SASSA and Postbank have announced that they will be phasing out physical cash payment points and in-branch social grants cash payments at Post Offices. This is part of a broader effort to enhance service quality for grant recipients.
The phase-out will begin in January 2024 and is expected to be completed by March 31st, 2024. At that point, all cash payment points and in-branch grants payments at Post Offices will be discontinued.
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Recipients using these services must now utilize their gold cards to access funds. This can be done at any retailer with point-of-sale capabilities or that offers cash back services. Funds can also still be withdrawn from ATMs, including Postbank ATMs, as well as at partner retailers such as Boxer, Pick n Pay, Spar, Shoprite, Usave and Checkers.
The decision to transition away from physical cash payments was first shared in 2018. Key factors driving this shift include rising cash-in-transit heists, poor conditions at some payment sites, and closure or capacity issues with many Post Office locations. By moving recipients to other digital payment channels, these challenges can be addressed.
As of December 2023, around 98% of SASSA beneficiaries were already utilizing other digital payment methods. Most recipients therefore will not be impacted by this phased transition. The goal is to guarantee continuity of payments and ongoing access through safe, secure, reliable and convenient channels for all recipients.
S-A-S-S-A and Postbank also emphasize that the gold cards will remain valid beyond December 2023, contrary to inaccurate rumors. This guarantees uninterrupted payment of social grants well into 2024. Their shared commitment is to ensure improved and consistent access to grant payments.
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