Sassa fails to file Concourt papers

THE SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) has failed to file papers with the Constitutional Court, as planned, to seek approval for arrangements for the paying of welfare grants from April.

“Nothing was filed,” a clerk of the highest court confirmed yesterday afternoon.

Sassa said it would file papers this week setting out options for a grant payment system once the court’s permission for an extension of the contract with Cash Payment Services lapses on March 31.

The contract was declared unlawful in 2013, but the ruling was suspended so as not to compromise welfare beneficiaries until Sassa could itself assume responsibility for grant payments.

However, the entity finds itself far from ready and has to reach for alternatives, with one option being to extend CPS’s contract for a limited period.

Sassa did not comment. – ANA