by Tawanda Chiweshe

The National Social Security Authority (NSSA) has reduced the numbers of staff working at its offices nationally in line with the lockdown measures, which came into effect on Tuesday this week. The move is set to see some of its beneficiaries and other stakeholders accessing payments mostly through electronic means.

 “The National Social Security Authority (NSSA) wishes to advise its valued members and other stakeholders that it has taken measures to decongest its work environment at all its offices by reducing the number of staff members reporting back for work, in compliance with the Public Health (COVID-19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) Regulations 2020,” the authority said in a media statement today.

The development means that the authority will not attend to walk in stakeholders. The only exception is the payment of funeral grants.

“The only services that shall be available at all NSSA offices is for payment of funeral grants where the deceased has not yet been buried. In cases where the deceased has been buried, payment will be done when normal business resumes, as guided by Public Health Regulations,” NSSA said in the statement.

The social security company assured pensioners and other beneficiaries that the payment of their benefits would not be affected.

“Benefits pay-outs will continue to be made on due dates and recipients are encouraged to access them via alternative means such as mobile money and bank cards. Pensioners are advised not to visit banks to withdraw cash as they constitute the most vulnerable group to COVID-19,” the authority said.