Postbank, in partnership with the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), has issued a reminder to social grant recipients about the upcoming changes to their payment cards.
Beneficiaries who have not yet switched to the new Postbank black cards will still be able to use their existing SASSA gold cards during the upcoming payment cycle scheduled between 4 to 6 March 2025.
This follows an extension of the original deadline for replacing the SASSA gold cards, now set for 20 March 2025.
Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming changes, the process to replace your card, and what beneficiaries can expect after the deadline.
SASSA Gold Cards Still Valid for March 2025 Payment Cycle
Beneficiaries who have yet to replace their SASSA gold cards can continue using them to perform various transactions during the March 2025 payment cycle. This includes:
- Withdrawing cash from ATMs
- Balance enquiries
- Printing statements
- Cash withdrawals over retail tills
- Purchases
All these services will remain available during the upcoming payment cycle, from March 4 to 6, 2025, and beneficiaries can make transactions as usual.
The Final Date: March 20, 2025
While beneficiaries can still use their SASSA gold cards in the March 2025 payment cycle, the cards will be deactivated at 17:00 (5 pm) on 20 March 2025. After this time:
- The SASSA gold cards will no longer work for any transactions, even if funds remain in the account.
- Retailers will not accept the gold cards, and any attempts to use them will result in automatic transaction declines.
- ATMs will also reject the gold cards, and there is a risk that they could be swallowed when inserted.
Post this deadline, beneficiaries who miss the card replacement will still receive their grants and will be able to access their funds through alternative payment methods. However, it’s crucial to replace the cards before this deadline to avoid any disruptions.
Postbank’s Commitment to Beneficiaries
Postbank CEO, Nikki Mbengashe, reassured beneficiaries that despite the card deactivation, they will still be able to access their grant payments. She stated:
“We assure you that everything possible will be done to enable all beneficiaries to access their grant payment after the cards are disabled. After the cards are disabled, any funds balance due to beneficiaries and all subsequent months’ payments will be stored safely in their current individual Postbank dedicated grants accounts. These funds will be accessible through our alternative methods of payment or with the black cards once they have obtained them.”
Beneficiaries are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the extended deadline and replace their gold cards with the new Postbank black cards during the March 2025 payment run.
Where to Replace Your SASSA Gold Card
Beneficiaries who need to replace their gold cards can visit various outlets across the country. Postbank has increased the number of tellers at existing locations and added more places for card replacements. Postbank black cards can now be obtained from major retailers, including:
- Pick n Pay
- Boxer
- Usave
- Shoprite
- Checkers
Additionally, Postbank has partnered with Spar stores across the country, further expanding the number of outlets for card replacements. Beneficiaries can now visit 234 additional Spar locations to replace their gold cards.
Improving Accessibility: USSD Number for Finding Replacement Sites
To enhance customer experience, Postbank has introduced a shortened USSD code for beneficiaries to find the nearest card replacement sites. The process is simple and includes the following steps:
- Dial
*120*355#on your phone. - Reply with (1) to continue.
- Choose the province number (1 to 9).
- Select the municipality number to get a list of card replacement sites within that area.
March 2025 Grant Payment Dates
The March 2025 grant payment dates are as follows:
- Old Age Grant: Tuesday, March 4, 2025
- Disability Grant: Wednesday, March 5, 2025
- Child Grant: Thursday, March 6, 2025
Beneficiaries will continue to receive their payments as usual during this cycle, with the last opportunity to use their SASSA gold cards before they are deactivated.
Beneficiaries are strongly encouraged to replace their SASSA gold cards with the new Postbank black cards before the final deadline of 20 March 2025. While the gold cards will remain active for the March 2025 payment cycle, all cards will be deactivated after that date.
Beneficiaries can access their funds through alternative methods if they miss the deadline, but it’s best to replace the cards as soon as possible to avoid any disruptions in receiving SASSA grants.
FAQs
What will happen to my SASSA gold card after 20 March 2025?
After 17:00 (5 pm) on 20 March 2025, the SASSA gold card will be disabled and will no longer work for any transactions, including ATMs and retail purchases.
How can I replace my SASSA gold card?
You can replace your card at any of the participating outlets such as Pick n Pay, Boxer, Shoprite, Checkers, and Spar stores. You can also check replacement sites via USSD by dialing *120*355#.
Can I still receive my grant if I miss the 20 March deadline?
Yes, you will still receive your grant payments. The funds will be stored in your individual Postbank grant account, and you can access them via alternative methods or with the new Postbank black card once you have obtained it.