Sassa introduces payment method changes for Covid-19 social relief of distress grant
Approved beneficiaries of the grant can change their payment method from today, Monday, August 3 to Sunday, August 9.
Beneficiaries of the Sassa Covid-19 social relief of distress grant will now be able to receive their grants through an outlet convenient to them.
They can either receive their grant at the Post Office or in a bank account of their choice. They also have the flexibility to move from one bank to another.
To achieve this, Sassa is opening its system for approved citizens to update the channel with their preferred payment method.
It will be open from today, Monday, August 3 to 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
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This development is in response to the challenges some beneficiaries have experienced in trying to access their special relief grant from Post Offices due to long queues and funds running out at times.
Beneficiaries of the Covid-19 social relief of distress grant 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 an SMS notification that say 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.
When updating their information, beneficiaries should ensure it is captured correctly – if choosing a bank account, ensure that the account is in your name.
Also ensure 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 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 to a cellphone which is registered to another person,” said Sassa CEO, Totsie Memela.
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 on the market – some of which can be opened online.
Anyone 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 via the Post Office.
Responses to frequently asked questions about this relief grant can be found on the WhatsApp platform 082 046 8553.
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