The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) on Thursday promised to make double payments for the R350 COVID-19 grant.
The agency said in a statement that it has started with double payments for outstanding June and July accounts for the R350 special relief grant.
“This meant to avoid a situation where beneficiaries of the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress grant have to make two trips to the Post Office and to eradicate the backlog of payments. The move was met with much appreciation and excitement on social media this morning,” the agency said.
SASSA added that it also reconsidered applications made in May against updated databases received, which resulted in an additional approximately 1 million applicants being approved for the grant.
“This will drastically reduce the number of potential appeals and will also cushion the affected beneficiaries against the current impact of the lockdown.”
Payments for June and July have started with transfers into the bank accounts of those who have bank accounts, said the agency.
“Payments for those who receive their money through the post office will be done progressively throughout the month, to try and limit the numbers of people at the post offices on a daily basis,” said SASSA.
“Beneficiaries are reminded that they should only visit the post office once they have received an SMS saying their money has been paid in and is ready for collection.”
