SASSA Gold Card: Millions of South Africans rely on the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) for monthly financial assistance. Previously, beneficiaries used the SASSA Gold Card to access their grants. With the transition to the Postbank Black Card, many recipients need to update their cards to continue receiving their payments without interruption.

To assist with this process, the deadline for updating from the SASSA Gold Card to the Postbank Black Card has been extended to March 20, 2025. Beneficiaries must update their cards before this date to avoid delays or disruptions in receiving their grants. This article explains why the update is necessary, where to update your card, step-by-step instructions, and common issues that may arise during the process.

Overview Table

Key Information	Details
New Card	Postbank Black Card
Old Card	SASSA Gold Card
Update Deadline	March 20, 2025
Update Locations	Retail stores, Postbank branches, mobile units, SASSA offices
Required Documents	ID, SASSA proxy letter (if applicable), old Gold Card
Contact for Support	Postbank: 0800 53 54 55, SASSA Helpline: 0800 60 10 11
USSD Code to Find Collection Point	120218*3#

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Why the SASSA Card Update is Necessary
• Locations Where You Can Update Your SASSA Card
  • Major Retailers
  • Postbank Branches
  • Mobile Units in Remote Areas
  • SASSA Regional Offices
• Steps to Update Your SASSA Card
  • Locate Your Nearest Collection Point
  • Gather the Required Documents
  • Visit the Collection Point
  • Verify Your Identity
  • Submit Your Old SASSA Gold Card
  • Receive and Activate Your New Postbank Black Card
  • Keep Your Card Safe
• Common Issues and How to Resolve Them
• Final Reminders
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Why the SASSA Card Update is Necessary

The update from the SASSA Gold Card to the Postbank Black Card is essential to ensure that grant payments remain secure, efficient, and accessible. The transition is due to the expiration of SASSA’s contract with Grindrod Bank, which previously managed the Gold Card. The new Postbank Black Card is issued directly by Postbank and offers improved security features designed to protect beneficiaries from fraud and unauthorized transactions.

The new card retains all the benefits of the previous one, including zero withdrawal fees at select retailers, immediate access to funds on payment days, and an expanded network of collection points. Beneficiaries must complete the update before the deadline to continue receiving their payments without delays.

Locations Where You Can Update Your SASSA Card

SASSA has partnered with several organizations to make the card update process accessible. Beneficiaries can visit any of the following locations to update their cards:

Major Retailers

Several retailers have been designated as collection points to make the process more convenient. These include:

• Checkers
• Shoprite
• Pick n Pay
• Usave
• Boxer

Postbank Branches

Beneficiaries can visit any Postbank branch across South Africa to update their cards. Staff are available to assist with the process and issue the new Postbank Black Card.

Mobile Units in Remote Areas

To help those living in rural areas, mobile units have been deployed to provide card update services. These units visit remote locations where beneficiaries may have limited access to urban centers, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to update their cards.

SASSA Regional Offices

Some SASSA regional offices also offer card replacement services. However, not all offices provide this service, so beneficiaries should contact their local SASSA office to confirm before visiting.

Steps to Update Your SASSA Card

1. Locate Your Nearest Collection Point

To find the nearest collection point, dial 120218*3# on your mobile phone. This USSD service allows you to select your province and location, providing a list of nearby collection points.

2. Gather the Required Documents

Before visiting a collection point, make sure you have the following documents:

• South African ID or Temporary ID (required for all beneficiaries)
• SASSA Proxy Letter and Proxy’s ID (if collecting on behalf of someone else)
• SASSA Approval Letter (required for asylum seekers and other specific cases)

3. Visit the Collection Point

Once you have the necessary documents, visit your nearest collection point. Staff at retail stores, Postbank branches, and mobile units are available to assist with the update process.

4. Verify Your Identity

To prevent fraud, you must verify your identity using one of the following methods:

• Presenting your South African ID or temporary ID
• Using biometric verification (where applicable)
• Providing proxy verification if you are collecting on behalf of someone else

5. Submit Your Old SASSA Gold Card

If you still have your SASSA Gold Card, hand it over to receive your new Postbank Black Card. If your card has been lost or stolen, inform the staff at the collection point.

6. Receive and Activate Your New Postbank Black Card

After your identity is verified, you will receive your new card. To activate it:

• Set or reset your PIN
• Test the card by making a small transaction or checking your balance

7. Keep Your Card Safe

To protect your card from fraud, follow these guidelines:

• Keep your PIN private and never share it with anyone
• Do not provide your card details over the phone or online
• Be cautious of scam messages or phone calls pretending to be from SASSA or Postbank

Common Issues and How to Resolve Them

Although the process is designed to be simple, some beneficiaries may face challenges. Below are common issues and solutions:

• Lost or Stolen SASSA Gold Card: Visit a Postbank branch with your ID to report the loss and receive your new card.
• Incorrect Biometric Verification: If biometric verification fails, request manual verification using your ID and supporting documents.
• Collection Point Not Available: If your nearest collection point is temporarily closed, use the USSD code 120218*3# to find an alternative location.

For additional support, beneficiaries can contact:

• Postbank Customer Support: 0800 53 54 55
• SASSA Helpline: 0800 60 10 11

Final Reminders

The deadline to update your SASSA card is March 20, 2025. Beneficiaries who do not update their cards by this date risk losing access to their grant payments. To avoid delays, complete the process as early as possible.

• Visit a collection point well before the deadline to avoid long queues
• Use official SASSA and Postbank channels to get accurate information and avoid scams
• If you need help, ask family members or proxies to assist with the process
• Remember that updating your card is free of charge

FAQs

Conclusion

Updating your SASSA Gold Card to the Postbank Black Card is essential to ensure you continue receiving your social grants without interruption. With the deadline set for March 20, 2025, beneficiaries should act promptly to avoid delays. Use the USSD code to locate the nearest collection point, gather the required documents, and visit a retailer, Postbank branch, mobile unit, or SASSA office to update your card. If you need assistance, contact Postbank or SASSA using the provided helpline numbers. Complete the process today to secure uninterrupted access to your grants.