How Does the SASSA Cash Send Option Work?

No bank account? No problem. This guide provides a complete walkthrough of using the Cash Send option to collect your SRD grant payment.

While having a personal bank account is the fastest way to receive your SRD grant, SASSA provides an alternative for those who don’t have one: the Cash Send option. This allows you to collect your R370 payment in cash from various approved retail stores across South Africa.

This expert guide will explain exactly how the sassa cash send work, how to select it as your payment method, and the step-by-step process for collecting your money.

Cash Send: Key Facts

You do not need a bank account to use this method.
You collect your cash at participating retailers like Pick n Pay, Boxer, Shoprite, Checkers, and Usave.
You must have the cell phone number you registered with SASSA to receive the payment SMS.
You cannot collect your money without the official SASSA SMS.

How to Select Cash Send as Your Payment Method

If you have not yet provided any payment details to SASSA, you can select the Cash Send option during the banking details update process.

Go to the official SASSA SRD website and navigate to the section for updating your banking details.
Follow the verification process, which includes entering your ID number and a one-time pin (OTP).
When you get to the payment options page, instead of entering bank account details, select the “Cash Send” option.

Need to Change Your Payment Method?

If you currently have a bank account linked but want to switch to Cash Send, you must follow the official update process. Our main pillar page provides a complete, foolproof guide to changing your SASSA banking details.

Read the Ultimate Guide to Updating Your Banking Details

How to Collect Your Cash Send Payment: Step-by-Step

Once your status is “Approved” and your payment has been processed, follow these steps:

Wait for the Official SASSA SMS

You must wait for an SMS from SASSA on your registered phone number. This SMS will confirm that your payment is ready for collection and will contain a unique voucher number or a link. Do not go to the store before you have received this SMS.

Go to a Participating Retailer

Take your cell phone and your South African ID document to any approved pay point, which includes Pick n Pay, Boxer, Shoprite, Checkers, or Usave stores.

Provide Your Details at the Till Point

Inform the cashier that you are there to collect your SRD grant via Cash Send. You will need to provide your ID number and the phone number that received the SMS. You may also need to present the voucher number from the SMS.

Receive Your Cash

The cashier will verify your details in the system. Once confirmed, you will receive your R370 grant in cash.

Troubleshooting: Common Cash Send Problems

Problem: I haven’t received the payment SMS.
This is the most common issue. It means your payment is not yet ready for collection, even if your status is “Approved.” You must wait for the SMS. Do not go to the store without it.
Problem: The retailer says the system is offline.
This can happen during peak times. The best solution is to thank the cashier and try again at a different time or on a different day.
Problem: My payment voucher has expired.
The payment SMS is only valid for a limited time. If you wait too long to collect, it may expire. If this happens, you must contact the SASSA toll-free helpline at 0800 60 10 11 for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I collect my money without the SMS?

No. The SMS contains the unique voucher and security information that the retailer needs to process your payment. You cannot collect your cash without it. If you have not received the SMS, it means your payment is not yet ready for collection.

What if I lose the SMS or delete it by mistake?

This is a serious issue. You cannot request a new SMS from the retailer. You will need to contact the SASSA toll-free helpline at 0800 60 10 11 to report the issue and ask for assistance. This can cause significant delays.

Can a friend or family member collect the money for me?

No. For security reasons, you must be present yourself with your own ID document to collect the payment. The name and ID number must match the details on the application.