be made.

Details of SASSA Grant Payment Delays

In their most recent announcement, SASSA outlined:

  • The delays affected all grant types due to technical glitches. This involved child, disability, older persons, and relief grants.
  • Each application is reviewed monthly to confirm eligibility before payment. This process was interrupted.
  • Relief grant payments do not have fixed monthly dates. Recipients are paid once assessed as still qualifying.
  • Payment delays could endure days or weeks depending on backlogs and IT errors.
  • No Grant payments were made from August 1-4 as previously scheduled.

SASSA stated they are working to fix the IT errors and normalize grant disbursements.

SASSA’s Response and Efforts to Resolve Delays

SASSA spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi provided insight into their response:

  • SASSA was already facing backlogs that contributed to the payment delays.
  • The IT system errors further disrupted evaluations and processing of grants.
  • Extra staff and resources have been assigned to handle the backlog and glitches.
  • The priority is to stabilize systems to restart grant payments to approved beneficiaries.
  • Regional SASSA offices remain open to assist recipients affected by non-payments.

SASSA has reassured grant beneficiaries that payments will be made as soon as possible after tech issues are fixed.

Options if You Are Affected by Delayed Grant Payments

If you have not received your approved SASSA grant due to the recent payment delays, here are some options:

  • Contact SASSA through their toll-free 0800 number for assistance on tracking your payment.
  • Visit your nearest regional SASSA office with your ID and application details for officers to investigate.
  • Check the SASSA online portal regularly to track any status changes or updates.
  • Monitor the official SASSA website and social media for announcements on grant payments resuming.
  • Consider appointing a temporary procurator if you are unable to personally collect payments.
  • Submit any outstanding documents or information requested by SASSA to help finalize your unpaid grant.

Continuously follow up with SASSA through available channels until your approved grant is paid out.

As SASSA works to fix the technical issues and backlogs, approved beneficiaries eagerly await receipt of their much-needed grant funds. SASSA emphasizes that payments are not canceled or denied but simply delayed.

What is a SASSA Procurator?

If you are unable to collect SASSA grant payments in person, you can appoint a procurator:

  • They must be 18+ years old and a SA resident.
  • You provide an affidavit permitting them to act on your behalf.
  • Procurators submit life certificates confirming they collected your funds.
  • They may act for a maximum of 5 beneficiaries.

Appointing a reliable procurator enables you to receive grant payments through a trusted proxy during times you are unable to collect funds personally.

With millions depending on SASSA grants, restoring the payments quickly remains crucial. SASSA encourages recipients to keep checking online or visit regional offices for updates on resolving the technical issues.