Cash Send makes getting your SASSA grant much easier, especially if you don’t have a bank account. With Cash Send, you receive an SMS with a voucher number that you can use at participating retailers like Pick n Pay, Boxer, Shoprite, and Checkers to collect your grant in cash. This payment method works perfectly for the R370 grant (previously R350) and other SASSA grants.
What is SASSA Cash Send Payment Method
Cash Send is a service where SASSA transfers your grant to a participating bank, and you receive an SMS with a reference number and instructions on how to withdraw your cash at an ATM or retail store. You don’t need any bank account to use this method. The method involves receiving a unique code via SMS, allowing you to withdraw the funds from participating retailers like Pick n Pay, Boxer, Shoprite, Checkers, and Usave.
This method helps many South Africans who live far from banks or don’t have bank accounts. You simply wait for the SMS notification and visit your nearest participating store to collect your money.
Cash Send Requirements Before Changing Payment Method
Before you can change your SASSA payment method to Cash Send, you need these basic things:
- Valid South African ID document
- Active cell phone number registered in your name
- Your phone must have gone through the RICA process
- Current SASSA grant application that’s approved
The cell phone number must be registered to your name as this is how SASSA verifies that the grant money is going to the correct beneficiary. If your phone is registered under someone else’s name, you cannot use Cash Send.
How to Change SASSA Payment Method to Cash Send Online
Changing your payment method online is the fastest way. Here’s exactly what you need to do:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to https://srd.sassa.gov.za on your phone or computer. Look for the section labeled “Change Banking Details” or something similar.
- Enter Your Details: Access srd.sassa.gov.za, enter your ID number. You’ll need to use the same ID number you used when applying for your grant.
- Get SMS Verification: SASSA will send a unique SMS containing a secure link to the phone number you registered with during application. Check your messages and click on this link.
- Select Cash Send Option: On the secure page, you will see options for updating your payment method. Select Cash Send as your new payment option. Visit the SASSA SRD site, select “e-wallet” or “Cash Send,” and complete the process with your RICA-registered phone number.
- Submit Your Request: After selecting Cash Send, submit the form to confirm the change. Use the “Change Banking Details” option on srd.sassa.gov.za and verify via the SMS link sent to you.
Change Payment Method at SASSA Office
If you prefer visiting an office, you can also change your payment method in person:
When you visit the SASSA office then say to SASSA staff that you want to change the payment method. The SASSA staff will give you a form to change the SASSA R350 payment method to cash-send.
You need to bring these documents:
- Your South African ID book or smart card
- Proof of your current phone number
- Any SASSA correspondence you received
You need to fill out the form with all the real details and select your payment method. After submitting the form the next payment is on that which you have chosen for payment.
How Cash Send Payment Works
Once you’ve successfully changed to Cash Send, here’s what happens each payment month:
SMS Notification: On your payment date, you will receive an SMS notification with a voucher number. Once your grant is approved, you’ll receive an SMS with a voucher code or PIN.
Visit Collection Point: Visit your nearest participating retailer with your ID, cell phone, and voucher number to collect your R350 grant in cash. Visit an ATM that supports instant money transfers or a retail store that participates in the Cash Send service.
Get Your Money: Enter your voucher code or PIN: Follow the prompts on the ATM or at the cashier’s till to enter your unique code, and you’ll receive your cash instantly.
Where to Collect Your Cash Send Payment
You can collect your SASSA grant using Cash Send at these places:
Retail Stores
- Pick n Pay, Boxer, Shoprite, Checkers, and USave
- Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, Boxer stores across the country
- Selected OK Foods supermarkets
Banks and ATMs
- ABSA branches using OTP verification
- FNB E-Wallet and Standard Bank
- Selected ATMs using the Cash Send voucher code you receive via SMS
Most stores in this chain across the country participate in the program, so you should easily find a collection point near you.
Processing Time for Payment Method Changes
It takes about 24-48 hours to successfully change your SASSA payment method to cash-send. However, normally it takes 5 to 7 working days the process account changes and verify new bank details.
The change will only affect your next payment cycle. Changes submitted after mid-month will only take effect the following payment cycle. Submit your change request before the 15th of each month to ensure it processes for the next payment.
Cash Send vs Other SASSA Payment Methods
| Payment Method | Requirements | Collection Points | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash Send | Phone number only | Retail stores, ATMs | 24-48 hours |
| Bank Account | Bank account in your name | Any ATM, online banking | 5-7 days |
| Post Office | ID document | SAPO branches | Immediate |
| Retail Collection | ID document | Specific partner stores | Immediate |
Cash Send: If you want to collect your SASSA payment without using any bank account, Cash Send will be the best option for you. Another benefit of this method is that you can select your location accordingly for payment picks like a pharmacy or supermarket.
