The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and Postbank have extended the deadline for social grant beneficiaries to replace their SASSA gold cards with the new Postbank black cards to 20 March 2025.
This extension ensures that beneficiaries who have not yet transitioned can still access their March payments using the existing gold cards.
Extended Deadline for Card Replacement
Originally set for 28 February 2025, the deadline for replacing SASSA gold cards has been extended to 20 March 2025.
This decision was made in response to challenges beneficiaries faced during the initial transition period, including long queues and limited replacement sites.
The extension aims to provide additional time for beneficiaries to obtain the new Postbank black cards without disrupting their grant payments.
March 2025 Payment Schedule
Beneficiaries can use their SASSA gold cards to access grants during the March payment cycle, scheduled from 4 to 6 March 2025. The payment dates are as follows:
| Grant Type | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Old Age Grant | 4 March 2025 |
| Disability Grant | 5 March 2025 |
| Child Grant | 6 March 2025 |
Services Accessible with SASSA Gold Cards
During the March payment period, beneficiaries can continue to use their SASSA gold cards for various transactions, including:
- Withdrawing cash from ATMs
- Making balance inquiries
- Printing account statements
- Withdrawing cash over the counter at participating retailers
- Purchasing goods at retail stores
Post-Deadline Implications
After 17:00 on 20 March 2025, SASSA gold cards will be deactivated. Post-deactivation, these cards will no longer function for any transactions, including cash withdrawals, balance inquiries, or retail purchases.
Attempting to use a deactivated gold card may result in transaction declines or the card being retained by ATMs.
Assurances for Beneficiaries Missing the Deadline
For beneficiaries unable to replace their gold cards by the 20 March deadline, Postbank and SASSA have provided assurances that grant payments will continue.
Funds will remain secure in individual Postbank grant accounts. Beneficiaries can access their funds through alternative payment methods or upon obtaining the new Postbank black card.
Steps to Obtain the Postbank Black Card
Beneficiaries are encouraged to replace their gold cards with the new Postbank black cards before the extended deadline. The process is as follows:
- Locate a Card Replacement Site: Postbank has partnered with major retailers, including Pick n Pay, Boxer, Usave, Shoprite, Checkers, and Spar, to facilitate card replacements. Beneficiaries can find the nearest replacement site by dialing 120218*3# on their mobile phones and following the prompts to select their province and municipality.
- Visit the Selected Site: Beneficiaries should bring a valid South African ID or a temporary ID document to the replacement site. No card will be issued without proper identification.
- Receive and Activate the New Card: The new Postbank black card will be issued free of charge and can be used immediately for transactions, including cash withdrawals, balance inquiries, and retail purchases.
Enhanced Measures to Facilitate Card Replacement
To address challenges such as long queues and limited service points, Postbank has increased the number of tellers at existing sites and expanded the network of card replacement locations. The inclusion of additional Spar stores nationwide has added over 230 new sites for beneficiaries to obtain their Postbank black cards.
Key Takeaways
- The deadline to replace SASSA gold cards with Postbank black cards has been extended to 20 March 2025.
- Beneficiaries can use their gold cards for March payments from 4 to 6 March 2025.
- Postbank black cards are available at selected retail outlets; beneficiaries need to present valid identification for card replacement.
- After 20 March 2025, gold cards will be deactivated, but beneficiaries will still have access to their funds through alternative methods or upon obtaining the new black card.
Beneficiaries are urged to take prompt action to replace their SASSA gold cards with the new Postbank black cards to ensure uninterrupted access to their social grant funds.
FAQs
What happens if I don’t replace my SASSA gold card by 20 March 2025?
After 20 March 2025, SASSA gold cards will be deactivated and unusable for transactions. However, your funds will remain secure in your Postbank grant account. You can access your funds through alternative payment methods or by obtaining the new Postbank black card.
Where can I replace my SASSA gold card with a Postbank black card?
Card replacements are available at selected retail outlets, including Pick n Pay, Boxer, Usave, Shoprite, Checkers, and Spar stores. To find the nearest replacement site, dial 120218*3# on your mobile phone and follow the prompts.
What do I need to bring to obtain the new Postbank black card?
You must present a valid South African ID or a temporary ID document at the replacement site. No card will be issued without proper identification.
I am physically disabled. I am not able to get to an outlet and stand in a queue for hours. Have emphysema and on oxygen. What do I do?
You have to send someone so that they no they send the posted bank people out to you
The USSD code does not work.
If I don’t have any bank account and still on 350 payroll but haven’t found my 350 since 2023 can I open post office black card
I was approved since last year October until now February no pay date’s on the gold sassa card will I receive it now with the black posted bank card
The number given 120218*3# is not working
I have submitted my documents to move my child grant from sassa to bank account on 6 December 2024 but no message have been sent from sassa and no money have been deposited to my bank account what could be a problem or what to do now . Since the gold card are changing to black , should i be worried.