The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is reviewing its November social grant payment schedule after the planned dates coincided with the local government elections.
The original schedule had the Older Persons Grant due on 3 November, followed by the Disability Grant on 4 November and the Child Support Grant on 5 November. The local government elections are scheduled for 4 November.
SASSA says it is consulting with stakeholders on revised payment dates to avoid disruptions during the elections.
The agency has assured beneficiaries that they will receive their grants once the new payment schedule has been finalised.
SASSA normally staggers grant payments to help manage the number of beneficiaries accessing their money at payment points and financial service providers. Beneficiaries are also reminded that they do not have to withdraw their money on the day it is paid, as funds remain available in their accounts.
For October, the scheduled payment dates are 2 October for the Older Persons Grant, 5 October for the Disability Grant and 6 October for the Child Support Grant and other grants linked to the child-support payment cycle.
SASSA has also been working to improve access to its services amid concerns over long queues and pressure on understaffed offices.
Social Development Minister Dina Pule has previously outlined plans to strengthen frontline support, including the recruitment of more than 1 000 contract workers nationally.
Selected SASSA offices are also expected to extend their operating hours as part of efforts to improve service delivery and access for grant beneficiaries.
SASSA says beneficiaries should await confirmation of the revised November payment dates through official communication channels.