Earlier this week, news that SASSA cash payments in 2024 would be phased out by April, left grant recipients up in arms. Administered by the South Africa Social Security Agency (SASSA), many in remote areas have no other way to receive their monthly stipend but for cash-payment points.
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In an attempt to defend its phasing out of SASSA cash payments in 2024, the Social Security Agency told Parliament that, according to their records, only 142 000 people make use of cash payment points. While another 123 000 collect their monthly grants from Post Office branches directly, reports GroundUp.
END OF SASSA CASH PAYMENTS IN 2024
This leaves 98% of grant recipients who have already transitioned to National Payment System channels, says Postbank. Amidst a tough year for the Post Office as it fumbles its way through business rescue and thousands of anticipated job losses in 2024, what are more than a quarter of a million South Africans to do?
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SASSA has prioritised payments into recipients’ personal bank accounts or SASSA Gold/Postbank accounts. Accordingly, social grant beneficiaries can now use their SASSA Gold/Postbank cards at any place that accepts a bank card, says Postbank.
WHAT’S THE REASON?
The ceasing of SASSA cash payments in 2024 is due to a lack of capacity at payment points, as well as escalating cash-in-transit heists, says SASSA. Criminals in rural areas are aware of the monthly payment dates and a lack of manpower and security at South Africa Post Office branches.
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Activist organisation, Black Sash, says grant recipients in rural areas need to be better accommodated by SASSA. There issue is the transport costs to get to the nearest ATM or retail shop to receive their monthly grant.
‘DEVASTATING EFFECT’
“The impact on grant beneficiaries will be devastating, especially those in rural areas who will now need to find alternative means to access their grants. Most are likely to open commercial bank accounts, but the challenge remains travel costs as many are nowhere near commercial centres,” said Evashnee Naidoo, Black Sash Regional Manager for KwaZulu-Natal in the GroundUp story.
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Nevertheless, if you’re a SASSA grant beneficiary who needs to switch from Postbank to another commercial account, here’s what you can do:
- Make sure the personal bank account you want your SASSA grant paid into is in your NAME.
- Download the Consent Form for Bank Payment HERE.
- Complete in full and sign and date it at the bottom.
- Go to a SASSA branch with your completed form, proof of identity (ID document/birth certificate/driver’s license).
- You will also need a proof of bank account in your NAME. This can be a three-month’s bank statement certified by your bank.
- Once accepted, your next SASSA grant payment will be paid into your bank account.
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Will you be affected by the end of SASSA cash payments in 2024? Be sure to share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below. And don’t forget to follow us @TheSANews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest updates.
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