SASSA R350 grant Post Office

HAMMANSKRAAL, SOUTH AFRICA – JULY 06: People queue at South African Post Office at JubiIee Mall during adjusted lockdown level 4 on July 06, 2021 in Hammanskraal, South Africa. It is reported that the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) will remain open during adjusted level 4 and will operate with a reduced staff complement as per the Department of Public Service and Administration circular. (Photo by Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)

SASSA urges those without smartphones not to pick EFT payment

SASSA said it was inundated with complaints from beneficiaries who could not process the EFT payment method.

SASSA R350 grant Post Office

HAMMANSKRAAL, SOUTH AFRICA – JULY 06: People queue at South African Post Office at JubiIee Mall during adjusted lockdown level 4 on July 06, 2021 in Hammanskraal, South Africa. It is reported that the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) will remain open during adjusted level 4 and will operate with a reduced staff complement as per the Department of Public Service and Administration circular. (Photo by Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) said one of its provincial offices has received multiple complaints from beneficiaries that cannot process the EFT payment method.

The Agency said the EFT payment method requires an internet-connected smartphone and encouraged applicants and beneficiaries without such a device not to select the option.

SASSA URGES RECIPIENTS NOT TO SELECT EFT OPTION

SASSA said its Mpumalanga Customer Care Unit has been inundated with complaints. The Agency discovered that all beneficiaries who said they cannot process the EFT payment had a mobile phone with “little to no computing or internet capacity.”

“The Agency is putting a caution to beneficiaries to choose a suitable method of payment to avoid any inconvenience,” said SASSA.

“Normal social grants”, including pension, disability and child grants, can still be collected from Post Office branches.

SASSA R350 grant Post Office
HAMMANSKRAAL, SOUTH AFRICA – JULY 06: People queue at South African Post Office at JubiIee Mall during adjusted lockdown level 4 on July 06, 2021 in Hammanskraal, South Africa. It is reported that the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) will remain open during adjusted level 4 and will operate with a reduced staff complement as per the Department of Public Service and Administration circular. (Photo by Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)

The R350 SRD grant can no longer be picked up at post offices. Alternative payment methods include having the money deposited directly into bank accounts or it can be collected from retailers like Shoprite and Boxer.

READ: October SASSA payments: Here’s when you can collect your grant

The Agency also urged grant beneficiaries to update their personal information – cellphone numbers, financial accounts, etc – if there are any changes. This will help ensure that payment goes to the right recipient.

“SASSA is urging beneficiaries to avoid asking for assistance from strangers when updating their personal information. The strangers can use the beneficiary’s personal details for their fraudulent activities,” said Mpumalanga spokesperson, Senzeni Ngubeni.

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