Closure of Cash Pay Points for SASSA Grants. Sassa, in collaboration with Postbank, has announced a significant change in the distribution of social grants at Post Offices. The transition involves the discontinuation of cash payments at Post Offices, affecting beneficiaries and prompting the closure of cash payment points (CPPs).
Timeline for Closure
The South African Social Security Agency outlined a phased approach to cease physical cash payment points, beginning in January and concluding by the end of March 2024. The move is expected to impact less than 2% of Sassa social grant recipients.
Impact on Post Office Services
While cash services will no longer be available, Post Offices will continue to offer non-cash services, including card reissues, PIN resets, and statement printing. This adjustment is part of a broader effort to adapt to changing financial landscapes.
Closure Schedule Across Provinces
Sassa has provided a detailed schedule for the closure of 870 cash pay points across South Africa, with varying numbers per province:
- Eastern Cape: 277
- Free State: 26
- Western Cape: 0
- Gauteng: 6
- Northern Cape: 13
- North West: 96
- Limpopo: 216
- Mpumalanga: 53
- Kwazulu-Natal: 183
Reasons Behind the Changes
The decision to discontinue cash payments at Post Offices is attributed to the financial struggles of the Post Office, which reported a significant loss of R6 billion over the past three years. The closure of loss-making branches and employee retrenchment are part of a broader business rescue plan, seeking a government bailout of R3.8 billion.
Alternative Methods for Sassa Grant Withdrawals
Despite the closure of cash pay points at Post Offices, Sassa grant beneficiaries can still withdraw cash using their Sassa gold cards. Alternatives include ATMs and various retail stores such as Boxer, Pick N Pay, Spar, Shoprite, Usave, and Checkers.
Sassa Gold Card Validity
Contrary to concerns about the expiration of Sassa gold cards, an extension has been announced, and these cards will not expire on December 31, 2023. Beneficiaries with expiring cards can continue using them for grant payments. Sassa and Postbank will communicate replacement dates for expired cards in the future.
Conclusion
The shift away from cash payments at Post Offices necessitates an adjustment for Sassa grant beneficiaries, who can still access their funds through alternative means outlined by Sassa and Postbank. The extension of Sassa gold card validity provides reassurance to beneficiaries during this transition. Ongoing communication from Sassa and Postbank will guide clients through any necessary changes in payment methods.
