The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) card is a convenient and secure way to receive your social grant.
However, unlike traditional bank cards, SASSA cards don’t require specific activation steps.
Once you receive your SASSA card, it’s already linked to your grant and ready for use on the first payment date after collection.
What is the SASSA Card?
Your SASSA card is a secure debit card issued by Postbank.
It allows you to withdraw your grant funds at ATMs displaying the Postbank or SASSA logo.
You can also use it to make purchases at participating retailers that display the SASSA or Postbank acceptance logos.
How to Activate Your SASSA Card
There are two primary methods to activate your SASSA card:
- At a SASSA Local Office:
- Visit your nearest SASSA local office. You can find a branch locator on the SASSA website.
- Take a waiting number and queue for the card activation section.
- Present your documents (ID, copy of ID, and beneficiary number, if available) to the SASSA official.
- The official will assist you with the activation process, which may involve a PIN creation or fingerprint verification depending on your card type.
- At an ATM:
- Locate an ATM displaying the SASSA or Postbank logo.
- Insert your SASSA card into the ATM.
- Select the “Card Activation” option on the ATM screen (the specific wording may vary).
- Follow the on-screen prompts, which may involve entering your ID number or creating a PIN.
- Once prompted, create a secure 4-digit PIN for future transactions. Remember this PIN for all ATM withdrawals and POS (point-of-sale) purchases.
Do I need to activate my SASSA card?
Yes, you need to activate your SASSA card before using it to withdraw cash at ATMs or make purchases at participating retailers.
How long does it take to activate a SASSA card?
Activating your SASSA card is a quick process.
At a SASSA local office, it should only take a few minutes, while ATM activation might take slightly longer depending on the queue and your processing speed.
Can someone else activate my SASSA card for me?
It’s best to activate your SASSA card yourself for security reasons.
However, if you’re unable to do so due to exceptional circumstances, you can bring someone with you to a SASSA local office and provide them with a written authorization letter.
What happens if I don’t activate my SASSA card?
An unactivated SASSA card cannot be used to withdraw cash or make purchases.
Is there a fee to activate my SASSA card?
No, there is no fee associated with activating your SASSA card.
You can find more information about SASSA cards on the SASSA website or by calling their toll-free number: 0800 601 160.