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S. Africa to put govt. benefits on ATM cards

April 4, 2004

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PRETORIA, South Africa - About 400 000 people who earn unemployment and maternity benefits will no longer be required to queue at payout points to claim their benefits.

According to a report in the Pretoria Times, Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana over the April 2 weekend introduced an "instant bank account" for beneficiaries of the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) to access benefits through bank ATMs.

The new ATM/debit card replaces the old system of paying out UIF benefits by check, enabling beneficiaries to withdraw money at any ATM.

The UIF will deposit money into the beneficiaries' accounts.