The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) is urging beneficiaries not to be misled by rumours on social media that the Sassa gold cards are going to be discontinued or withdrawn, or that they have expired.

Sassa Mpumalanga spokesperson Senzeni Ngubeni says, “The Sassa gold cards work like any other commercial authenticated card as approved by the South African Reserve Bank. Beneficiaries must know that it is safe, with all the necessary safeguards to keep all their money in their accounts.

“The remaining funds will be kept safe in your card. Social grants payment funds can be withdrawn on different days throughout the month according to a beneficiary’s needs.

The agency says beneficiaries can use their gold cards to withdraw money at ATM’s or at retail stores and supermarkets.

Beneficiaries that receive grants at pay points are advised to create a Pin when they collect their August 2022 payments.

“This will enable beneficiaries to use their SASSA card to draw their money at ATMs and supermarkets using that Pin.”

Sassa has warned beneficiaries to avoid going into crime hotspots during the first days of the month because that is when scammers and thugs rob vulnerable people living with disability, and the elderly.

It is advisable to do shopping or withdraw money in the middle of the month.