One province’s strategy to eliminate SASSA queues in 2024
Here’s how the rest of the country can also reduce SASSA queues in 2024: it all comes down to education and improving access to digital technologies…
SASSA queues in 2024 are becoming overwhelming, with some provinces managing the issue more effectively than others. October disbursements paid this week represent the final South African Social Security Agency grant increase for the year. As reported by The South African, old age, disability and childcare dependency all increase by R10 this week. However, child support and SRD remain unchanged until April 2025.
2024 SASSA QUEUES
Due to the increase, the agency even took to social media to ask beneficiaries not to claim their money all at once. With more than 20-million government grant beneficiaries, 2024 SASSA queues are an issue everywhere. Now, however, the Western Cape (WC) government is taking action to address several issues affecting grant recipients, including the ever-growing 2024 SASSA queues.
According to The Citizen, the Western Cape government discussed disaster planning, queue management and communication challenges with the agency. As a result, the government entity is encouraging beneficiaries to use its new and upgraded SASSA services online portal. Click the highlighted link to register.
MORE TECH SAVY
One way to beat 2024 SASSA queues is for the public to use the online resources available to them. The agency insists that the portal is working properly and does not suffer as much downtime as many other government websites. Moreover, SASSA hopes younger, tech savvy individuals will be able to assist the elderly with online applications and escalating complaints.
The reason behind many 2024 SASSA queues is that elderly residents visit offices in-person to have their enquiries heard. Meanwhile, they could have the issue resolved in mere minutes through the online portal if it weren’t for a lack of digital access. The Western Cape government, however, says improved communication from SASSA about its online portal would help rectify the situation, too.
Conventional ways to contact SASSA directly include:
- SASSA Toll-Free Call: 0800 60 10 11
- SASSA Head Office: 012 400 2322
- Email SASSA: grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za
DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND OFFICE SPACE
To improve the flow of communication, Western Cape officials have invited SASSA to its ‘First Thursdays’ initiative. This is a space where the citizens in the province can meet high-ranking officials, question them directly, and share concerns and challenges. Meanwhile, SASSA is addressing its on-going accommodation challenges. The agency wants to open more branches/offices in the Western Cape and is in discussion with authorities on available property for offices in key areas.
Likewise, following a devastating winter of cold storms, SASSA is in discussion with various stakeholders on how to handle disasters. Taking place at a national level, the Department of Social Development (DSD) and the City of Cape Town want to improve their humanitarian response in the face of an ever-increasing rate of extreme weather due to climate change.
SASSA PAYMENT DATES INTO 2025
Below are the remaining SASSA payment dates until March 2025. October disbursements take place this week as follows …
OCTOBER 2024
- Older Persons Grants: Wednesday 2 October 2024.
- Disability Grants: Thursday 3 October 2024.
- Children’s Grants: Friday 4 October 2024
NOVEMBER 2024
- Older Persons Grants: Tuesday 5 November 2024.
- Disability Grants: Wednesday 6 November 2024.
- Children’s Grants: Thursday 7 November 2024.
DECEMBER 2024
- Older Persons Grants: Tuesday 3 December 2024.
- Disability Grants: Wednesday 4 December 2024.
- Children’s Grants: Thursday 5 December 2024.
JANUARY 2025
- Older Persons Grants: Friday 3 January 2025.
- Disability Grants: Monday 6 January 2025.
- Children’s Grants: Tuesday 7 January 2025.
FEBRUARY 2025
- Older Persons Grants: Tuesday 4 February 2025.
- Disability Grants: Wednesday 5 February 2025.
- Children’s Grants: Thursday 6 February 2025.
MARCH 2025
- Older Persons Grants: Tuesday 4 March 2025.
- Disability Grants: Wednesday 5 March 2025.
- Children’s Grants: Thursday 6 March 2025.
*The agency warns beneficiaries that payments may take 2-3 days to reflect in your bank account.