SASSA Card for SRD R350 Grant Recipients

The SASSA card is the official payment card issued by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) that enables beneficiaries to receive and access their social grants, including the SRD R350 grant. This secure payment method was introduced to streamline grant disbursement, reduce fraud, and provide recipients with greater financial flexibility.

As of 2023, over 18 million South Africans rely on SASSA cards to access their social grants. The card functions as a fully operational debit card that can be used at ATMs, retailers, and for online transactions, giving recipients control over when and how they access their funds.

Benefits of the SASSA Card:

Secure access to your grant money with PIN protection
No need to queue at Post Offices or collection points
Can be used at ATMs and for purchases at stores nationwide
Free balance inquiries and some free transactions each month
Protection against fraud and theft with immediate blocking capabilities
Ability to make purchases without carrying cash
Access to special discounts at participating retailers
No monthly account maintenance fees

Quick Navigation:

Getting a Card Using Your Card Card Fees Card Security Troubleshooting FAQs

How to Get a SASSA Card

Obtaining a SASSA card is a straightforward process designed to be accessible to all eligible grant recipients. Follow these steps to get your SASSA card:

1
Visit your nearest SASSA office with your South African ID document or valid identification
2
Complete the SASSA card application form provided by the SASSA official
3
Have your biometric information captured (fingerprints and photograph)
4
Receive your SASSA card and set your personal PIN (keep this confidential)
5
Activate your card as instructed by the SASSA official before leaving the office
6
Sign the back of your card immediately to prevent unauthorized use

Important Documents Required:

South African ID document (green barcoded ID or smart ID card)
Proof of address (not older than 3 months)
Proof of grant approval (if already approved)
Previous SASSA card (if applying for a replacement)

Card Replacement Information:

If your SASSA card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you should:

Immediately call the SASSA Toll-Free Helpline at 0800 60 10 11 to report and block your card
Visit your nearest SASSA office with your ID to apply for a replacement card
Pay the replacement fee of R30.00 (subject to change)
Receive your new card, which should be ready within 5-10 working days

Using Your SASSA Card

Your SASSA card functions like a standard debit card and can be used in various ways to access your grant money. Here's how you can use your card effectively:

💳

ATM Withdrawals

Insert your card, enter your PIN, select 'Withdrawal', enter amount, and collect your cash. Available at all major banks' ATMs nationwide.

🛒

Store Purchases

Swipe or insert your card at the payment terminal, enter your PIN, and complete the transaction. Accepted at most retailers displaying the Mastercard logo.

📊

Balance Inquiry

At an ATM, insert your card, enter your PIN, and select 'Balance Inquiry'. You can also check your balance at participating retailers or via the SASSA mobile app.

💰

Cash Back at Stores

When making a purchase, you can request cash back at participating retailers like Shoprite, Pick n Pay, and Boxer. This often has lower fees than ATM withdrawals.

Where to Use Your SASSA Card

Location Type	Examples	Notes
Major Retailers	Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Boxer, Spar	Free cash back available with purchase
ATMs	All major banks	First withdrawal free each month
Pharmacies	Clicks, Dis-Chem	Special discounts for SASSA cardholders
Fuel Stations	Most major fuel stations with shops	Can be used for purchases in the shop
Online Stores	Selected online retailers	Limited functionality - check with retailer

SASSA Card Payment Dates:

SASSA grants are typically paid into your card account according to the following schedule:

3rd day of the month: Older Persons Grants
4th day of the month: Disability Grants
5th day of the month: Children's Grants
SRD R350 grants: Varies by last digit of ID number

View the full payment schedule →

SASSA Card Fees and Charges

The SASSA card is designed to be cost-effective for grant recipients, with many free transactions. However, some transactions do carry fees. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the fees associated with using your SASSA card:

Transaction Type	Fee	Notes
Balance inquiry (first 3 per month)	Free	At any ATM or participating retailer
Additional balance inquiries	R1.50	After first 3 free inquiries
Cash withdrawal at participating retailers	Free	With purchase at Shoprite, Pick n Pay, etc.
First ATM withdrawal per month	Free	At any ATM nationwide
Additional ATM withdrawals	R7.00 - R10.00	Varies by bank
Point of Sale (POS) purchases	Free	At any retailer accepting Mastercard
PIN change	Free (first change)	R2.50 for subsequent changes
Card replacement (lost/stolen/damaged)	R30.00	At any SASSA office
Monthly account maintenance	Free	No monthly fees

Money-Saving Tips:

Use cash-back at retailers instead of ATMs after your free withdrawal
Check your balance using the SASSA mobile app instead of at ATMs
Make purchases directly with your card instead of withdrawing cash
Plan your withdrawals to minimize fees (one larger withdrawal instead of multiple small ones)
Ask for your receipt and check it every time you use your card

Protecting Your SASSA Card

Your SASSA card is as valuable as cash and should be protected accordingly. Follow these essential security measures to keep your grant money safe:

PIN Security

Never share your PIN with anyone, including SASSA officials
Shield the keypad when entering your PIN
Avoid obvious PINs like birth dates or sequential numbers
Change your PIN regularly

Card Protection

Keep your card in a safe place
Don't leave your card unattended
Sign the back of your card immediately
Don't let anyone take your card out of your sight

Transaction Monitoring

Check your balance regularly
Keep all receipts and check them against your balance
Report any unauthorized transactions immediately
Request mini-statements periodically

