‘Never received a full amount’: SASSA pensioners count the cost of missing grant money

SASSA pensioners are comparing what lands in their accounts each month, and many say the numbers do not add up.

The comments came on The South African’s Facebook page, under a report on the rise in unauthorised deductions from SASSA Older Person grants. Grant recipients described shortfalls ranging from a few rand to hundreds.

From R5 to R210

Some of the missing amounts are small but frustrating.

“I also received R5.00 less this month,” wrote Lee M.

Others say the deductions have been running for months. Chanderpersad Sewkumar wrote: “Yes since July deducted R210”

Neither commenter said what the deductions were for. Over a year, a deduction of R210 a month would add up to more than R2 500. That is more than a full month’s grant for many pensioners.

Short since day one

Ntombizodwa Mntambo said the problem goes back even further for some pensioners.

“Some pensioners never received a full amount but only R1700 or R1900 since application,” Mntambo wrote.

If that is accurate, these pensioners have been receiving several hundred rand less than the full grant amount every month since their grants were approved.

Solomon Mosome added that he had noticed money missing from his grant over several months and asked: “who can I contact?”

How to trace a missing amount

Pensioners who receive less than the full grant amount should first check whether the shortfall is due to SASSA or their bank.

If the full grant reaches the account but money disappears afterwards, a bank statement will show the debit orders or fees involved. Pensioners can dispute any debit order they did not authorise.

SASSA’s toll-free number is 0800 60 10 11.

For pensioners living on a single monthly payment, even small shortfalls make it harder to cover food, transport and electricity.

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