The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grants are offered to vulnerable members of society by the South African government during times of natural disasters. For instance, deserving people were offered the R350 grant following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Likewise, the money is disbursed via different channels, and the recipients can use various methods to withdraw or spend their money. This article explains the different payment methods used by SASSA beneficiaries
What Is Postbank Virtual Card for Sassa?
The Postbank virtual card for SASSA is a nonphysical card account that is created in the applicant’s name. The virtual card functions like a physical one, and SASSA applicants can use it to get their payments at the post bank or retail shops.
If you choose a virtual card, Post Bank creates an account in your name and connects it to your ID number and phone number. You can use this card to withdraw your R350 grant from different Post bank ATMs across the country. With a virtual card, you need your mobile phone and cell number.
A virtual card is similar to any other VISA or debit card offered by other financial institutions. The only difference is that you will not get a physical card, but all the details you get on a hard card are in electronic form on a virtual card. For instance, your post bank virtual card has an expiry date, card number, CVC code, and your name.
You can use your virtual card to purchase products from different shops. When your SASSA money is deposited into your virtual card, you will get an SMS message. If you want to buy something, you can use your card, or you can as well withdraw cash from Post Bank ATMs.
How Do I Get My Postbank Card?
To get a Post Bank card, you must have a bank account with the institution. You can visit your nearest Postbank to open an account and apply for a card. Your SASSA account will be linked to the debit card, which you get from the Postbank. This card allows you to transact electronically in different places where you see the MasterCard or VISA card logo displayed.
The SASSA account is usually limited to receiving and withdrawing Social Assistance payments and other related benefits. If you lose your card, you can contact your local Postbank branch to block it and apply for another one. For more information about the grant application, you can visit your nearest SASSA office.
How Do I Withdraw My SRD Grant From Postbank?
If you choose to receive your SASSA grant at the South African Post Office, you must first open a bank account. Postbank operates like any other bank in the country. When your SRD money is ready, you will get an SMS on your mobile phone.
Once the money has been deposited into your account, you can visit your nearest Postbank to withdraw the money over the counter. If you have your post bank card, you can withdraw your money from the ATM. Beneficiaries who choose the Post Office as their payment option can also get their money from Boxer or Pick’ n Pay supermarkets. However, you can only do this when you receive an SMS informing you that your funds are now available.
If you choose to receive your payment in a bank account, you can only get the money via the institution, and you cannot go to the supermarket. Without getting an SMS, it means your money is not yet ready. Many people often attempt to withdraw money when it is not yet available, but this will be a futile exercise.
How Do I Check My Postbank Balance?
When you open a Postbank account, you must link it with your contact details, such as your cell phone number. You can do this by visiting your local branch or contacting the Postbank Call Center using the toll-free number 08 00 53 54 55. No registration is required to link your account.
When your SRD money is deposited into your account, you will receive an SMS on your phone. However, you can also check your balance by sending the word “BAL” and the last digits of your account number to 32302. Do not send the last digits on your card, but send the account number instead.
When you send this SMS, you will receive a message from Postbank with your account balance. However, you should know that each text you send attracts a minimum charge of R1. Therefore, it is essential to use this service sparingly, although the charges are little.
The SMS service to check your Postbank balance is reliable since your mobile number is linked to your bank account. Do not share your details with anyone to protect your account. If you use another number, the bank’s system rejects your inquiry and sends an error message saying, “Invalid Cell Number.”
SASSA uses different payment methods to disburse SRD grants to beneficiaries. Applicants can choose between a virtual Postbank card or Post Office account to receive their grants. Whatever method you choose, you will first get an SMS informing you about the availability of your grant. There is no need to go to the bank to check the money before receiving a message from the bank. You can also use your mobile phone to check your SRD grant balance if you bank with Postbank.
