What to Do After Your SASSA Grant Is Approved?

If your SASSA status shows “approved,” congratulations! But what happens next?

Knowing the exact steps to access your grant money, secure your details, and avoid common pitfalls is essential for all newly approved grant recipients in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through the process with clarity, offering expert tips and ensuring you’re financially informed.

Understanding Your SASSA Grant Approval

Once your application for a SASSA social relief grant (like the SRD R350, child support, or older person’s grant) is approved, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) marks your status as “approved” on their online portal.

What this means:

• Your grant application has been verified and accepted.
• You are now eligible to receive monthly payments.
• You still need to complete a few steps to get the funds in your hands.

Step 1: Check Your Payment Date and Method

After your status changes to approved, the next most important detail is your payment date. This determines when the money will reflect in your chosen account or cash collection point.

How to Check Your Payment Date:

1. Visit the SASSA SRD website.
2. Enter your ID number and mobile number.
3. View your grant dashboard and check the approved months.
4. Look for the “Pay Day” next to each approved month.

Common Payment Methods:

• Bank Transfer (most preferred)
• Pick n Pay / Boxer Stores
• Post Office branches
• Shoprite / Checkers / Usave / OK stores

If you selected cash collection but now have a bank account, update your payment method online to avoid long queues and delays.

Step 2: Set Up or Verify Your Bank Account Details

Receiving your SASSA grant via bank transfer is the fastest and safest method.

How to Submit or Update Your Banking Details:

1. Go to the SASSA banking details update page.
2. Enter your ID number.
3. You will receive an SMS with a unique link.
4. Click the link and enter your preferred bank details.
5. Wait for verification, which may take up to 7 days.

Important: The bank account must be in your name. SASSA will not pay into someone else’s account.

Step 3: Know Where and How to Collect If Using Cash Pickup

If you opted for cash collection, ensure you know the following:

Required Documents:

• South African ID Book/Card
• Mobile phone with the registered number
• SMS from SASSA confirming payment

Retail Partners:

• Pick n Pay
• Boxer
• Shoprite
• Checkers
• Usave
• OK Stores

Ask for the SASSA counter or till points for grant payments. Payments are only processed if your status shows “paid.”

Step 4: Monitor Your Payment Status Monthly

Being approved once does not mean you’re approved forever (especially for SRD R350 grants).

You must:

• Check the SASSA status each month.
• Make sure your verification passes monthly checks.
• Ensure your phone number remains active and registered.

Why You May Not Receive Payment After Approval:

• Bank account not verified
• Mismatch in personal details
• Delays in bank processing
• Outstanding verifications

Step 5: Keep Your Details Up-to-Date

Changes in any of the following should be reported to SASSA:

• Banking details
• Phone number
• Residential address
• Employment status (for means-tested grants)

Use the SRD portal to make updates quickly.

Step 6: Report Issues or Delays Promptly

If your payment hasn’t arrived despite approval:

• Contact the SASSA help centre: 0800 60 10 11
• Email: srd@sassa.gov.za
• Visit your nearest SASSA office
• Submit a complaint online on the SASSA website

Be prepared with your ID number and mobile number.

Tips for Managing Your Grant Wisely

Here are financial tips for grant recipients:

• Budget your money using the envelope method.
• Avoid borrowing against your grant.
• Track every cent using free budgeting apps like 22seven or Moneysmart.
• Use community resources (food banks, clinics) to stretch your grant.

FAQs

Conclusion

If your grant is approved, take the right steps to receive your money quickly and securely. From updating your banking details to managing your funds wisely, being proactive is key.

Always stay informed, check your status monthly, and use SASSA’s digital tools to make the process smoother.