Great news for SASSA beneficiaries! The South African government has officially extended the deadline for replacing the old SASSA gold cards. If you rely on this card to receive your grant payments, pay close attention—this is your LAST chance to switch before the gold cards stop working.
New Deadline Announced
Originally, gold card holders had until February 28, 2025, to switch to the new black Postbank cards. However, due to ongoing delays and long queues at service points, the government has now extended the deadline to March 20, 2025.
This extension gives beneficiaries a little more time, but government officials have made it clear—there will be NO further extensions. If you don’t replace your gold card by the new deadline, your grant payments may be disrupted.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
If you don’t switch to the black Postbank card before March 20, 2025, your old SASSA gold card will stop working. This means you won’t be able to withdraw your grant from ATMs, retailers, or banks as usual. Instead, you will have to visit a Post Office branch in person to get your funds, which could lead to long lines and delays.
To avoid this inconvenience, it’s crucial to act NOW.
How to Replace Your SASSA Gold Card
Switching to the new black Postbank card is simple. Here’s what you need to do:
- Find the Nearest Postbank Branch – Dial *120*218*3# on your phone and follow the prompts to locate the nearest card replacement site.
- Bring the Required Documents – Make sure to bring your valid South African ID or a temporary ID when you go to collect your new card. Without proper identification, you won’t be able to get the replacement.
- Visit the Postbank Office – Head to your nearest Postbank branch or another approved card collection point and complete the replacement process.
Government’s Plan to Speed Up the Process
With the deadline approaching, the government is ramping up efforts to help beneficiaries switch to the new card. More staff members are being assigned to service centers, and additional retail locations will soon offer card replacements.
For those in rural areas, mobile offices will be set up to ensure that everyone has a fair chance to replace their card before March 20, 2025.
Final Warning: Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute!
Although the deadline has been extended, the government is urging beneficiaries to act as soon as possible. Waiting until the last minute could lead to overwhelming crowds, long queues, and possible delays in getting your grant payments.
If you or someone you know still has a SASSA gold card, make the switch NOW to avoid any disruptions.
For more information, visit your nearest Postbank branch or dial *120*218*3# to find a replacement center near you.
