A significant amendment has been made regarding SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) grant recipients in South Africa. Recipients who haven’t yet made the transition to the new Black Postbank Card can access their grants at South African Post Offices or retail till May.
But the old gold SASSA card has expired, and it is now compulsory to replace it. If you disregard this change, your grant collection process will be impacted.
Deadline to make the change to new black card and grant collection methods
SASSA had set beneficiaries a deadline of February 2024 to acquire the new Black Postbank Card, which was later pushed to last Thursday.
Beneficiaries who have not yet done the changeover can continue to get their grants using their previous cards or IDs at post offices or retail till April and May 2024. But from then on, this service will be withdrawn.
Old gold cards will be deactivated soon
SASSA has indicated that old gold cards will soon be completely deactivated.
If you are still holding the old gold SASSA card, you might experience challenges in transactions. For instance:
- You might experience issues withdrawing cash from ATMs.
- The card can be declined at retail outlets.
- In certain instances, the ATM machine can swallow your card.
SASSA is thus urging all beneficiaries to stop using the old card immediately and apply for a new black Postbank card as soon as possible.
SASSA’s valuable guidance to beneficiaries
Don’t panic if you haven’t yet received your new black Postbank card.
Postbank’s head of commercial Thami Cele indicated that the beneficiaries who haven’t received the new card are still able to access their grant funds by presenting your ID at the post office.
He stated in a release to SABC News:
“If you haven’t received your Postbank black card yet, don’t panic. You can still obtain your money by presenting your ID at the post office.”
Vital information for SASSA recipients
How can I get my grant?
Until you obtain your black Postbank card, you are able to use your grant as follows:
- South African Post Office – your ID card Receive the grant by presenting (ID).
- Retail Stores (Retail Till Points) – Withdraw money from selected retail stores up to April and May 2024.
SASSA and Postbank Advice
- Do not use the old gold card immediately at ATMs and retail stores**.
- Go to the nearest Postbank centre as soon as possible to get a new Black Postbank Card.
- If you don’t stop using the old gold card, it will be eaten by the ATM or your payment will be refused.
Key Dates and Actions to be Taken by SASSA Beneficiaries
| Event | Actions Needed | Last Date |
|---|---|---|
| Getting a Black Postbank Card | Go to a Postbank office and fetch a new card | Last Thursday (Expired) |
| Receiving a Grant from the Post Office | Pick up grant by presenting ID | April-May 2024 |
| Use old gold card | Immediately stop using old card | After May 2024 |
Conclusion: Get a new black Postbank card soon!
If you are a SASSA beneficiary and have not yet received a new Black Postbank card, then take this step soon.
You can still obtain your grant at post offices and shops up to April and May 2024. But after May, the old gold cards will be stopped entirely.
Listen to the advice of SASSA and Postbank and obtain a new black card in time, so that you will not experience any financial issues in the future.
FAQs
Q1. What happens if I continue using my old gold SASSA card?
If you keep using the old gold SASSA card, it may be rejected at ATMs and retailers, or the machine may swallow it. The card will soon be deactivated.
Q2. Can I still collect my SASSA grant without the new black Post Bank card?
Yes, until May 2024, you can collect your grant at the Post Office by showing your ID or withdraw cash from participating retailers.
Q3. Where can I get my new black Post Bank card?
You can visit your nearest PostBank location to apply for and collect your new black PostBank card.
Q4. What is the final deadline to switch to the black Post Bank card?
The official deadline has passed, but you can still collect grants at the Post Office or retailers until May 2024. After that, the old gold card will no longer work.
Q5. What should I do if my old gold card stops working?
Immediately visit a Post Bank office to switch to the new black Post Bank card to avoid disruptions in receiving your grant.