The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has revealed how it will assist grant beneficiaries with frozen Ithala accounts to receive payments.
In a statement issued on 28 January 2025, SASSA revealed that it has partnered with First National Bank (FNB) to assist recipients. Here’s all you need to know if you are affected.
HOW SASSA GRANT BENEFICIARIES WITH FROZEN ACCOUNTS WILL RECEIVE PAYMENTS?
According to the statement, FNB has offered assistance to those SASSA beneficiaries whose Ithala accounts have been frozen. The agency explained:
“The National Treasury informed SASSA that in the interim, out of all the banks that were approached by BASA, First National Bank (FNB) offered emergency assistance to open accounts to facilitate payment for SASSA clients, who are currently banking at Ithala.”
SASSA PARTNERS WITH FNB TO ASSIST GRANT BENEFICIARIES
The agency further revealed that it will work in collaboration with FNB. This is so that recipients can have bank accounts to receive their grants. It elaborated on how the process will work.
“SASSA and FNB have successfully collaborated to ensure that all Ithala clients, who have not yet been able to open a new bank account, will receive an account with FNB in the interim.
“Until the clients are afforded an opportunity to provide SASSA with the details of their preferred bank. This process is estimated to conclude after 3 months.
“Over the course of the next 3 months all clients will have the choice to change to their preferred bank. SASSA will ensure that sufficient resources are available to support clients with this.”
AFFECTED SASSA BENEFICIARIES NEED TO ACITVATE NEW ACCOUNTS ON THESE DATES
SASSA grant beneficiaries have been urged to activate their new FNB accounts. They also need to collect their cards on the dates mentioned below.
“Upon opening accounts, FNB has thus communicated with SASSA beneficiaries to activate the opened accounts. And collect bank cards from their nearest branches from 28 January to 4 February 2025. Clients will need a valid form of identity to collect their card.
“Joint outreaches will be held by SASSA and FNB in more rural areas to limit the travelling inconvenience for clients in these areas.”
HAS YOUR BANK ACCOUNT FOR THE SASSA GRANT ALSO BEEN AFFECTED?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article. Or emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters. Follow us on @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
