The new Sassa system: How does it compare to the old system?

The new Sassa card system has hit many hard due to the ongoing grant crisis that has hit the country, leading to some grant beneficiaries not being able to access their money since the beginning of this week.

So how does the old system compare with the new system?

The new card is a debit card and works very much the same as the old Sassa card.

The main difference is that the new card system will not work at the existing cash pay points, because the CPS system is proprietary and will not be able to read the new card.

Cash beneficiaries will continue to use the existing card, only for as long as cash payments remain an option. All new beneficiaries must choose either the new Sassa card or direct deposits into their bank accounts as a payment method.

This is in line with Regulation 21 of the Social Assistance Act, 2004, as amended.

Read also: Pensioners stand in long queues during the icy winter to try and get their Sassa payouts

Also read: Sassa says glitches cause delay in payouts, affecting pensioners

What benefits does this new card system bring?

• Holders of the new card will get 3 cash withdrawals at merchants’/retailers’ Point of Sale (POS) devices;
• There will be unlimited POS purchases;
• Holders are permitted 1 cash withdrawal at the post office branch;
• Card holders have 1 balance enquiry at an ATM available;
• 1 mini-statement per month – drawn from an ATM;
• 1 PIN reset at SAPO branch;
• Unlimited PIN resets at Sassa offices;
• Initial card issuance and 1 free card replacement;
• No EFT debits or stop orders.

The grant issue has created pandemonium in the minds of the elderly and they are hoping the issue will be sorted out as soon as possible so they can get their money.

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