SASSA Card Saga: Grant recipients have options

SASSA has suspended the issuing of new Postbank black cards to its grant recipients, but the gold card remains active.

This as the agency earlier this month noted an instruction by the SA Reserve Bank (SARB) to ensure the Sassa gold card remains active, and that Postbank must honour all transactions on these cards.

“This instruction by the SARB is to ensure all gold card beneficiaries who have not yet migrated to the Postbank black card continue to receive their grants seamlessly,” said Sassa.

A new deadline for the termination of the Sassa gold card is expected to be issued by the SARB soon. While discussions are under way between SARB and Postbank, the issuing of the black cards by Postbank at their sites across the country has been suspended indefinitely.

“Sassa remains hopeful that all beneficiaries will continue to receive their money, while also emphasising the right of the beneficiaries to choose any bank of their choice, and if such need arises, they can approach the nearest Sassa office.”

Executive head at EasyPay Everywhere, Simphiwe Phakathi, says this gives people a little more time, with over one million grant recipients still needing to switch cards.

“Many are worried they will not be able to get their grants after the deadline, and they are still not sure what to do. Others are wondering if there’s an easier way to keep receiving their grant money without all this stress,” said Phakathi.

“As a grant recipient, you can choose how to get your money paid each month, and this is more important following the Postbank card issuing suspension.”

He said recipients can choose to have grant money paid into a bank account, but they must consider aspects of banking products like fees, access to support, and future financial needs.

“Choosing the right banking partner means you can keep using the same account every month without worrying about future changes to the grant payment system. It gives you peace of mind and makes things easier.

“Everyone has different needs, and grant recipients must know they have options.”

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