Can I Still Use My Expired SASSA Card to Access Social Grant?

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has declared that beneficiaries of South African social grants have the option to persistently use their expired SASSA cards until the end of December 31, 2025. This elongated time frame enables cardholders to replace their old cards while still having access to grant payments.

Why Did SASSA Cards Have an Expiry Date?

The previous SASSA/Postbank Gold Cards granted to beneficiaries had an expiration date printed on them, which was March 31, 2025. 

This matched a requirement set by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) for local banks to shift from older magnetic stripe card technology to the more secure EMV chip and PIN cards by the conclusion of 2025. 

The previous magnetic stripe cards are now deemed less secure, as the simple card data encoded on the magnetic stripe can be effortlessly stolen through skimming or cloning. This poses beneficiaries to potential fraud and unauthorized usage of their card and grant funds.

The fresh EMV chip cards offer enhanced security, as the cardholder data is encrypted and kept on a microchip rather than a static magnetic stripe. This makes the cards significantly more challenging to replicate or clone. The chip technology, coupled with the PIN requirement, bolsters the protection of beneficiaries’ personal and financial data.

What is the Procedure for Obtaining a New SASSA Payment Card?

SASSA is still in the process of introducing the new, more secure Postbank-issued social grant payment cards to replace the older SASSA/Postbank Gold Cards.

 Eligible social grant beneficiaries will get an SMS notification informing them when their new Postbank card is prepared and where and when they can acquire it. 

The distribution of the new cards is taking place in stages, so beneficiaries should wait for this notification before taking any action. Do not discard your expired card, as it can still be used temporarily.

What Should I Do If My SASSA Card is Lost, Stolen, or Damaged?

If your SASSA card is lost, stolen, or physically damaged and no longer usable, it is essential that you inform SASSA immediately to prevent unauthorized use and access to your grant funds. 

There are two ways to report a lost, stolen, or damaged card:

  •  Call the SASSA national toll-free number at 0800 60 10 11. This number can be utilized to report a card issue or any other SASSA-related concern. 
  • Visit or contact your nearest SASSA regional office. Local SASSA offices can provide personalized service and assistance.

Once a card is reported as lost, stolen, or damaged, SASSA will promptly issue a replacement card. While waiting for the new card to arrive, you can continue using your old, expired SASSA card to withdraw funds from ATMs, make purchases at retailers, and collect grant payments from cash pay points and South African Post Office branches.

Tips for Securely Using an Expired SASSA Card

When utilizing an expired SASSA card before receiving your new payment card, keep the following tips in mind:

  • Carry additional official ID, as you may need to present this to confirm your identity if requested by merchants, retailers, or SAPO tellers.
  • Be aware that some smaller merchants may reject expired cards, so check beforehand if possible to avoid complications.
  • Expect the possibility of higher ATM withdrawal fees when using an expired card.
  • Protect your PIN from view and be watchful of card skimmers at ATMs and POS terminals. Criminals target SASSA cards.
  • Frequently examine your account for any unauthorized or suspicious transactions and report these to SASSA immediately.
  • Never disclose your card’s PIN or card number to anyone, including SASSA officials. Your PIN should remain confidential.
  • Safeguard your SASSA card when not in use and minimize unnecessary exposure.

Exercising caution and vigilance with an expired SASSA card will aid in safeguarding against issues until your new chip and PIN card arrives. Promptly report any issues to SASSA for resolution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, South African social grant beneficiaries have the opportunity to continue using SASSA cards beyond the original March 2025 printed expiry until December 31, 2025. This grants an extended transition period as SASSA introduces the more secure chip-enabled payment cards. Stay vigilant against fraud, protect your PIN, and immediately report lost or stolen cards to prevent unauthorized use during this period.