South African citizens that receive SASSA grants, will not be able to collect their money at their usual cash pay points from May 11. This includes the South African Post Office (SAPO) outlets.
According to press release sent out by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), this is due to challenges beyond their control, but the agency confirmed that they are in the process of implementing contingency measures to address these challenges.
“We will have both SASSA and SAPO staff present at all the cash pay points, and we are also assisting all clients to receive PINs, so that they can transact at the nearest retail outlets and bank ATMs. Furthermore, SASSA staff continue to assist affected beneficiaries to access services and ensuring that correct information is provided. We advise beneficiaries to no go to any post office branch to try to access the funds,” the statement read.
The agency reminded all beneficiaries that they can use their SASSA or SAPO card at any retail outlet or bank ATM where they can either withdraw the cash they require or use the card to purchase goods. Beneficiaries were also reminded that the balances left on the card are safe and can be accessed whenever required, meaning there is no need to withdraw all their cash at once.
“Beneficiaries of the R350 Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress grant are advised not to go to the post office to access the funds which have not yet been collected. We request that recipients who had selected to receive their money at SAPO branches to visit www.srd.sassa.gov.za and select an option to collect the grant from selected retail outlets. Beneficiaries who still have uncollected credit at SAPO/Postbank can also collect at these outlets,” the statement further stated.
The selected retail outlets include the following:
• Checkers
• Usave
• Shoprite
• Pick n Pay
• Boxer
When reporting to a merchants to access the funds, beneficiaries should have their ID and cellphone they registered their application on (to receive their OTP number).
The agency went on to encourage all applicants for the Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress grant to update their details on the system, to have their grant paid into their own personal bank account, as this is the safest way in which to receive the money.
In conclusion the agency assured all beneficiaries that they will continue to engage with communities and local leadership – traditional leaders and/or councillors – to inform clients of the options they have to access their funds.
“SASSA apologises to all clients for any inconvenience that this might have cause,” the statement ended.
Any queries should be directed to the SASSA call centre on 0800 60 10 11.
