Extensions in the validity period of the SASSA cards are confirmed by the Postbank for the year 2025. There was surrounding news that these cards are going to expire on December 31st in the year 2024. You can still use them and withdraw payments.
This is also true that these cards can expire due to different reasons. The beneficiaries need to reapply for them within a specific period of time for a renewal. This process can be performed using the authorized services of the Postbank or SASSA.
Even after the expiry of the cards, the individuals can access their funds. They can process a replacement and for any other assistance can visit the South African Social Security Agency office.
This blog has all the latest and up to date information about these cards. For instance, the first time replacement charges are free, after that there is a cost to pay. The individuals can learn about the renewal process and also understand the methods of withdrawing money.
Date Extended
The SASSA social grant cards are usually issued by the postbank. The bank has recently assured all of its customers that the Gold Cards by SASSA have not expired. It means that the individuals can use them throughout the year and withdraw the funds.
There is no need to change the bank just relying on the news circulating on different channels that these cards are expired. All such claims are not true because Postbank on its official website has already made these things clear.
The bank offers timely payments and good services to its customers specifically to the SASSA beneficiaries. There are no other official authorities that can direct you to change these cards. So first confirm the details from the SASSA or postbank before making any changes.
If an anonymous person advises you to switch banks and says that the SASSA gold card is not working then report him. The users can report these people at 0800 53 54 55. In order to receive the grants you can use this card at various stores and outlets.
How To Renew Expired Sassa Gold Card
In case your SASSA card is expired and you are worried about the payments. Then you can renew or replace these cards. These cards do have an expiry date but it is best to stay in touch with the office to get authentic news.
Gather Documents
Gather all the necessary documents such as a South African ID card and SASSA ID number. People need to provide proof of the address which includes the utility bills or a municipal account statement.
Visit Post Office
The individuals will visit the nearest post office branch in South Africa. They can find this branch on the google map and can search it as well. After arriving at this branch they can go to the officials and ask for the SASSA card renewal.
Identity Verification
The concerned office will ask for the document and confirm your verification. They will give you the renewal form for the card. You can ask them directly how to fill it efficiently. They will guide you through the whole process in simple steps.
Fill From
The users can utilize a pen and write clear words on this form. All the specific information that you provide should exactly match with the official documents. Confirm the different sections once again on the form and avoid any kind of mistake.
Receipt Issuance
After filling in all the details on the form you can give it back to the official. Attach all the necessary documents and they will review the application. All the things should be in order and then the department will issue a receipt for the card renewal.
Collect Card
The post office will send a verification SMS to your official phone number. This message will also inform users about the date of collection. For the collection of the new card, you need to bring the receipt with you. It is also necessary to show the ID card for verification.
Activate Card
The users need to verify the card after receiving it. The same office will guide you through the activation process. Moreover, people can contact the SASSA helpline and activate this card online. You may need to generate a PIN code on this card.
Renewal Fee
The first renewal of the card is free. The individuals need to pay R60 on the second time renewal. There are some other costs that are associated with the different services of these cards as well.
Important Notes
The SASSA cards are renewed by the postbank so no other bank is authorized to perform this process. The users need to visit the South African post office branch which will oblige them to process the application.
What are the benefits of using the SASSA Gold Card?
The SASSA offers different payment methods to receive social grants. These payments are collected by the beneficiaries in their bank account or they can use the card. This portion of the blog will highlight some of the potential benefits of using this card.
Convenient
The beneficiaries will have access to the SASSA funds from the ATM machines. They do not need to carry the cash physically, which reduces the risk of theft. They can also use these cards on different outlets and make online payments.
Transaction & Payments
The beneficiaries can make different payments such as electricity bills and rentals. They can use this card for different government services. It also supports online payments by sitting at home. Get a free balance check using the online app as well.
EMV Chip Card
The card has a biometric feature and also has an EMV chip. This card can be used as a Visa or MasterCard.
Retail Merchants Transactions
The users can withdraw the amount at different intervals from the retail merchants. They can make purchases and get discounts or other promotions offered by retail stores.
Balance Enquiry
Use this card on the ATM for the balance inquiry. This ATM can give a mini statement for more than 3 months. This service is however available on listed banks’ ATM machines.
Reasons Expiry?
Like all other debit cards, the SASSA card also has expiry dates. After a certain period of time which is usually five years, these cards can expire. This is due to the standard practices that are followed by the banks in South Africa.
Security
The SASSA cards are updated on a regular basis to prevent fraud and scams. The new security features are added to avoid any kind of unauthorized use. The thieves can use new methods to steal money from electronic cards. It is better to update them.
Maintenance
The cards suffer from wear and tear when you use them on a regular basis. The metallic chips inside these instruments can degrade with the passage of time. This chip has all the information that helps to perform the transactions.
Banking Regulations
The banks in South Africa have their own standards and policies. To follow these standards there is an expiry date for every type of card. So it is also a legal process to update these cards and renew them for the ease of customers.