Fraud Prevention

Beware of people offering to help at ATMs
Never respond to emails or SMS requesting your card details
Report suspicious activities to SASSA and SAPS
Be cautious of card skimming devices at ATMs

Warning Signs of SASSA Card Fraud:

Unexpected SMS notifications about transactions you didn't make
Missing funds from your account
Card doesn't work when you try to use it
ATM retains your card unexpectedly
Unfamiliar devices attached to ATMs
People offering unsolicited help at ATMs

If Your Card is Lost or Stolen:

Report immediately: Call the SASSA Toll-Free Helpline at 0800 60 10 11 to block your card (available 24/7)
Visit SASSA office: Go to your nearest SASSA office with your ID to apply for a replacement card
File police report: If you suspect theft or fraud, report it to the South African Police Service (SAPS)
Monitor your account: Check if any unauthorized transactions occurred before you blocked the card

Troubleshooting SASSA Card Issues

SASSA card users may occasionally encounter issues when using their cards. Here are solutions to common problems:

Card Declined at Point of Sale

Ensure you have sufficient funds in your account
Check if your card hasn't expired (expiry date on front of card)
Try a different payment terminal or retailer
Contact SASSA helpline to verify your card status

ATM Doesn't Accept Card

Check if you're inserting the card correctly (chip first, facing up)
Try a different ATM, preferably at a bank branch
Ensure the card isn't damaged (no cracks, chips, or severe scratches)
Contact SASSA to check if your card has been blocked

Forgotten PIN

Visit your nearest SASSA office with your ID document
Request a PIN reset (you cannot retrieve your old PIN)
You'll need to set a new PIN and remember it
Consider noting your PIN in a secure, coded way that only you understand

Grant Not Received on Expected Date

Check the official payment schedule for your grant type
Verify your grant status on the SASSA website or mobile app
Contact the SASSA helpline for information
Visit your nearest SASSA office if the issue persists

Card Retained by ATM

Contact the bank that owns the ATM immediately
Report to SASSA helpline to block the card
Visit your nearest SASSA office with your ID to apply for a replacement
Monitor your account for any unauthorized transactions

SASSA Contact Information for Card Issues:

SASSA Toll-Free Helpline: 0800 60 10 11
Email: grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za
Website: www.sassa.gov.za
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 - 16:00
View all SASSA contact details →

Frequently Asked Questions About SASSA Cards

How long does a SASSA card remain valid?

SASSA cards are typically valid for 5-10 years. The expiry date is printed on the front of your card. You'll need to renew your card before this date to ensure uninterrupted access to your grants.

Can I use my SASSA card outside South Africa?

No, SASSA cards are designed for use within South Africa only. They cannot be used for international transactions or at ATMs outside the country.

Can someone else collect my grant money for me using my SASSA card?

No, your SASSA card is issued to you personally and should never be given to anyone else, even family members. If you're unable to collect your grant yourself, you should apply for a procurator at your local SASSA office.

What happens to my SASSA card if my grant application is rejected?

If your grant application is rejected, your SASSA card will not be loaded with funds. However, you should keep the card in case you appeal the decision and your grant is subsequently approved. The card can then be activated and loaded with your grant money.

Can I have more than one SASSA card?

No, each beneficiary is entitled to only one active SASSA card. Having multiple cards is against SASSA regulations and may be considered fraudulent.

What should I do if my SASSA card is damaged but still readable?

Even if your card is still functioning, a damaged card may stop working unexpectedly or be rejected by ATMs. Visit your nearest SASSA office to apply for a replacement card before it completely fails.

Can I change my SASSA card PIN over the phone?

No, PIN changes cannot be done over the phone for security reasons. You must visit an ATM or your nearest SASSA office to change your PIN.

Is there a limit to how much I can withdraw from my SASSA card per day?

Yes, there is typically a daily withdrawal limit of R2,000 to R5,000, depending on your grant type. This is a security measure to protect your funds.

Can I check my SASSA card balance online?

Yes, you can check your balance through the SASSA mobile app or by registering on the SASSA website. You can also check at ATMs or participating retailers.

What happens to the money on my SASSA card if I don't use it?

Unused grant money remains on your SASSA card and accumulates with each payment. However, if your card remains inactive for more than 90 days, SASSA may investigate to ensure the beneficiary is still eligible and receiving their grant.

History and Evolution of the SASSA Card

The SASSA card has undergone several transformations since its introduction, reflecting South Africa's commitment to improving social grant distribution:

2012

First generation SASSA cards introduced to replace multiple payment systems and reduce fraud. These cards were issued through Cash Paymaster Services (CPS).

2018

Second generation SASSA cards launched in partnership with the South African Post Office (SAPO), featuring improved security features and lower transaction fees.

2020

Enhanced digital integration allowing for mobile app balance checking and transaction history. Introduction of special merchant discounts for SASSA cardholders.

2022

Further security enhancements including improved fraud detection systems and integration with the national biometric database for identity verification.

2023

Introduction of digital payment options and expanded banking partnerships to provide recipients with more choices for receiving their grants.

Future Developments:

SASSA is continuously working to improve the card system. Upcoming features may include:

Enhanced mobile app functionality
Contactless payment capabilities
Integration with digital wallets
Improved accessibility features for disabled users
Real-time fraud alerts and notifications