The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is aware that there are approved beneficiaries who could not collect their Covid-19 SRD grants from the first round. Hence, they are giving these beneficiaries another chance to collect the unclaimed funds.
In the case that the funds are again not collected, they will be forfeited to the state. The unclaimed R350 grants were originally due to be forfeited on the 31st of August 2021. However, this date has now been extended to the 30th of November 2021.
SASSA’s extension described as “an early Christmas”
According to SASSA, the extension was made possible through the Ministerial Directions that was recently published by Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu.
“Payments not withdrawn by any beneficiary by the end of November 2021 will be forfeited to the State to fund other government priorities,” said SASSA.
SASSA CEO, Busisiwe Memela-Khambula, described the extension as “an early Christmas” for the first cycle’s approved beneficiaries who were unable to claim the funds at the Post Office.
“We welcome this decision which was brought about by the visionary leadership of Minister Lindiwe Zulu,” said Memela-Khambula.
“We also acknowledge that this special grant goes a long way in assisting the most vulnerable in society.”
Memela-Khambula urges all beneficiaries to collect their unclaimed funds as soon as possible.
“If you used somebody else’s cellphone to apply, please check if they received your SMS in July 2021,” said the SASSA CEO ahead of the initial expiry date earlier this year.