SASSA Gold Card Deadline: What Beneficiaries Need To Know About The Postbank Black Card
Monday, August 31, is the final day for social grant beneficiaries still using SASSA gold cards to switch to Postbank’s new black cards.
However, beneficiaries who have not yet collected their replacement cards will still be able to receive payments into their accounts after the deadline. They will, however, need the new Postbank black card to access those funds.
Postbank Chief Commercial Officer Thami Cele explained the change during an interview with 702’s Ray White, saying bank cards typically need to be replaced every five to seven years as security technology is upgraded.
In Postbank’s case, the replacement process affects a large number of beneficiaries at the same time because the existing gold cards are reaching the end of their operational lifespan.
How Many Beneficiaries Still Need To Switch?
Cele said more than 1.8 million beneficiaries have already collected and started using their Postbank black cards.
However, just under 70,000 beneficiaries had yet to collect their replacement cards at the time of the interview.
What Happens If You Miss The Deadline?
Beneficiaries who have not collected the black card by August 31 will not lose their grant money.
Postbank confirmed that grant payments will continue to be deposited into beneficiaries’ accounts, and any money already in the account will remain available.
The issue is access.
Beneficiaries will need to collect the new black card before they can withdraw cash or use their funds to make purchases.
Postbank has also confirmed that collection points will remain open beyond the August 31 deadline, meaning beneficiaries can still collect their cards after the deadline.
Where Can You Collect The Black Card?
Postbank has made cards available at selected retail outlets, including participating:
- Shoprite stores
- Pick n Pay stores
- Boxer stores
- Spar stores
However, not every branch offers the service.
Beneficiaries are encouraged to use Postbank’s USSD store locator to find their nearest collection point.
They can dial *120*355#, select their province and area, and receive an SMS listing nearby stores where they can collect their cards.
What Do You Need To Collect The Card?
Beneficiaries do not need to visit SASSA or register again after collecting the Postbank black card.
According to Cele, the card is activated immediately and is issued free of charge.
Beneficiaries only need to present a valid form of identification.
Postbank accepts three forms of ID:
- Smart ID card
- Green barcoded ID book
- Temporary ID
Beneficiaries are therefore urged to collect their new cards as soon as possible to ensure uninterrupted access to their social grant funds.