Sassa gold cards valid for two more months

Social grant beneficiaries are breathing a sigh of relief following a decision to allow the continued use of the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) gold card until all the cards have been replaced.

Beneficiaries can use the gold card for another two months, with the final day 31 May.

ALSO READ: Concern over ‘insufficient’ sites to replace Sassa cards

This was confirmed by Postbank CEO Nikki Mbengashe who briefed the media on Friday.

She said the cards will work as normal for the two months and beneficiaries do not have to queue at post offices to access their payments as the gold cards will still work at ATMs and in stores.

This comes amid confusion over payments of grants as thousands of beneficiaries are yet to get their new Postbank black cards.

The decision comes as Sassa gears to pay grants this week, with the Older Person’s Grant set to be paid on Wednesday, Disability Grant on Thursday, and children’s grants on Friday.

ALSO READ: ‘Going nowhere slowly’ are Sassa grantees queuing to swap cards

Sassa acting CEO Themba Matlou has, however, warned that all gold card holders must change to the Postbank black card.

“We humbly plea to our beneficiaries to use this opportunity and not wait for the last hour as this will further inconvenience them.

“From the onset, we listened to the cries of our beneficiaries and understood their frustration.

“This should not make you relax, this should make you wake up tomorrow, with less pressure, and change your card,” he said.

Matlou welcomed the decision by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) to allow for the continued use of the Sassa gold card until all the cards have been successfully replaced.

“The decision by SARB comes after several engagements between Sassa and Postbank on several issues, including alternative payment methods for beneficiaries who have not migrated to the Postbank black card.

“This has been made in the best interest of all the beneficiaries, to safeguard their dignity, lessen panic, while ensuring their safety and easy access to their grants,” said Matlou.

Here are the social grant increases for the 2025/26 financial year:

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