Come the year 2025, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) would ensure the introduction of a new black SASSA card, thereby supplanting the gold cards older beneficiaries had been used to. The transformation is an endeavour to further modernise the payment systems, to prevent fraud, and to provide better and more accessible financial services for grant recipients.
What Is the Reason for the Change?
The black card came into existence in response to the growing problems of security threats involved in the older system of expired gold cards, fraudulent conduct, etc. Basically, the new card can protect social grant funds, protect identity of beneficiaries, and allow beneficiaries to have more options to continue accessing their cash, through chip technology, PIN security, and enhanced banking features.
Who Will Get the New Card?
Current SASSA grant beneficiaries receiving Older Person’s Grant, Child Support Grant, Disability Grant, and others will gradually be issued the new black card throughout 2025. No one will need to apply for the grant again. Beneficiaries will, however, need to make sure that all their personal and contact details are up to date with SASSA to be able to receive notifications on card collection and activation.
How to Collect and Activate the Black Card
The black card may be gathered at pre-determined SASSA offices, Postbank branches, and selected community centres. Beneficiaries must present their South African ID and old SASSA card for verification when collecting the card. Activation of the card entails the beneficiary setting a PIN at the facility or an approved ATM, upon which the card is ready for use.
After Activation What Is Left to Be Done?
Once activated, the SASSA black card can be used to withdraw cash from any ATM, purchase goods in retail stores, and check balances, similar to that of a common debit card. Grant payments will then continue to be credited onto the new card every month in an uninterrupted stream with no changes to their schedules for payout. Beneficiaries will be advised to keep the PIN confidential and report any suspicious activity forthwith.