Millions of people no longer need to endure long queues at their local post office to receive their R350 social relief of distress (SRD) Sassa grant.

Instead, they can now collect this grant from any Pick n Pay, Boxer, Shoprite, Checkers or USave.

This comes as post offices will no longer pay out any SRD grants.

Only Sassa beneficiaries who receive old age, disability or child grants can still collect their grants from any post office.

“The application website now includes an option where beneficiaries can receive their grant from any merchant,” said SA Post Office spokesperson Johan Kruger.

“We strongly advise beneficiaries to include this option.”

He said recipients who had already reapplied for the grant could still select the option to collect it from any Pick n Pay, Boxer, Shoprite, Checkers or USave.

Recipients were requested to log on to srd.sassa.gov.za and respond to the security SMS received on the mobile device used.

“You can then include merchants in your application and submit the updated application.”

Kruger said the grant recipients must have their own cell number to withdraw their grant at supermarkets.

“If you do not have your own number, it is best to get your own SIM card and use that number to apply for your grant. You can also change your cell number on the website.

“Beneficiaries will be assisted to reset card PINs at the cash pay-points. The card can then be used at ATMs.”

This move comes because some post office branches did not have sufficient cash to distribute to recipients.

“For beneficiaries who use the gold Sassa card issued by Postbank, withdrawals at a supermarket are free of any commission.

Kruger said the gold card could still be used at all ATMs in South Africa.

The bank owning the ATM would, however, levy a fee.