SASSA has presented the beneficiaries of the COVID-19 grant with an opportunity to receive their grants at their chosen and convenient outlets.
Beneficiaries can now change from one payment method to another.
They can change from receiving their grant at the Post Office to a bank account of their choice or vice versa.
They also have the flexibility to move from one bank to another.
In order to achieve this, SASSA is opening its system for approved citizens to update the channel through which payment should be made.
This opened from Monday until Sunday, August 9, 24 hours a day. Approved beneficiaries of the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress grant can change their payment method by visiting www.srd.sassa.gov.za.
This development is a response to the challenges beneficiaries have experienced in trying to access their special relief grant from Post Offices.
The challenges reported include long queues and funds running out at times. Beneficiaries end up having to be sent home empty handed. Beneficiaries of the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress are requested not to visit the Post Office during the first seven days of the month, as that week is reserved for payment of the normal grants.
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.
The appeal is for everyone who does update the details to ensure that their information is captured correctly – if 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 will be 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.
“If choosing a money transfer option, please ensure that the cellphone number provided is correct and is registered in your name. Just like with a bank account, SASSA cannot pay the grant into a cellphone which is registered to another person,” said Totsie Memela, SASSA CEO.
“We are a listening government and these changes emanate from beneficiaries who appealed to us to provide them this flexibility and we duly obliged.”
The payment of the special grants is quicker if paid into a bank account.
Citizens without bank accounts are thus encouraged to open an account.
There are many entry level, inexpensive options in the market – some of which can be opened online.
“Please help SASSA to help you access the money to which you are entitled without delay by ensuring that your details are correct, the payment channel most convenient to you is selected and that the information provided is accurate,” Memela said.
Any citizen who does not update their information during this window 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 grant can be found on the WhatsApp platform on 082 046 8553.
