SASSA opens window for payment method change
From Monday, 31 August to Sunday, 6 September beneficiaries can change from receiving their grants at the post office to receiving them through their personal bank accounts.
SASSA will once again open its system for approved applicants to change their preferred method of payment for the special Covid-19 SRD grant.
The window period is scheduled for Monday, 31 August to Sunday, 6 September, 24 hours a day.
During this period, beneficiaries can change from receiving their grants at the post office to receiving them through their personal bank accounts.
They may also change from one bank to another if they prefer to. Approved beneficiaries of the grant can change their payment method by SASSA’s website.
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This development is an effort to address challenges some beneficiaries have experienced in trying to access their special relief grant from post offices.
It is important for beneficiaries to understand that they should not go to the post office before they have received the SMS notification that says funds are available.
The SMS notification is used to limit the numbers of people reporting to a post office on a particular day and also to ensure that sufficient cash is available.
“When choosing a bank account, ensure that the account is in your name (SASSA cannot pay money for one person into the account held by another) and that the bank account is not closed. The payment process is delayed if money is sent to a closed account, as SASSA has to wait for the funds to be returned before sending it to the post office for collection,” said SASSA CEO Totsie Memela. Memela said clients who update their details are advised to ensure that their information is captured correctly to avoid any further delays.
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The payment of the Covid-19 grant is quicker if paid into a bank account.
Applicants without bank accounts are thus encouraged to open a bank account.
Responses to frequently asked questions about this relief grant can be found on the WhatsApp platform on 082 046 8553.
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