SASSA unclaimed grants paid back after grace period

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is the governmental department responsible for paying and administrating social grants.

Social grants like the R350-SRD grant, Pensioners (Older Persons) grant, Disability grant, and Childcare grants are paid through this agency.

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If you are a grant recipient, you can claim your SASSA grant from approved retailers like Spar, PnP or Boxer Stores. Grants can also be paid directly into bank accounts, for recipients who have their details listed.

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But what happens to unclaimed grants?

Here’s what to know about unclaimed social grants, and how long you have to collect or redeem your social grants.

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SASSA UNCLAIMED GRANTS PAID BACK AFTER GRACE PERIOD

If you receive a social grant and didn’t apply with your bank account details, it means that you will have to collect your grant manually from a retailer or regional office.

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Once a social grant has been approved, the recipient can collect their grant using their ID and cellphone number.

Uncollected (but approved) grants can accumulate for several months, but there’s a point where the wait has been too long.

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If your SASSA grant stays unclaimed for a long period of time, the social grant will get paid back into the social services system. Unclaimed grants work almost like unclaimed lottery jackpots – and they can go back into the pool if you do not claim them in time.

SASSA AND GRANT PAYMENTS

Unclaimed social grant payments are paid back, after which applicants have to apply again if their grant has been rejected.

If you receive a social grant, make sure that you are able to claim your money close to the payment date. Payment dates are important, and keep the system functioning.

If you are unable to collect your grant, contact SASSA to ask for assistance or further help.

For many of South Africa’s social grant recipients, getting the grant paid into your bank account could be the easier option.

CONTACT THE SOCIAL GRANT AGENCY

All information about social grants and applying for one can be found through the official website for the grant agency.

It you want to know anything more about social grants or payments, it’s also possible to contact them directly via email at Grant.Enquiries@sassa.gov.za.