Postbank and SASSA have issued a reminder to social grant recipients who have not yet transitioned to the new Postbank black cards.
The current SASSA gold cards will remain functional during the upcoming payment cycle scheduled between March 4 and March 6, 2025. This comes after the deadline for replacing the SASSA gold cards has been extended until March 20, 2025.
What Beneficiaries Can Expect During the March Payment Cycle
For beneficiaries who have not yet swapped their gold cards, they can still perform all enabled transactions with their SASSA gold cards in the upcoming March payment run. The following services will remain available:
- Withdrawing cash from ATMs
- Making balance inquiries
- Printing bank statements
- Withdrawing cash over the counter at participating retailers
- Making purchases at retailers
Deadline for Gold Card Replacement: March 20, 2025
SASSA gold cards will be deactivated on March 20, 2025, at 17:00 (5 pm). After this time:
- Beneficiaries will no longer be able to use their gold cards for any transactions, even if there are funds available in their accounts.
- Retailers will no longer accept the SASSA gold cards, and any attempts to use them will result in automatic transaction declines.
- ATMs will not process transactions made with the gold cards, and the cards may even be swallowed by the ATM if attempted.
Alternative Methods of Access After the Deadline
For beneficiaries who miss the March 20, 2025 deadline, Postbank and SASSA have assured them that their grants will still be paid out. Beneficiaries will be able to access their funds without cards by using alternative payment methods or by switching to the new Postbank black cards once they are obtained.
Postbank CEO, Nikki Mbengashe, reassured beneficiaries by stating:
“We assure you that everything possible will be done to enable all beneficiaries to access their grant payments after the cards are disabled. After the cards are disabled, any remaining funds in beneficiaries’ accounts will be safely stored in Postbank dedicated grants accounts and accessible through alternative payment methods or the new black cards once they are acquired.”
Final Grant Payments with Gold Cards
The final payment cycle for SASSA gold cards will occur from March 4 to March 6, 2025.
This will be the last time these cards are used for disbursing grants, so beneficiaries are strongly encouraged to replace their gold cards with the new Postbank black cards before the deadline.
Overcoming the Card Replacement Process Challenges
While some beneficiaries have expressed frustration due to long queues at replacement sites, Postbank has been taking action to address this.
The bank has increased the number of tellers at existing sites nationwide and added more locations for card replacements. Beneficiaries can now visit major retailers such as:
- Pick n Pay
- Boxer
- Usave
- Shoprite
- Checkers
Additionally, Spar stores are now participating in the card replacement process, adding 234 more locations across the country for beneficiaries to replace their cards.
Easy Access to Replacement Sites
To make the process more convenient, Postbank has introduced a simplified USSD code for beneficiaries to locate card replacement sites. Here’s how to use it:
- Dial *120*355#
- Press (1) to continue
- Choose the number corresponding to your province (1-9)
- Select your municipality number, and all available card replacement sites in that area will be shown.
March Grant Payment Schedule
The payment dates for the March 2025 grant cycle are as follows:
| Grant Type | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Old Age Grant | Tuesday, March 4 |
| Disability Grant | Wednesday, March 5 |
| Child Grant | Thursday, March 6 |
Beneficiaries who still hold SASSA gold cards should act before March 20, 2025, to ensure they are able to continue accessing their social grants without disruption.
With Postbank’s extended deadline and a wide network of locations for card replacements, beneficiaries are encouraged to replace their gold cards promptly to avoid inconvenience.
FAQs
What will happen if I miss the March 20, 2025 deadline for replacing my gold card?
If you miss the deadline, your gold card will be deactivated, but your grants will still be paid. You will have access to your funds through alternative methods or the new Postbank black card.
Can I continue to use my gold card for the March 2025 payments?
Yes, you can use your gold card to withdraw funds, make inquiries, and perform transactions until March 20, 2025.
Where can I replace my gold card with the new black card?
You can replace your card at select retailers such as Pick n Pay, Boxer, Usave, Shoprite, Checkers, and Spar stores across the country.
Please post lists of EACH of these stores and their locations where one can exchange the gold for black cards. Some stores already mentioned have little stock of black cards and are a great distance for already cash strapped pensioners to travel to make the swap.
People standing in long queues, waiting the whole day, then have to come back in the morning and stand again. There is no place in Meyerton or Three Rivers, have to travel to Vanderbijlpark After extending the date less outlets to get the new gold card. I am 68 and taking my friend 84 and her Husband who is 90. With me. H are we suppose to do it?
Good day,
Please let us know the new list in Pretoria areas. Shoprite Silverton not helping more. Was on list. Please confirm.