Benefits of Using Cash Send for SASSA Payments
- No Bank Account Needed: You can access your money without ever stepping foot in a bank. This helps people who struggle to open bank accounts.
- Convenient Locations: With ATMs and retail stores across the country, it’s easy to find a nearby collection point. Retailers generally have longer operating hours compared to banks or Post Offices, giving you more flexibility to collect your grant.
- Instant Access: Once the grant is processed, you can withdraw your funds immediately. You don’t wait for bank processing delays.
- Safe and Secure: Double-check that the phone number you provided for Cash Send payments is registered in your name to avoid any issues with the payment process. SASSA uses your registered phone number to verify payments.
Common Problems with Cash Send and Solutions
- SMS Not Received: If you don’t get your Cash Send SMS, check that your phone number is still active and registered in your name. Contact SASSA on 0800 60 10 11 if the problem continues.
- Voucher Code Not Working: Make sure you’re using the voucher code at a participating retailer. Present your voucher code and ID: At the till, show your voucher code or PIN and your ID for verification.
- Wrong Phone Number: SASSA cannot transfer funds to a mobile phone number registered to someone else. You must update your phone number through the SRD website if it has changed.
- Payment Delays: The process may take a few days as SASSA updates its system and verifies your new payment method. Be patient during your first Cash Send payment.
SASSA Payment Dates for Cash Send
SASSA payments begin around the 1st of each month. Regarding the dates for the SRD R370 grant, they are random, and most people get their grants after the 2nd week of each month.
Your specific payment date depends on your ID number and SASSA’s processing schedule. Each SASSA grant beneficiary receives a payment on a different date. You can check your payment status by calling 0800 60 10 11 or visiting https://srd.sassa.gov.za.
Important Safety Tips for Cash Send
Protect Your Voucher Code: Avoid sharing your SMS codes or voucher numbers with others, and try to collect your grant during daylight hours for added safety. Never give your voucher number to anyone else.
Verify Collection Points: Before you go for this method, first make sure to your nearest Pick N Pay store whether they offer SASSA payment withdrawal or not. Keep in mind there are many such stores that don’t accept payments from SASSA.
Keep Your ID Safe: Always bring your ID document when collecting your Cash Send payment. Stores need to verify your identity before giving you money.
Check Your Phone: Make sure your phone stays charged and has airtime to receive SMS notifications from SASSA.
Quick Steps to Start Using Cash Send
Getting your SASSA payments through Cash Send is simple when you follow these steps:
- Make sure your phone number is registered in your name and RICA compliant
- Visit https://srd.sassa.gov.za and enter your ID number
- Click the SMS link SASSA sends you
- Select Cash Send as your payment method
- Wait for confirmation SMS from SASSA
- Collect your payment using the voucher code at participating stores
FAQs About Change SASSA Payment Method To Cash Send
Can I change back to bank payments after using Cash Send?
Yes, you can change your payment from bank deposit back to post office or any other payment method. Visit srd.sassa.gov.za to change your banking details again.
Do I pay fees for Cash Send?
Withdrawal fees could be more than using other options. Some retailers and banks charge small fees for Cash Send withdrawals. Ask about fees before collecting your money.
What if my Cash Send payment fails verification?
If your bank details don’t get verified. Then your application will be rejected. And you need to reapply with real information. Make sure all your details are correct when changing to Cash Send.
Can I use Cash Send for all SASSA grants?
Cash Send works for the SRD R370 grant and some other grants. People have enquired whether this cash send option is available for SRD food vouchers. Sassa explained that it is not yet available, however, this option is being explored.
How long does Cash Send voucher stay valid?
Collect your money as soon as possible after receiving the SMS. Most vouchers expire within a few days if not used.
What happens if I lose my phone?
Contact SASSA immediately to update your phone number. You cannot receive Cash Send payments without access to your registered phone number.
Can someone else collect my Cash Send for me?
No, you must collect your own Cash Send payment. The system verifies your ID and phone number to prevent fraud.
Is Cash Send available everywhere in South Africa?
Cash Send is also the least used method, but it’s available at major retail chains across the country. Rural areas may have fewer collection points than cities.
Conclusion
Cash Send gives you more control over when and where you collect your SASSA grant. This method also requires you to first ask the Boxer Store whether they provide SASSA payment withdrawal service or not before visiting any collection point. Always confirm that your chosen retailer accepts SASSA Cash Send before making the trip.
