With a SASSA card, you can perform electronic transactions anywhere a MasterCard or Visa logo is displayed. However, your SASSA account can be compromised if you lose your card. The good news is that you can protect it by blocking your card. This article explains the steps you should take to block a lost SASSA card.
How to Block a Lost SASSA Card
The moment you realize that you are missing your SASSA, you should first call the help desk on 0800 600 to request them to block your card. When you call the Cash Payment Service through this toll-free number on a landline, they will immediately block the card to prevent access to your funds.
Likewise, you must also report to the police how your card was lost or stolen. When you report to the police, you will obtain an affidavit which you can use when you apply for a replacement of the lost SASSA card.
Can I Apply for a New SASSA Card Online?
You cannot apply for a SASSA card online. If you want a new card, you must visit your nearest SASSA office to apply for a new card. You will need an Identity Document or try to obtain a temporary one if you don’t have the original. When you visit the SASSA office, you must carry the affidavit confirming your details and declaring how the card was lost.
Proof of residence is also required when you apply for a new card. You will be issued a new card when all the details you provide are correct. SASSA does not post debit cards to beneficiaries, so online application is not used.
Can I Replace My Lost SASSA Card at Post Office?
When you lose your SASSA card, you can only get a replacement at your nearest SASSA office, not the post office. However, you can perform other SASSA-related business like checking your SASSA balance or withdrawing your grant, but you cannot apply for a lost card at the post office.
It is recommended that you must keep your SASSA card in a safe place. Although the first lost card will be replaced for free, you will need to pay a replacement fee of R26 if you lose it again. The money will be deducted from your grant payment, so you must be careful with your card.
How Long Does It Take To Replace a SASSA Card
It takes a few minutes to replace a SASSA card, especially when you visit the SASSA offices with all the required documents. The SASSA official will give you the forms to complete when applying for card replacement.
When you submit all the details, your card will be processed while you wait. The good thing about applying for a replacement card is that the SASSA official will request you provide more details if anything is missing. The entire process takes a few minutes when there are no long queues of other applicants seeking the same service.
Can I Withdraw SASSA Money Without SASSA Card
SASSA card is an electronic debit card payment facility that can be used to withdraw cash from any bank, post office, or point of sale with MasterCard or Visa features. If the SASSA card is the only payment method you use to receive your grant, then there is no way you can access or withdraw your money without it.
The money is stored in the card, so you cannot withdraw it without a physical card. With this card, you can get cash from different ATMs or selected shops where you will not experience service charges.
If you have a bank account, you can use it as your preferred payment method if you want to withdraw SASSA money without a card. If you want to change your payment method to use your bank account, follow the steps below.
- Visit the SRD SASSA website: https://srd.sassa.gov.za/.
- Find the link with “How do I change my banking details”
- Type your phone number and ID
- You will receive an SMS containing a secure link you can use to sign up
- Click on the link
- Follow the instructions provided, and you will be able to change your method of payment to your bank account.
When you choose the option of using a personal bank account, it should bear your details. SASSA cannot deposit grants into another person’s bank account. Once you change your payment method, SASSA verifies your details, and you will begin receiving your grant directly into your bank account. When the money is deposited into your bank account, you will not need a SASSA card.
You can also use other options like e-wallet or CashSend to withdraw your SASSA money without using a card. These payment methods are used for SASSA SRD R350 payments. Beneficiaries can withdraw their funds from ATMs without using bank or SASSA cards.
To be able to use this payment method, you must have a mobile phone number with RICA details in your name to prevent fraud. This helps SASSA to verify the phone numbers provided to ensure that the right beneficiaries receive their grants in verified accounts.
If you do not have a bank account, SASSA can use the default payment method, where the grants will be directed to the post office. With this payment method, you can withdraw your grant from any post office in South Africa without a SASSA card. All you need is your identity document when you withdraw some money from the post office.
If you lose your SASSA card, your account can be compromised, and you end up losing your money to fraudsters. Once you lose your card, immediately call 0800 600 and request to have it blocked to secure your money. You can only apply for a new card from your nearest SASSA office. You cannot apply for a SASSA card online or from the post office. If you choose your bank account as your preferred payment method, you can withdraw your money without a SASSA card.
