The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has announced that the deadline for replacing expired SASSA Gold Cards has now officially been extended to May 31, 2025. Thus, grant recipients will be uninterrupted in their use of Gold Cards to withdraw, buy, or check balances. The extension comes after concerns were raised about the delays in the issuing of new Postbank Black Cards, which would now allow beneficiaries some extra time to transition smoothly.
Why Was the Deadline Extended?
The deadline to replace SASSA Gold Cards was set for February 28, 2025, later extended to March 20, 2025, then again to April 30, 2025, before it was finally pushed to May 31, 2025, due to process delays and logistic challenges. The consideration for this extension mainly is to allow beneficiaries to continue receiving their grants while making arrangements to replace the SASSA Gold Cards with the new Postbank Black Card.
How to Replace Your SASSA Gold Card
Beneficiaries may obtain their new Postbank Black Cards at selected Postbank offices and participating retailers such as Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, Boxer, Pick n Pay, and Spar. To collect a new card, the applicant must present a duly original South African ID. Expired documents or copies will not be accepted.
Postbank introduced a mobile service to help beneficiaries who do not know where to collect their new card. They can simply dial \120\355#** on their mobile phones to locate the nearest replacement station.
What Happens After May 31, 2025?
Beyond this date, SASSA Gold Cards will no longer be valid for cash withdrawals at ATMs, purchases at stores, or balance inquiries. Beneficiaries who do not replace cards may experience interruptions in payments after this date. To avoid any interruptions, beneficiaries are encouraged to opt for the new Postbank Black Card or update their banking details in order to receive grants into their private bank accounts.
Government’s Assurance to Beneficiaries
Despite delays, the South African government has assured all beneficiaries that there will be no interruptions for those still on Gold Cards before the deadline. However, they strongly urge recipients to complete the transition at their earliest to avoid any last-minute issues.
Conclusion
The extension of the deadline for the SASSA Gold Card till May 31, 2025, has provided beneficiaries with extra time to replace their expired cards to guarantee continuous access to grants. With so many options available for collection and multiple mobile services, beneficiaries should take full advantage of securing their new Postbank Black Cards ahead of the final deadline.
Also Read: SASSA Confirms SRD R370 Payments for April 2025: What Beneficiaries Need to Know