The SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) has announced that applicants of the R350 SASSA SRD (social relief of distress) grant can now change their banking details or preferred payment method.
In the latest SASSA news, the Agency said on Thursday that 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,” SASSA said.
SASSA SRD banking details update
To enable applicants to perform a SASSA SRD banking details update, SASSA will open its online system for approved beneficiaries to update their payment method.
The Agency said, “This will be open from Monday 03 August to Sunday 09 August 2020, 24 hours a day. Approved beneficiaries of the COVID-19 social relief of distress grant can change their payment method by visiting https://srd.sassa.gov.za from 03 to 09 August, 2020.”
In recent weeks, there have been long queues at Post Offices around the country as beneficiaries try to collect their SASSA payments. Furthermore, there have been reports of funds running out in some cases.
SASSA requested beneficiaries not to visit Post Offices during the first seven days of the month because this period is reserved for payments of normal grants.
It also appealed to beneficiaries to wait for SMS confirmation that their funds are available for collection before going to the Post Office. The notifications are used to limit the number of people going to the Post Office on any given day.
srd.sassa.gov.za banking details update
SASSA reminded beneficiaries to make sure they capture their payment information correctly when performing their srd.sassa.gov.za banking details update. “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 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,” SASSA said.
Totsie Memela, CEO of SASSA, added, “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 cell phone which is registered to another person.”
Memela added that the fastest way of receiving the SASSA COVID grant is through 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,” she said.
Beneficiaries who do not provide the correct details between 3 and 9 August, 2020 will only receive their SASSA payments through the Post Office for the remaining months. “Responses to frequently asked questions about this relief grant can be found on the WhatsApp platform on 082 046 8553,” the Agency said.
To read the full statement on the SASSA website, click here. To read it on Facebook, click here.
SASSA status check / SRD status check online
Applicants can perform a SASSA status check or SRD status check online by visiting the following link: https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status. You will need to provide your ID number and the phone number you used to submit your application to check your SASSA grant status.
How to apply for R350 unemployment fund
Applications for R350 unemployment fund may be lodged electronically over and above any other available means. Applicants may apply using the following means:
- Sending a WhatsApp message to 082 046 8553;
- Using the following SSD or SMS line: *134*7737#
- Sending an email to srd@sassa.gov.za.
Applicants will receive notifications of payment in the same medium they used to apply. For instance, an applicant using WhatsApp will receive the notification on the same WhatsApp number he/she used to apply for the grant.
The following additional measures will apply:
- Payments will be made mainly through bank accounts of the applicants and through cash send measures through banks;
- The grant will be paid from the date of approval up to the end of October 2020, provided the qualifying criteria continue to be met;
- If applicants apply in June their payments will be from June and there will be no backpay.
- Applicants grant consent to SASSA to verify their residency, ID/permit details, sources of income and/or social security benefits. False applications could result in prosecutions.
SASSA SRD grant application: Eligibility
The grant is available to South African citizens, permanent residents or refugees registered on the Home Affairs system who are resident within the borders of the Republic of South Africa. In addition, applicants must be:
- Above the age of 18;
- Unemployed;
- Not receiving any income;
- Not receiving any social grant;
- Not receiving any unemployment insurance (UIF) benefit and does not qualify to receive unemployment insurance benefits;
- Not receiving a stipend from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme; and
- Not resident in a government funded or subsidised institution.
The following compulsory information is required from applicants:
- Identity Number/Department of Home Affairs permit;
- Name and surname as captured in the ID (and initials);
- Gender and disability;
- Banking details – bank name and account number;
- Contact details – cellphone number; and
- Proof of residential address.