The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) offers different payment methods to beneficiaries who receive different grants. SASSA gold card is one of the payment options available, but recipients have been experiencing challenges in renewing their expired cards. However, SASSA has encouraged the beneficiaries to consider other options, like changing their gold cards to bank accounts, to address this problem. Read on to learn how to convert your gold card to a bank account.
Does the SASSA Gold Card Expire?
Under normal circumstances, a Visa or MasterCard expires after five years and should be replaced. SASSA gold cards are expected to expire by the end of June 2024, but SASSA has indicated that they are still valid until 31 December 2024. The South African Post Bank is experiencing challenges in meeting the demand for new gold cards following the closure of some of its branches.
Therefore, the Payment Authority in South Africa (PASA) has intervened and extended the validity of the cards until the end of the year. However, after this grace period, all expired cards must be replaced as required by the South African Reserve Bank. In the meantime, SASSA beneficiaries can request to change their payment methods.
How to Change SASSA Gold Card to Bank Account
If you want to receive your SASSA grant via bank account, you can change your payment method from SASSA Gold Card. You can do this by visiting your nearest SASSA office or another designated venue by the agency. When you visit your local SASSA office, you must request a printout of the SASSA Annexure C form to change your payment option.
Once you obtain the form, you must take it to your preferred bank and have it completed and stamped. The stamp proves that you have a valid bank account and you are authorized to receive SASSA payments through it. Choose any bank that is registered with SASSA to receive your money.
Return the stamped form together with your bank statement and copy of your identity document to SASSA. Your change of payment request will be processed once you submit all the required documents. SASSA beneficiaries can change their payment method several times but should only do it once a month to avoid delays in getting their grants.
SASSA will first verify your bank details to update their records before releasing the grant into your account. It is recommended that you can continue using your gold card, which is still valid until you get a notification from SASSA that your bank account is now active. Remember, SASSA does not credit money into someone’s account.
How Do I Check the Balance on My SASSA Gold Card?
When SASSA approves your grant application, your money will be available, and you can withdraw or use it via your preferred payment method, such as a SASSA gold card, bank account, or collection point. However, there are also different methods you can use to check your SASSA balance outlined below.
You can check your SASSA balance using your gold card at an ATM. Visit your nearest ATM and insert your card and then your PIN. Follow the prompts that appear on the screen to choose the option that allows you to check your balance.
SASSA grant beneficiaries are required to have a mobile phone which they use to receive messages or check their payment status anywhere. You can check your SASSA balance on your mobile phone by dialing *120*3210# and then following the prompts on the screen. If the USSD method does not give you the desired results, you can dial *120*69277# and follow the steps provided. This option will give you an SMS notification.
Alternatively, you can also check your SASSA balance on the WhatsApp platform. First, add 082 046 8553, SASSA WhatsApp contact number to your phone book. Send the word “SASSA” to this number and use the word “Status” to reply to the text message. You can reply using “Yes” if you have a reference number. Use your mobile number, which you used to register for the SASSA grant to reply to the next text message. Lastly, enter your reference number to reply to your last message.
How You Can Renew Your SASSA Gold Card?
To renew your SASSA gold card, you need to visit your nearest South African Post Bank (SAPO). Although cards are currently in short supply now, your card can be renewed if you are lucky, but this depends on the number of people requiring the same service. Mondays and Tuesdays are reserved for card renewals by individuals who get Older Persons and Disability grants.
Beginning 15 March 2024, SASSA beneficiaries getting Child Support grants can renew their gold cards on Wednesdays and Saturdays. If you misplace your card or need a replacement, you can collect it from your local SAPO branch. You will need to carry your ID and an expired gold card. A replacement card can only be issued to the person registered as the recipient of the SASSA grant.
SAPO branches across South Africa are currently experiencing shortages of gold cards, so you must be patient. However, SASSA has assured all beneficiaries that they will get their cards by the end of the year as directed by the South African Reserve Bank.
How Long Does My Gold Card Last?
A gold card is usually valid for 5 years. You should check the expiry date written on the card to know when to get a replacement.
SASSA offer grants to the needy and vulnerable people in South Africa to cushion them from financial hardships. To get the money, you must meet all the requirements and choose the appropriate payment method that suits your needs. You can also change your SASSA gold card to a bank account by following the simple steps highlighted above.
