Are SASSA Gold Cards Still Valid?

By Trev Gami •  Updated: 01/11/25 •  5 min read

The recent closure of several post offices in South Africa left many SASSA beneficiaries in a dilemma regarding the replacement of their gold cards which expired in April 2025. However, the Payment Association of South Africa (PASA) announced that the expired cards are still valid until the end of the year. Read on to get more information about your SASSA/Postbank gold card. 

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Are SASSA Gold Cards Still Valid?

SASSA has informed all beneficiaries that their cards are still valid until 31 December 2025. Therefore, they must ignore the expiry dates on their gold cards since their validity has been extended. However, SASSA grant recipients can choose their preferred payment method even though their cards are still valid. To avoid inconveniences, you can visit the SASSA services portal at https://services.sassa.gov.za/ and request a change of payment. 

When Will SASSA Gold Card Expire?

Although the expiry date of most SASSA gold cards is April 2025, they are still valid until 31 December 2025. Their lifespan was extended to enable the post office to clear the backlog of SASSA recipients waiting to get new gold cards.    

Are SASSA Gold Cards Being Replaced?

Visa and Mastercard usually expire after five years, and they must be renewed. More than five million SASSA beneficiaries use gold cards to transact. Although the validity of the gold cards has been extended, they should be replaced before the end of December 2025, according to the directive offered by the South African Reserve Bank. 

However, to avoid queuing for new cards at different post offices, the social grant recipients can continue using their old cards to make Point of Sale transactions or withdraw from ATMs. When the new cards are ready, beneficiaries will be notified. 

Can the Post Office Replace SASSA Card?

The post office can replace SASSA cards, but at the moment, it has been overwhelmed by the large number of beneficiaries whose cards have expired and require new ones. However, not all post offices can provide card exchange services. 

Following the closure of several post offices, only a few branches get limited cards which are h ardly enough for all the SASSA grant recipients. The Postbank issues the SASSA gold cards, which can be used at different merchants, Postbank branches, and ATMs. About 5.9 people who get SASSA grants use gold cards which are expected to expire by the end of June 2025. 

- ADVERTISEMENT -

How to Apply for SASSA Replacement Card?

If you lose your gold card or it has expired, you should apply for a replacement soon to avoid inconveniences in withdrawing your grant money. Once you misplace your SASSA card or it gets damaged, you must report it to SASSA to get a replacement soon. To apply for a replacement card, you can follow the steps below. 

It is recommended that you must sign the new card at the back and keep it in a safe place. Never share your personal identity number (PIN) with other people. If you encounter problems with your card, it is a good idea to visit your local SASSA office. 

Those who misplace or lose their cards can visit any post office to get a replacement. Fingerprint verification is used at the post office before the beneficiary gets their new card. Biometric tests help eliminate cases of fraud. 

How Do I Check My SASSA Gold Card Balance Online?

If you want to check your SASSA gold card balance online, you can visit the agency’s official website at https://www.sassa.gov.za. Although you only apply for the SASSA grant once, all the new payments are treated as new applications. Therefore, you need to enter your mobile number and ID number in the appropriate sections on the website. Once you log in, go to “Check Application Status” where you will be directed to your balance. 

Alternatively, you can go to the ATM, where you can request a balance inquiry. All you need to do is to insert your ATM card in the slot provided and enter your PIN. Choose the type of account and press balance inquiry. Your balance will be shown on the ATM screen, or you will get a printed receipt.  

SASSA provides social assistance to the needy in the form of grants. All beneficiaries should choose a payment method, but most of them use SASSA gold cards. Although some of these cards have expired, they are still valid until the end of December 2025. 

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

How To Change R350 Payment From Post Office To Bank

How To Change R350 Payment From Post Office To Bank

This article will discuss all you need to know about how to change R350 payment from post office to bank account

Why Is My SASSA R350 Grant Still Pending?

Why Is My SASSA R350 Grant Still Pending?

Why Is My SASSA R350 Grant Still Pending. This article will look at the pending issues with the SASSA grant and the timeline for approval. 

How Much Do SASSA Beneficiaries Receive?

How Much Do SASSA Beneficiaries Receive?

How Much Do SASSA Beneficiaries Receive?. Are you curious about how much SASSA beneficiaries receive monthly?

How to Check SASSA Status On the Moya App

How to Check SASSA Status On the Moya App

You can check the status of your SASSA account by either using the Moya app or getting in touch with SASSA directly.

How to Check Balance On SASSA Card

How to Check Balance On SASSA Card

You can check your SASSA Card balance via USSD without airtime, WhatsApp, Easypay, or the official SASSA website.

How Much Is SASSA Disability Grant in 2025?

How Much Is SASSA Disability Grant in 2025?

How Much Is SASSA Disability Grant. Today we are looking at the SASSA Disability Grant in further detail to help determine assistance expected.

Reasons For SRD Grant Decline And How To Solve Them

Reasons For SRD Grant Decline And How To Solve Them

Here’s How to Reinstate Your SASSA SRD Grant

Here’s How to Reinstate Your SASSA SRD Grant

Here's How to Reinstate Your SASSA SRD Grant. In this article, you will learn all about the reinstatement of the SRD grant.

‘SASSA Status Check Failed’: What Does It Mean?

‘SASSA Status Check Failed’: What Does It Mean?

‘SASSA Status Check Failed’ message can be intimidating to deal with- but we have all the information you need right here.

What Does SASSA ‘Application Complete’ Mean?

What Does SASSA ‘Application Complete’ Mean?

In this article, we will look at what it actually means when the SASSA application completion is mentioned or what Application Complete means

How Much Refugees And Asylum Seekers Received From SRD

How Much Refugees And Asylum Seekers Received From SRD

Overview of the SASSA grant for asylum seekers, eligibility criteria, application process, and How Much Refugees And Asylum Seekers Received In SASSA SRD Grants.

How to Check If My SASSA Money Is In My Account?

How to Check If My SASSA Money Is In My Account?

Today we cover some common methods you can use to check if your SASSA money is in your account for you to use.

How to Apply For SASSA Child Support Top-Up

How to Apply For SASSA Child Support Top-Up

How to Apply For SASSA Child Support Top-Up. Read on to learn how to apply for SASSA child support top-up.   

The Difference Between UIF And SASSA

The Difference Between UIF And SASSA

In this article, we will look at both UIF and SASSA. We will dive into questions that confuse individuals regarding these institutions' roles.

How To Claim SASSA Funeral Benefits

How To Claim SASSA Funeral Benefits

SASSA funeral benefits claims can be paid within 72 hours after you apply. The agency makes it a priority to serve all eligible beneficiaries.