PRETORIA – Postbank has confirmed that all expired Sassa social grant cards will continue functioning for the entirety of 2024.
Postbank spokesperson Dr Bongani Dio said beneficiaries should not panic and can continue using their current Sassa cards at ATMs and retailers. He assured grant recipients will keep receiving payments monthly.
There have been reports of people telling beneficiaries to switch banks, claiming the cards no longer work. Dr Dio clarified that is false information and no one has the authority to dictate which bank people should use.
Postbank is running a program to replace Sassa cards, with details to be announced in the first half of 2024. By June, they will start issuing new cards. In the interim, current cards, expired or not, will continue working.
Dr Dio said incidents of lost or stolen cards can be addressed by visiting the nearest post office to get a replacement. He confirmed all Sassa gold card holders received their January grants, so non-payments are unrelated to card validity issues.
As Post Offices phase out cash payments from January to March, the aim is to transition social grant beneficiaries to use cards like everyone else by 1 April 2024. This will provide more reliable, dignified service through national payment points and retailers.
Dr Dio encouraged beneficiaries to report anyone falsely claiming their cards require replacement by calling the toll-free number 0800 53 5455.
