Some beneficiaries of SASSA’s R350 social relief of distress (SRD) grant can now collect their funds at Pick n Pay and Boxer stores countrywide.
This is according to the SA Post Office (SAPO), which announced that the new service started on Wednesday, 22 September 2021.
“Pick n Pay and Boxer are proud to assist grant beneficiaries access their funds more conveniently and safely, ensuring they receive much-needed relief quicker than before,” Pick n Pay’s Head of Omnichannel, John Bradshaw, said.
SMS confirmation
It is important to note that this new option is only available for applicants who have received an SMS from SASSA confirming that their pay point is either Pick n Pay or Boxer.
Furthermore, the Pick n Pay collection points do not include BP Pick n Pay Express, Pick n Pay Clothing and Pick n Pay Liquor stores.
SAPO also emphasised that neither Pick n Pay nor Boxer manages the application and approval of SRD grants, or when and where collections can be made. This is the responsibility of SASSA and SAPO.
The Post Office welcomed the new service, saying it will ease pressure on its branches. SAPO has been implementing a payment dates system based on applicants’ last three ID number digits.
How to get SRD grant at Pick n Pay or Boxer
Below is the process of getting your SRD grant at either Pick n Pay or Boxer stores:
- First, you will receive an SMS from SASSA confirming your successful application.
- You will then receive an SMS from SASSA confirming the collection point and date.
- You must take your ID and physical cellphone along to the store when collecting your grant.
- At the store, enter your ID number and the registered SASSA cellphone number at the till point to confirm that the funds are available for collection.
- Next, you will receive a USSD message, which you must approve on your cell phone before the cash is handed over.
SAPO said beneficiaries will never be asked to enter personal information on their cellphones or to click on a link when collecting their grants.
For those who will continue receiving their funds at the Post Office, SAPO advised, “Avoid disappointment and visit your Post Office only AFTER you have received an SMS telling you [that] your grant is ready.”
Furthermore, SASSA announced last week that applicants can change or update their payment method on any day of the month, as opposed to the previous restriction of only the first 10 days of the month.
“Beneficiaries of the COVID-19 SRD grant are encouraged to use their bank accounts to receive this grant to avoid crowding at the post offices,” the Agency said.