Why Does My SASSA Card Not Working at ATM?

Many South Africans rely on their SASSA cards to access their social grants.

If your SASSA card isn’t working at an ATM, it can be a stressful situation.

Fortunately, there are several reasons why this might happen, and some solutions you can try.

This article will explore the most common reasons a SASSA card might not work at an ATM and guide you through the troubleshooting process.

Why Your SASSA Card Might Not Be Working at an ATM

There are several reasons why your SASSA card might be declined at an ATM.

Here are some of the most common:

  1. Insufficient Funds: The most obvious reason your card might be declined is that there simply aren’t enough funds available in your account. Double-check your balance online or through a SASSA office to confirm.
  2. Card Expiry: SASSA cards have expiry dates, just like any other bank card. If your card has expired, you will not be able to make transactions until you receive a replacement.
  3. Card Blockage: If your card has been flagged for suspicious activity or reported lost or stolen, SASSA may block it to protect your funds.
  4. ATM Network Issues: Occasionally, technical problems with the ATM network itself can cause transactions to fail. This is usually temporary, so trying again at a different ATM or later might resolve the issue.
  5. Incorrect PIN: Entering the wrong PIN three times can lead to your card being temporarily blocked. If you’re unsure of your PIN, don’t keep trying to guess it. There are ways to reset your PIN (covered in a later section).
  6. Retailer Cash Back Limits: While some retailers offer cash back functionality with your SASSA card, they may have limits on the amount you can withdraw. Be aware of these limits to avoid encountering a decline.

What To Do If Your SASSA Card Isn’t Working at an ATM

If your SASSA card is declined at an ATM, here’s what you can do:

  1. Check the ATM Screen: The ATM screen might display an error message indicating the reason for the decline. This can be a helpful clue in troubleshooting the issue.
  2. Try a Different ATM: If the problem seems to be with the specific ATM you’re using, try a different ATM from a different network.
  3. Verify Your PIN: Double-check that you’re entering the correct PIN. If you’ve forgotten your PIN, don’t try to guess it repeatedly.

How to Reset Your SASSA Card PIN

There are two ways to reset your SASSA card PIN:

  1. Online: If you have access to the SASSA website and have registered for online services, you can reset your PIN online. This is the quickest and most convenient option.
  2. SASSA Office: Visit your nearest SASSA office with your ID document. A SASSA official can assist you with resetting your PIN.

Be very careful about sharing your PIN with anyone.

SASSA will never ask you for your PIN over the phone or via email.

What are the other ways to Access my SASSA Grant?

If your card is still not working after trying the troubleshooting steps above, there are alternative ways to access your SASSA grant:

  1. Post Office Branches: You can withdraw your SASSA grant over the counter at any South African Post Office branch using your SASSA card and ID document.
  2. Cash at Retailers: Many retail stores, including Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, Pick n Pay, and Boxer, offer cash back functionality with your SASSA card. Be sure to inquire about any withdrawal limits before making a transaction.