How Do I Activate My New SASSA card?

Receiving a fresh SASSA card in the post can be exhilarating, yet it requires activation before utilization. This piece provides an easy-to-follow guide to activate your card and promptly access your SASSA grant in a secure manner.

What is the SASSA Card?

The SASSA card serves as a debit card issued by SASSA to grant beneficiaries, enabling them to access their monthly payments. It allows users to withdraw cash or carry out transactions conveniently, even without a bank account.

New cards are dispatched in the following instances:

  1. You are sanctioned for a new SASSA grant
  2. Your current card reaches its expiration date
  3. Your card is misplaced or stolen, necessitating a replacement

The new card will be delivered in a sealed tamper-proof envelope for added security, alongside a temporary PIN.

Requirements for Card Activation

To activate, you will require:

  • The sealed SASSA card
  • The provided temporary PIN slip
  • Your 13-digit RSA ID number
  • A functional cell phone to receive the OTP

Do not open the sealed card envelope until you are ready to activate. Ensure that you keep your temporary PIN confidential and secure.

Step 1 – Insert Card at SASSA Merchant

First, locate the nearest SASSA merchant, such as Shoprite, Boxer, Pick n Pay, or an ATM. Insert the new SASSA card into the POS device or ATM. Upon prompt, input the received default temporary PIN to initiate the card activation process.

Step 2 – Enter Identity Number

After entering the temporary PIN, you will be asked to input your 13-digit RSA ID number. This step confirms your identity and securely links the card to your SASSA beneficiary profile. Take care to enter your ID number accurately to avoid any errors.

Step 3 – Set Up New PIN

Next, you will create a new 5-digit PIN to replace the temporary one:

  1. Enter your desired confidential 5-digit PIN
  2. Re-enter the same PIN for confirmation

Remember this PIN, as it will be necessary for future transactions and fund withdrawals.

Step 4 – OTP Confirmation

An OTP (one-time PIN) will be sent to your registered cell phone number to finalize the activation:

  • Input the 6-digit OTP received via SMS
  • You will have 3 attempts to input it correctly

This concludes the card activation process. You are now able to utilize it to access your grant.

However, if you misplace your card, you can refer to our guide on “What To Do If You Lose Your SASSA Card for Grant Payments?“

Important Usage Tips

Once activated, remember the following tips for card usage:

  1. Never disclose your PIN to anyone
  2. Retailers may apply transaction fees
  3. Regularly change your PIN for enhanced security
  4. Commit your PIN to memory rather than writing it down
  5. Immediately report lost or stolen cards to SASSA

Get Started with Your Card Today

Activating your new SASSA card is a speedy and straightforward process at any participating retailer. Follow the steps provided above to securely access your grant funds. If you encounter any issues during activation, do not hesitate to reach out to the SASSA call center.