Pensioners are expressing frustration over the value of their monthly grant. At the same time, SASSA has made an important change to their November payment.
Grant recipients shared their concerns in the comments section of The South African’s Facebook page. Many said the Older Persons Grant no longer covers their basic needs.
Donovan Serfontein said government has turned its back on older South Africans.
“People died poor with nothing left for their children and yet the Government is not concern or worried about the nation,” Serfontein wrote.
November SASSA grant moves forward
Pensioners will not have to wait for the first week of November to get paid. Under SASSA’s revised arrangements, the Older Persons Grant will be paid on Friday, 30 October, with the Disability Grant following on Monday, 2 November and the Children’s Grants on Tuesday, 3 November.
The agency said the revised schedule follows consultations with stakeholders to keep grant payments running efficiently and securely during the Local Government Elections on 4 November. SASSA has also set aside Thursday, 5 November, for beneficiaries whose grants are under review.
The agency urged beneficiaries not to visit its offices unnecessarily, as payments will be processed according to the announced schedule.
Early money, longer wait
An early payment may feel like relief, but it comes with a catch. December’s Older Persons Grant is expected on 2 December. That leaves pensioners stretching their November money over more than a month.
This is the same grant that many pensioners already say is too small. The Older Persons Grant pays R2 400 per month to recipients 60 and older.
Pensioners who plan their spending carefully in the first week will be better placed to reach December without running short.
Calls for more support continue
The date change does nothing to address the main concern raised by grant recipients. Many want either more money or lower costs.
Enock Thembekile Jakeni wants SASSA to step in at the till.
“SASSA should issue card to pensioners to get 25% discount in stores & Supermarket,” Jakeni wrote.
Shipho Khosi said government should choose one of two options.
“Either discount at shopping stores or increase in the pension,” Khosi wrote.
SASSA has not announced plans for either proposal.
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