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The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides social grants to millions of vulnerable South Africans, including the elderly, children, and people with disabilities. These grants have traditionally been paid using the SASSA Gold Card. However, to improve security and make payments more efficient, Postbank is replacing the SASSA Gold Card with a new Black Card.
This change will start in Gauteng and is aimed at modernizing the payment system of social grants. The new Postbank Black Card has better security features to prevent fraud and protect beneficiaries’ funds. It also offers extra benefits to help manage grants easily.
As this transition takes place, beneficiaries should pay attention to updates and follow the necessary steps to receive their new cards. Doing so will ensure they continue receiving their grants without any issues.
Launch and Distribution Sites of Postbank Black Cards
The replacement process for the SASSA Gold Card will begin in selected areas of Gauteng, including major urban centers and townships. The focus is on making it easy and convenient for all grant recipients to get their new Postbank Black Cards. To help with this, Postbank has chosen 21 Pick ‘n Pay and Boxer stores as the first collection points. You can collect your new card at the following key locations:- Soweto: Baragwanath, Dobsonville, and Maponya Mall.
- Tembisa: Tembisa Mall, Boulders Midrand
- Other Locations: Orange Farm, Benoni (Lakeside Mall), Alexandra (Alex Mall), Tshepisong, Alberton, Johannesburg (Noord St), Pretoria CBD (Station Square), East Rand Mall, Bedfordview, Key West, Norwood, and Southgate.
Requirements to Collect Postbank Black Card
To collect new Postbank Black Cards, SASSA grant recipients need to bring:- A valid ID or a temporary ID document.
- If you collecting the card on behalf of someone else, bring your ID and an official SASSA proxy letter that allows you to collect on their behalf. The grant recipient does not need to be there.
- Asylum seekers must bring an official approval letter from SASSA.
Special Provisions for Sick and Bedridden Beneficiaries
Postbank has created a special program to help sick and bedridden beneficiaries get their new cards. Home visits will be arranged so that these individuals can receive their black cards without having to go to a distribution site. Information on how to schedule these home visits will be shared in the coming weeks.Benefits of the New Postbank Black Cards
The introduction of the Postbank Black Card offers several advantages for social grant recipients, making it a significant improvement over the SASSA Gold Card. These benefits include:- Free First Card Replacement: Beneficiaries can get their first replacement card for free.
- Three Free Withdrawals in Stores: Each month, beneficiaries can make up to three free withdrawals or purchase at participating stores, with no extra charges.
- One Free Monthly Statement: Beneficiaries can request free account statements once a month at the counter.
- Protection From Unauthorized Deductions: The new card ensures that no unauthorized deductions can be made from beneficiaries’ accounts.
- Enhanced Security: The card comes with advanced security features to protect beneficiaries from fraud and unauthorized transactions.
- Simple Card Replacement Process: To replace the old SASSA Gold Card, beneficiaries just need to bring a valid ID or temporary ID to designated collection points to receive their new Postbank Black Card.
Transition Process and Gold Card Validity
It is important to know the current SASSA Gold Cards will still work until they are replaced. Beneficiaries don’t worry about any delays or interruptions in their grant payments during this transaction. As the new Black Card is rolled out, Postbank will keep the public updated on when and where the new cards will be available in different areas.Important Key Points
- Beneficiaries don’t need to switch to the Postbank Black Card immediately unless Postbank specifically contacts them. The SASSA Gold Card will still be valid until the end of 2024.
- Be aware of scams during this transition. Only Postbank is authorized to give out the new cards. If you receive any requests to switch cards or banks that don’t come from Postbank, ignore them. Report any suspicious activity right away.
- To get the Postbank Black Card, beneficiaries need to bring a valid ID to the designated collection points. If someone is collecting the card on behalf of a beneficiary, they must have a SASSA proxy letter.