Is your SASSA card getting declined? Well there might be a number of reasons that could be causing this which include technical issues, incorrect PIN, card expiration, or system fraud prevention. To find out the particular problem you might be facing, try the following steps:
1. Examine your balance: Check your card to see that you have enough balance in your account. To check your SASSA card balance, you can use any of the following methods:
- Dial USSD Code**: Dial *120*3210# or *120*69277# on your cellphone and follow the necessary prompts.
- WhatsApp: The SASSA WhatsApp contact number is 082 046 8553. Add it to your phone and send the word “SASSA” to the number. Then reply with “Status,” and follow the prompts that are given.
There might be a small charge in using the USSD service to check your SASSA balance. The charges vary depending on your mobile network provider.
- Use a different ATM – If you have enough balance on your card, try using a different ATM to see if you will be able to withdraw money.
- Verify your PIN: Make sure you are entering the correct PIN for your SASSA card.
- Replace an expired card: If you realize that your SASSA card has expired, visit your nearest SASSA office to request a new card.
Contact SASSA customer care: If the problem persists, call the SASSA toll-free helpline at 0800 60 10 11 for assistance.
SASSA System Glitch?
Some time back, a spike in declined SASSA card transactions occurred. This was as a result of a system glitch, which negatively impacted social grant recipients who were using their cards to withdraw their payments.
Because of the glitch, there was a problem of people not being able to access their funds. As a result, people were requested to withdraw their social grants at outlets such as Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, Pick ‘n Pay, & Boxer.
SASSA and Postbank sent out a message apologizing to their customers for the inconvenience and told people to reach out to the Postbank toll-free number for help. This system glitch affected the use of SASSA cards at ATMs, leading to challenges in accessing funds for grant recipients.
Can SASSA Card Be Blocked?
Yes, individual SASSA cards can be blocked. You can request they be blocked or the agency can authorize them to be blocked it if they discover fraudulent or scam activities.
Are SASSA Gold Cards Expiring?
SASSA Gold Cards, which have been used for quite some years to pay for social grants, will not be expiring in December and will continue to function, enabling you to access your grants beyond that date.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAHhMUigoPs
What this means is that many South Africans enjoying these social grant will not have to change their SASSA cards, and they can continue using them to withdraw money from a wide network of banks and retailers. Some key points about SASSA Gold Cards include
- No Expiry Date: The much feared expiry date no longer applies to you. That means you can continue using it as you did in the past.
- Continuity: The removal of this expiry date has made it possible for SASSA Gold Cards’ to continue to enjoy the benefits that come with this card, so that they dont endure the inconvenience and expenses of changing their cards.
- Payments in Expired Cards: People using SASSA Gold Cards can now relax, as they will be paid their grants in their SASSA Gold Cards in December and all subsequent months
- Postbank’s Exclusive Mandate: People using SASSA Gold Cards are strongly advised to ignore misleading information that might make them believe that the SASSA Gold Cards are being replaced. Did you know that Postbank is the only bank in South Africa that is mandated to replace SASSA Gold Cards.
In summary, SASSA Gold Cards will not expire in December 2023 and will continue to work to pay social grants beyond that date.
Beneficiaries can continue using their cards to withdraw money from a wide network of banks and retailers, and they will be paid their grants in their expired SASSA Gold Cards in December 2023 and all subsequent months.