Can I Collect My R350 at Boxer?

The R350 social relief grant emerged from the South African government’s Department of Social Development in 2020 to aid low-income households affected by COVID-19. With over 10 million beneficiaries, Post Office queues and delays during monthly payments are prevalent. However, grant receivers now have the option to collect their R350 at any Boxer store across South Africa.

What does the R350 Social Relief Grant entail?

The R350 grant offers a modest monthly cash payment of R350 (approximately $20 USD) to unemployed South African citizens and permanent residents who meet specific criteria. Initially a temporary measure during the COVID-19 crisis, the government has continuously extended its duration.

To be eligible for the R350 grant, applicants must:

  1. Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or registered refugee in the Home Affairs system
  2. Be unemployed and not receiving income from other grants or UIF
  3. Have a total household income below R350 per month
  4. Not be receiving other government COVID-19 financial assistance
  5. Be over 18 years old and not receiving child support grants

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) oversees the R350 grant and manages online applications, notifying successful applicants through SMS.

Why switch to Boxer for R350 Grant Collection?

Post Offices traditionally handle R350 grant disbursements, but with limited branches compared to the number of recipients, long queues and delays have become commonplace. Opting to receive payments at Boxer stores offers several advantages, including:

  1. Access to over 800 Boxer store locations nationwide
  2. Extended store hours from 6am to 7pm, ensuring convenient collection
  3. Typically shorter wait times compared to Post Offices
  4. Availability to collect funds on weekends and public holidays when Post Offices are closed
  5. Secure and reliable cash handling processes in-store

Making the switch to Boxer stores can significantly streamline the R350 grant collection process, ensuring a faster and more convenient experience.

How to Change the R350 Payment Method to Boxer Stores?

Approved recipients of the R350 grant in South Africa can switch their payout location to Boxer stores by following these steps:

  1. Visit the SASSA website (https://srd.sassa.gov.za)
  2. Select the tab for either South African citizens or permanent residents/refugees
  3. Find and click on the “How do I change my banking details?” section
  4. Enter your 13-digit South African ID number and the mobile number associated with your R350 application
  5. Choose “Boxer” store as your new payment method
  6. Complete and submit the change request form online
  7. Allow 3-5 working days for the update to take effect
  8. You’ll receive an SMS confirmation from SASSA once your payment method has been changed to Boxer stores.

What is Required to Collect the R350 Grant at Boxer?

To collect your R350 grant at any Boxer store in South Africa, you will need:

  1. Original South African ID or asylum document used during your application
  2. Mobile phone with the registered SIM card
  3. SMS notification from SASSA specifying the collection date

No additional paperwork or documentation is necessary at Boxer stores. The teller will verify your identity against the SASSA system using your ID, mobile number, and the designated collection date.

Step-by-Step Guide: Collecting the R350 Grant at Boxer Stores

Follow these simple steps when visiting a Boxer store to withdraw your R350 grant:

  1. Find your nearest Boxer store and visit during operating hours (6am to 7pm daily)
  2. Present your original South African ID or asylum document to the teller
  3. Provide the mobile number linked to your R350 grant application
  4. The teller will cross-check your details on the POS device with the SASSA system
  5. Upon verification, you’ll receive an SMS to confirm the withdrawal
  6. Respond “Yes” to the SMS to complete the collection
  7. Collect the R350 grant amount in cash from the teller
  8. Keep your mobile device and ID ready for Security check, if required
  9. Your grant will be ready for collection on the date specified in the SMS notification from SASSA.
  10.  You can visit any Boxer store nationwide to withdraw your funds as you are not restricted to a single location. 

As long as your identity documents match the information on file with SASSA, you can collect your funds simply by presenting your ID and mobile device at any Boxer store. No additional paperwork or letters are required.

Conclusion

The R350 social relief grant serves as a crucial financial lifeline for unemployed South Africans during challenging economic times. With Post Offices often experiencing long queues, beneficiaries can now opt for a quicker and more convenient collection of their monthly funds from any Boxer store.

By switching your payment method to Boxer online, presenting valid identification and your registered mobile device, and following the straightforward collection process, you can access your R350 grant securely and easily at over 800 locations nationwide. This ensures a streamlined, secure, and accessible grant collection experience.