Millions of people in South Africa survive on SASSA grants. Technology has made it easier for some to check the status of their payments online or via mobile cell phones.
However, not everybody has regular or easy access to the internet or to smart devices. Fortunately, the South African Social Security Agency has set up several mechanisms through which all its beneficiaries, whether digitally locked out or not, can check their grant payments.
Visiting a SASSA Office or a Local Pay Point
One of the most sure-fire ways of determining your SASSA grant status without the use of a mobile phone is to visit your local SASSA office. The offices are spread out in towns and communities across the country and will bring you face to face with someone who will personally assist you.
Some staff will be able to make inquiries on your behalf, speak to you about payment delays or grant approval, and provide assistance if you have any documentation issues. Also, local pay points (which are used quite often by the elderly and rural beneficiaries) post payment schedules and keep their citizens updated on disbursement dates.
Retail Outlets Using Your South African ID
If you usually collect your grant from one of the big retail groups like Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Boxer, or Checkers, you can get the cashier or customer service desk personnel to check on your SASSA payment status.
They will be able to tell you whether your funds are available just by providing them with your South African ID. These stores directly feed in to SASSA’s payment system and pay out to beneficiaries when a grant has been processed for payment.
Bank ATM
SASSA beneficiaries who receive their payment directly into their bank accounts can always check the balance at any ATM to get assurance if the payment has been received. Just insert your card to check your balance. If the money has hit, it shows you there. This is great if you are someone who has no airtime or data but can walk down the street to an ATM.
NGOs and Community Help Desks
In certain places, in the checking of SASSA grant status, community organizations and non-governmental organizations are entering into partnerships to support inhabitants who seek assistance.
These organizations may establish walk-in support centres or help desks in rural areas where scant digital infrastructure exists. Certain community leaders also communicate payment information as it comes from SASSA to the residents through informal gatherings or circulations.
In Conclusion
No Smartphone, No internet? Not a Problem. Grant recipients in South Africa can still find out their SASSA payment status by simply visiting a number of points such as offices, retail stores, ATM machines, and community support services. These mediums help to keep the vulnerable informed throughout the payment processes.