Sassa grant payouts suspended for pensioners with 'additional income'

CALL FOR URGENT REVIEW

- NADIA KHAN

LOCAL councillors and parliamentarians have been inundated with pleas for assistance from pensioners after their monthly South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) old age grants was suspended from June, due to some having “other sources of income”.

They said, while it was important to ensure that people were not abusing the grant system, with the rising costs of living and a monthly grant of R2 310, pensioners should not be penalised for any additional income which assisted with their expenses.

The old age grant for July is expected to be paid today (Wednesday).

Niel Patchapen, an African Democratic Change councillor in eThekwini, said he had been contacted by several elderly residents who were devastated after their grants were suspended.

He said they did not receive their payouts in June and now feared July’s payment would not be honoured.

“These are some of the most vulnerable members of our society; pensioners who rely on their monthly grant for food, medication and basic survival. For many, it’s their only source of income.

“It is completely reckless and heartless for the government to cancel grants simply because their children deposited money to help with groceries, or because the elderly person is trying to survive through a small informal business like selling food or vegetables. These aren’t signs of wealth, but one of desperation.

“The government's response is punitive and devoid of compassion. Instead of supporting the elderly, they are punishing them for the kindness of family or for trying to live with dignity. This approach shows a disturbing lack of understanding about the reality on the ground,” he said.

Patchapen said the government must urgently review the process.