SASSA Reviews
The SASSA has a formal review process that makes sure that the right person is getting the grants. They will confirm the latest details and re verify the documents of a beneficiary. In this case, the card renewal will help them review the details of the existing beneficiaries.
If the SASSA card is expired it does not mean that you can not continue it. The individuals can still get the social grant payments on the same card before receiving the new card. Moreover, the government has it sure that all beneficiaries will receive the payments on old cards in 2024.
SASSA Card is blocked?
The SASSA cards can be blocked when you enter the wrong pins multiple times. If someone has exceeded the limit to withdraw the money from the ATM then it might not respond properly. Technical issues and small errors can also be valid reasons for blocking.
- The card can be blocked due to unauthorized access and malfunctioning. The user does not need to worry about anything in this condition. But they still need to act quickly and resolve the issue.
- The individuals can make an instant call to the SASSA helpline number which is 0800 60 10 11. This helpline number is available without paying any cost. Give the personal details to the agent on the phone and then tell him the issue.
- The second option is to contact the SASSA via email ([email protected]). This process will ultimately help you unblock the card. But it can also cause delays in the process due to the verification process and technical issues.
- If you have access to WhatsApp then save the SASSA WhatsApp number 082 046 8553 in your phone. Send them a message on this number. They will respond back and you need to select a prompt relevant to your query.
- The benefits can get in person assistance from the SASSA office if the card is blocked and not working. Bring all the documents such as your ID card and Gold card that are blocked. Explain the issue to the staff members and they will assist you unblock this card instantly.
Preventive Measures for Using SASSA Cards?
You can access the social grants using the SASSA cards efficiently. To ensure that you are using it safely and properly we have some beneficial information for you. There are different preventative measures that can assist you in utilizing these instruments.
Collect Grants On Time
The SASSA offers a time period for the collection of the grants. If you have not collected these grants for more than 3 months then the office can block this card temporarily. The beneficiaries need to submit an application with the reasons for the non collection of payments to unblock it.
Withdraw Limit
The individuals should track the daily limits of the cards. It is best to calculate the expenses and then make transactions. If you overuse the card in a single day then it can cause the issue. You may need to wait for the other day or month to make the payments.
Keep PIN Safe
The pin should be very personal and you should not share it with anyone. It will help to block any type of unauthorized access from your account. If the card is lost then entering the wrong pin by any other people can block the card which saves the funds.
Report immediately
If someone has stolen a card from you or you have dropped it then contact the SASSA immediately. If it is day time you can visit the office or can contact them at the toll free number 0800-60-10-11.
Suspicious Activities
Don’t take assistance from any unknown person that is not official. Also, do not apply for these cards other than the registered bank. Third-party assistance can cause serious trouble such as stealing your private information.
How to Withdraw Money
The benefices can withdraw the payment using the SASSA cards using different methods. They can use the ATM machines or can visit the retail stores to perform this activity. It is best to use a machine that is located in a crowded area. It will make this job more safe.
The beneficiaries can enter the card into the ATM machine after locating it. They can search for a nearby ATM as well that supports the Master or Visa cards. Some ATM machines also have SASSA logos that will help you find them easily.
Now enter the 4-digit PIN to confirm the personal identity. The machine will show you different prompts to select.
The users can select the desired amount by choosing a manual method. Enter the specific amount and tap on the confirm button.
The cash will come out instantly. You can count this cash and take out the card from the machine. It will generate a slip that will show you the remaining balance.
How to Check SASSA Grant Balance
The SASSA cards are also helpful to check the remaining grant balance in the account. The users can use different other methods to confirm this balance as well. You can also check the SASSA Balance Here.
The easiest method is to use the ATM machine and enter the PIN code. You can confirm the account balance prompt from the menu and check the remaining balance in the account.
The second option is to use your cell phone and check the balance on WhatsApp. The WhatsApp number is the same for the balance check and communication with the SASSA. We have provided this number earlier in the other section.
The best option is to download the SASSA app on the mobile phone. It has direct access to the online portal of SASSA. You can also perform some other activities on this app. It is available on the Google Play Store and is free to download for all.
An alternative approach is to use a USSD Code that is 1206927#. Enter this code on the mobile phone and follow the prompts on the screen. After that select the relevant query which is to check the remaining balance on the card and proceed.
It is essential to note that all these methods have their benefits and drawbacks. There are some methods that can charge you. For if you apply for the balance statement for the second time then it can charge you R5.
Conclusion
The Postbank has officially answered all the rumors about the expiry dates of the SASSA cards. They have given the extension by saying that these cards are valid through the year 2024.
You can further confirm the details on the official website of the SASSA. However, to renew these cards the users can visit the post office branch and fill out the renewal form.
This branch is authorized and has permission to process the applications from the beneficiaries. The SASSA also monitors the different activities that are related to the disbursement of grants. People can receive these grants in their bank accounts or can withdraw them using this official card.
