Vryheid KZN – SASSA looks to cut long queues by changing grant payment method of the R350 relief

SASSA R350 grant beneficiaries may soon not be spending long hours in queues waiting for their payments, as the department is now reviewing an alternative payment method.
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) announced that it will open its system for approved applicants to change their preferred method of payment for the special Covid-19 grant.
According to a statement from SASSA, this development is an effort to address the challenges some beneficiaries have been experiencing in trying to access their special grant relief from the post office.
The window period is scheduled for August 31 to September 6, 24 hours a day. During this period, beneficiaries can change from receiving their grants at the post office to receiving them through their personal banking accounts. They may also change from one bank to another if they want to.
SASSA emphasised that it is important for beneficiaries not to go to the post office before they have received an SMS notification that says funds are available.
“When choosing a bank account, ensure that the account is in your name, as SASSA cannot pay money for one person into an account held by another person. Also make sure 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 the money to the post office for collection,” said SASSA CEO Totsie Memela.
SASSA also announced that those who opt to receive their special Covid-19 grant through a cash transfer will get their August payment through this preferred method.

Also read: Complaints after SASSA declines applications for Covid-19 grant

However, beneficiaries need to ensure that the cell-phone number provided to SASSA was registered under the beneficiary’s name and not the names of relatives or neighbours. SASSA also indicated that it is mandatory that the cell-phone number provided has gone through the RICA process in order for payment to be done through it.
Approved beneficiaries can change their payment method by visiting https://srd.sassa.gov.za during the window period. Those who do not update their information during this period or who provides incorrect banking details will have the payments for the remaining months sent through to the post office.
Responses to frequently-asked questions about the relief grant can be found on the WhatsApp platform on 082-046-8553.
SASSA has indicated that the payment of this grant is quicker if paid into a bank account and that applicants without bank accounts are encouraged to open one.

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