SASSA and Postbank announced a change to Grant Cash Payments

 

Recently, SASSA and Postbank announced that grant physical cash pay points (CPP’s), as well as cash payment points within Post Offices will be gradually phased out. This decision was made as part of a broader strategy to enhance the quality of cash withdrawal services for grant holders.
 

When will cash payments be phased out?

The phasing-out of cash payments will happen gradually, beginning in January 2024. It is anticipated that by 31 March 2024, all cash payment points and Post Office branch grant payments will cease to exist.

SASSA and Postbank have made the decision to implement the transition gradually so that many will have time to adapt to the new changes.
 

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Why are grant cash payments being removed from Post Offices?

The decision to remove cash payment points was made in 2018 to improve customer experience. There are a number of unfavorable conditions grant recipients face when withdrawing their funds from these facilities, from cash-in-transit heists, unfavorable conditions at the CPP locations, and the Post Office facing closure/ capacity difficulties. Through this, SASSA and Postbank hope to introduce its beneficiaries to other National Payment Systems (NPS) access channels, allowing them to be proactive in solving these issues.

To date, more than 90% of SASSA beneficiaries utilize a number of NPS channels, accessing their grants safely. The aim of utilizing NPS is to ensure grant recipients receive continuous payments, and are paid efficiently, securely, safely, reliably, and conveniently.
 

Once the change has taken place, will SASSA grant recipients still be able to use their Gold Card?

Current SASSA grant recipient Gold Card holders can use their card at any place that accepts a bank card. This includes:

  • Visiting any retail store which utilizes a point of sales to swipe for products
  • Visiting an retail store that allows for cash back withdraws
  • Utilizing the existing Postbank cash withdraw facilities in the form of any bank ATM
  • Visiting any of Postbank’s partner retailers: Boxer, Checkers, Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Spar, Usave

 

Will Gold Cards expire?

SASSA and Postbank has assured its clients that Gold Cards will not expire and remain valid beyond December 2023, well into 2024. Although there are many rumors about the extinction of these cards, grant recipients are assured that they will still be able to complete social grant payments on the card, until further notice.

This further emphasizes SASSA and Postbank’s commitment to ensure that grant recipients continue to receive uninterrupted and improved access to services.