New SASSA payment method for Covid-19 grant

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is now presenting the beneficiaries of Covid-19 grants with an opportunity to receive their grants at “chosen and convenient outlets”.

Beneficiaries can now change from receiving their grant at the post office to a bank account of their choice, or vice versa, and they have the flexibility to move from one bank to another.

According to SASSA provincial spokesperson Sandy Godlwana, the agency is opening its system for approved applicants to update the channel through which payment should be made. The new system will be open from August 3 to 9, 24 hours a day.

“This development is a response to the challenges some beneficiaries have experienced in trying to access their special relief grant from post offices. The challenges reported include long queues and the fact that funds run out at times. Beneficiaries end up having to be sent home empty-handed.

“Beneficiaries of Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress grants are requested not to visit post offices during the first seven days of the month, as that week is reserved for payment of ‘normal’ grants.

“It is important for beneficiaries to understand that they should not go to the post office before they have received an SMS notification that says funds are available. The SMS notification is used to limit the number of people reporting to a post office on a particular day, and also to ensure that sufficient cash is available.”

Approved applicants of the Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress grant can change their payment method by visiting www.srd.sassa.gov.za from August 3 to 9.

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“If choosing a money transfer option, please ensure that the cell-phone number provided is correct and is registered in your name. Just like with a bank account, SASSA cannot pay the grant into a cell-phone which is registered to another person,” said SASSA CEO Totsie Memela.

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