The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has announced new options for beneficiaries to receive their social grants, providing more flexibility and convenience beyond the traditional Postbank channel. These alternatives aim to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of grant payments for recipients across the country.
Personal Bank Account or New Account: Beneficiaries now have the choice of using their existing personal bank accounts or opening a new account with a bank of their choice. If a beneficiary does not have an existing bank account, they can take advantage of this opportunity to set up one. To make the switch, individuals are required to provide their 13-digit identity document and official proof from the bank confirming that the account is registered in their name. Additionally, a consent form provided by SASSA must be completed, indicating the beneficiary’s preference to have their social grant funds deposited into their personal bank account. It is crucial for this form to include up-to-date and active contact details in case SASSA needs to communicate with the beneficiary.
Transfer of Funds: Beneficiaries who opt for this alternative method should be aware that any remaining funds on their previous grant card need to be withdrawn. Only the grant payment for the upcoming month will be credited to the new bank account. It is advisable for beneficiaries not to destroy their old grant card until the funds have been successfully transferred to the new account.
Provincial Transfers: For beneficiaries requesting a change of payment method from another province, it is important to note that this process necessitates the transfer of their details from one province to another. This transfer may introduce some delays, so beneficiaries are encouraged to be patient throughout the process. Beneficiaries are also reminded to ensure that their contact details are accurate, especially if their initial grant application was not made at Gauteng offices.
October Payment and Grant Increases: SASSA has announced the payment dates for October 2023. Old Age Grants will be paid on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, followed by Disability Grants on Wednesday, October 4, 2023. Children’s grants will be disbursed starting from Thursday, October 5, 2023. Furthermore, there will be increases in social grant amounts for the month of October:
- Older Persons Grant: Recipients between 60 and 74 years old will receive an increased grant of R2090, while those over 75 years old will receive R2110.
- Disability Grant: This grant will increase from R2080 to R2090.
- Child Support Grant: The grant amount will rise from R500 to R510.
- Child Support Grant Top-Up: This grant will remain at R250 with no increase.
- Foster Child Grant: An increase from R1120 to R1130.
- Care Dependency Grant: This grant will increase from R2080 to R2090.
- War Veterans Grant: An increase from R2100 to R2110.
- Grant-In-Aid: The Grant-In-Aid will increase from R500 to R510.
Apology and Commitment to Improvement: SASSA has extended its apologies for any inconvenience experienced during previous payment cycles and is actively working to enhance its services for the benefit of South African communities.
These new payment alternatives offer beneficiaries greater control and convenience in managing their social grants, contributing to a more streamlined and accessible system for all recipients.
