The South African government provides a variety of grants through SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) to provide financial assistance to its citizens. These grants are life-saving for those who are elderly, disabled, or caring for children. Now, SASSA has taken a very useful and convenient initiative – grants can be paid directly from major supermarkets.
SASSA Grant Payment will now be available from these supermarkets
The major supermarkets with which SASSA has partnered are:
- Pick n Pay
- Checkers
- Shoprite
- Boxer
- USave
Now you can get grants from these shops through your SASSA Gold Card. This will not only get rid of long lines, but you will also get the facility to withdraw money while shopping for your daily items.
Which grants are available under SASSA?
SASSA offers a variety of grants that cater to different needs:
| Grant Name | Beneficiary |
|---|---|
| Old Age Grant | Citizens above 60 years of age |
| Disability Grant | People who are unable to work due to disability |
| Child Support Grant | Guardians of children under 18 years |
| Foster Child Grant | People who have foster children |
| Care Dependency Grant | Caregivers of severely disabled children |
These grants aim to improve the quality of life of beneficiaries and provide economic relief.
How to get a SASSA Grant from a supermarket?
You can get your grants by following these simple steps:
- Keep your SASSA Gold Card active
- This card is required to receive the grant. Make sure it is valid and active.
- Go to the supermarket
- Go to any of the authorised supermarkets mentioned above (Pick n Pay, Shoprite, etc.).
- Go to the designated counter
- Most shops have dedicated counters for SASSA transactions.
- Swipe the card and enter the PIN
- Swipe the SASSA Gold Card at the time of payment and enter the PIN.
- Withdraw cash or make a purchase
- You can withdraw all the money in cash, or withdraw part of it and use the rest for shopping.
👉 Note: There is no additional charge for withdrawing money from supermarkets, while banks may charge for ATM withdrawals.
How to check your SASSA balance?
You can use the following options to check your grant balance:
- Dial USSD code
- Dial 1203210# or 12069277# from your phone.
- Check the balance from the ATM
- Check your balance by inserting your SASSA card into any ATM.
- Use the WhatsApp service
- Text “SASSA” and send it to 082 046 8553, and follow the instructions.
- Via bank apps
- If your grant comes directly into your bank account, check the balance from a mobile banking app.
Other payment options
Not just supermarkets, you can also get SASSA grants through:
- ATM withdrawals
- Direct deposits
- Post office pay points
Common problems and solutions
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| The transaction failed with the SASSA card | Check the card validity, or there may be a system delay. Call the helpline: 0800 60 10 11 |
| SASSA card is lost | Report immediately and request a new card. |
| Check the card validity or there may be a system delay. Call the helpline: 0800 60 10 11 | Visit the SASSA website to check updated payment dates. |
Impact of SASSA grants on society
SASSA grants have brought a positive change in the lives of millions of people.
- The elderly are helped to become self-reliant.
- Children get education, nutrition and health services.
- Citizens with disabilities get the opportunity to live a dignified life.
According to a study, more than 18 million people in South Africa depend on SASSA grants. This number shows how important these grants are.
Future plans and changes
SASSA is constantly working towards improving its systems:
- Biometric authentication – payment facility with fingerprint or face recognition possible in the future.
- Expansion of digital banking – more mobile banking options to be added.
- Partnerships with new supermarkets – more retail stores to be involved in grant distribution.
Increase in salary and social grants in 2025
Big salary increase announced in 2025 – find out if you are entitled to it.
SRD payments to increase from February 2025 – check new amounts and eligibility.
Conclusion
This new initiative by SASSA – to distribute grants from supermarkets – not only provides convenience and security to beneficiaries, but it also saves time and resources. If you or someone in your family is availing of SASSA grants, this information may prove extremely useful to them.
FAQs
Q1. Can I collect the grant from any supermarket?
A1. No, only Pick n Pay, Checkers, Shoprite, Boxer, and USave are authorised.
Q2. Can someone else withdraw my grant?
A2. Yes, but you must nominate them in advance at a SASSA office.
Q3. Do I have to withdraw all the money at once?
A3. No, you can withdraw part of it and leave the rest on the card if you wish.
Q4. Are there any fees involved in this process?
A4. There is no charge for withdrawals from supermarkets, but bank ATMs may incur a fee.
Q5. What if my grant does not arrive on time?
A5. Check the SASSA website for information or call the helpline – 0800 60 10 11.