The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) disburses the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant to eligible South Africans.
This R350 grant provides temporary financial support to those struggling financially.
Once approved for the grant, recipients have several options for collecting their funds, including visiting a Sapo branch (South African Post Office).
Who can collect their SASSA SRD grant at a Sapo branch?
Unless you’ve specifically chosen a Pick n Pay or Boxer store for collection (based on an SMS notification from SASSA), you can visit any Sapo branch to collect your R350 grant.
This applies if you:
- Don’t have a bank account.
- Opted for cash collection during the SASSA application process.
- Haven’t received an SMS indicating a specific Pick n Pay or Boxer collection point.
Always ensure you have the necessary documentation with you when visiting a Sapo branch to collect your grant.
This includes your South African ID document and any collection notification you may have received from SASSA.
How to find your nearest Sapo branch?
The South African Post Office has a convenient branch locator tool on their website.
Here’s how to find your closest Sapo branch:
- Visit the Sapo website: https://www.postoffice.co.za/
- Enter your postal code or suburb in the search bar.
- Click on “Search.”
- The results page will display a list of Sapo branches near you, including their addresses and contact details.
Alternatively, you can call the Sapo customer care line at 0860 11 22 11 to inquire about the nearest branch.
What are Sapo’s operating hours for SASSA grant collection?
Sapo branches generally operate from Mondays to Fridays between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
However, some branches may have extended or shortened hours on Saturdays.
It’s advisable to check the specific operating hours of your chosen Sapo branch using the branch locator tool or by calling their contact number.
Remember that the operating hours can change, so it’s always best to confirm before your visit to avoid any inconvenience.
Are there any fees involved in collecting my SASSA grant at Sapo?
Fortunately, there are no additional fees charged by Sapo for collecting your SASSA grant.
The South African Social Security Agency covers the disbursement costs.
What happens if my Sapo branch is closed?
While uncommon, unforeseen circumstances can sometimes lead to Sapo branch closures.
If you arrive at your chosen branch and find it closed, don’t worry. Here are your options:
- Visit an alternative Sapo branch: Use the branch locator tool or call the SASSA customer care line (0860 435 777) to find another operational Sapo branch near you.
- Check for updates: There might be temporary closure notices displayed at the branch with information on alternative collection points or rescheduled collection dates.
Can someone else collect my SASSA grant on my behalf?
Yes, under certain circumstances, someone else can collect your SASSA grant on your behalf.
However, they will need the following:
- A completed SASSA SRD Grant Collection Affidavit (downloadable from the SASSA website).
- Your South African ID document (original).
- Their own South African ID document (original).
- A signed authorization letter from you, clearly stating their permission to collect the grant on your behalf.
It’s important that you only entrust someone you trust completely with the responsibility of collecting your SASSA grant.