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 Much Is the SASSA Child Grant in 2025?

How Much Is the SASSA Child Grant in 2025?

SASSA Child Grant: How Much Is the SASSA Child Grant in 2024?. Here’s some further information on this important SASSA grant.

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.

What Happens To SASSA Pension After Death In South Africa?

What Happens To SASSA Pension After Death In South Africa?

What Happens To SASSA Pension After Death. Today we look at some common questions about this unfortunate event. 

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.

‘Alternative Income Source Identified’ What Does It Mean?

‘Alternative Income Source Identified’ What Does It Mean?

This article explains what the SASSA status “Alternative income source identified” means.  

What You Should Do About “NSFAS Registered” SRD Status

What You Should Do About “NSFAS Registered” SRD Status

What You Should Do About "NSFAS Registered" SRD Status. This article explains what you should do about "NSFAS Registered" SRD status.

How Long Does SASSA Pending Take?

How Long Does SASSA Pending Take?

How long will this procedure take?. There is no set timetable for how long the SASSA pending will take

How Much is SASSA Foster Grant 2025?

How Much is SASSA Foster Grant 2025?

This article covers everything you need to know how much is SASSA Foster Grant, including eligibility criteria, the application process

How Long Does SASSA Take to Pay R350 Into Account

How Long Does SASSA Take to Pay R350 Into Account

How Long Does SASSA Take To Pay R350?. The process does not have a timeframe but mostly takes about seven working days or a little more

How To Apply For Grant-In-Aid Support From SASSA

How To Apply For Grant-In-Aid Support From SASSA

Keep reading this article to learn more about how to apply for a grant in aid support from SASSA.

How to Change SASSA R350 Phone Number

How to Change SASSA R350 Phone Number

SASSA has made it possible to change your SRD R350 grant phone number so you can benefit from their services as a South African. Here's how.

SASSA Contact Details, Offices in All Locations

SASSA Contact Details, Offices in All Locations

This article provides SASSA contact details, Offices in all locations around the country. 

SASSA Payment Dates For Old Age Pension

SASSA Payment Dates For Old Age Pension

In this blog post, we will look at the following; SASSA payment dates for the 2024 old-age pension.

How Long Does SASSA Take To Approve SRD Grant?

How Long Does SASSA Take To Approve SRD Grant?

We will share information about how long it takes to get SRD approval, SASSA validation, SASSA information cross-check, and many others. 

What Happens If You Don’t Claim Your SASSA Grant?

What Happens If You Don’t Claim Your SASSA Grant?

For those who receive a SASSA grant, it is common to worry about what will happen if you don’t withdraw it on the day it is paid.