The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) card is a helpful tool for beneficiaries of social grants in South Africa.
It provides a secure and convenient way to access your grant funds.
What is a SASSA Card?
The SASSA card is a debit card linked to your SASSA account. It allows you to make safe and convenient transactions with your grant funds.
The card is issued by the South African Post Bank (Postbank) and can be used at ATMs, point-of-sale terminals (POS) displaying the Visa or Mastercard logo, and for cash withdrawals at participating retailers and Post Office branches.
Who qualifies for a SASSA Card?
If you are an approved beneficiary of a SASSA social grant, you are eligible for a SASSA card.
This includes grants such as the Old Age Pension, Child Support Grant, Disability Grant, and Foster Care Grant.
How to Apply for a SASSA Card
There are two main ways to apply for a SASSA card:
- In-person at a South African Post Office: This is the most common method. Visit your nearest Post Office branch with the following documents:
- Your South African ID document (original and a copy)
- Proof of address (not older than three months) such as a utility bill
- Online through the SASSA website: While not yet fully functional, SASSA is working on enabling online applications for SASSA cards. You can visit the SASSA website for updates on the availability of online applications.
What documents do I need to collect my SASSA card?
Once your SASSA card application is approved, you will be notified via SMS or email with instructions on collecting your card.
Typically, you can collect your card from your chosen Post Office branch on a designated date.
Remember to bring the following when collecting your card:
- The notification you received from SASSA
- Your valid South African ID document
How to Activate Your SASSA Card
After collecting your SASSA card, you will need to activate it before making any transactions.
You can activate your card at any Post Office branch or ATM displaying the Visa or Mastercard logo.
To activate, follow the on-screen prompts and create a secure PIN (Personal Identification Number) for your card. Remember to keep your PIN confidential.
What are the fees associated with using a SASSA card?
The SASSA card offers several free transactions each month, including one cash withdrawal over the counter at a Post Office branch, one balance enquiry at an ATM, and three cash withdrawals at retail merchants.
There may be fees for additional transactions or services, so it’s important to consult the SASSA website or the Postbank website for the latest fee schedule.
How to Use Your SASSA Card
Your SASSA card offers a variety of functionalities, including:
- Withdrawing cash at ATMs displaying the VISA or Mastercard logo (free once a month at SAPO ATMs)
- Making purchases at point-of-sale terminals accepting VISA or Mastercard (restrictions may apply)
- Obtaining balance inquiries at ATMs (free once a month at SAPO ATMs)
- Receiving mini-statements at SAPO branches
What should I do if I lose my SASSA card?
If you lose your SASSA card, report it immediately to SASSA or your nearest Post Office branch.
You can also block your card by calling the SASSA SRD R350 Grant enquiries line at 080 060 10 11.
Once reported, apply for a replacement card to prevent unauthorized use.
How do I check my SASSA card balance?
There are several ways to check your SASSA card balance:
- You can check your balance for free at any ATM displaying the Visa or Mastercard logo.
- You can request a mini-statement at your nearest Post Office branch, although a small fee may apply.
- By registering for internet banking with Postbank (linked to your SASSA card), you can check your balance online.
What happens to my SASSA card if my grant expires?
Your SASSA card will remain active as long as there are funds in your account.
If your grant expires, you will no longer receive monthly deposits, but you can still use any remaining balance on the card.