SASSA Grant Payments for April 2025 | Important Updates on New Postbank Black Cards

SASSA Grant Payments for April 2025 | Important Updates on New Postbank Black Cards. Millions of South Africans depend on their SASSA grants to meet daily financial needs. With the approaching expiry of SASSA gold cards, many beneficiaries are concerned about uninterrupted access to their funds. Fortunately, Postbank has launched an initiative to distribute new Postbank black cards, ensuring a seamless transition for grant recipients.

Postbank Issues One Million Black Cards

In an ongoing effort to replace expiring SASSA gold cards, Postbank has already issued one million black cards to grant beneficiaries. This is a crucial step in ensuring that the over 18 million permanent grant payments continue without disruption.

SASSA distributes various grants, including:

• Older Persons Pension Grant
• Disability Grant
• War Veterans Grant
• Care Dependency Grant
• Foster Child Grant
• Child Support Grant & Top-Up
• Grant-in-Aid

Among these beneficiaries, around three million currently bank with Postbank and require card replacements to access their funds.

Three Million New Cards Needed Before March 2025

According to Postbank CEO Nikki Mbengashe, approximately three million beneficiaries still need to collect their new Postbank black cards before the March 20, 2025 deadline. Mbengashe expressed appreciation to those who have already collected their new cards, with 46% of cards issued in February alone. Additionally, another 200,000 beneficiaries received their cards within the first two weeks of March.

Beneficiaries should take note that the SASSA gold card will stop working after March 20, 2025. All recipients must ensure they have collected their new Postbank black card to avoid any disruptions in their grant payments.

What Happens After March 20, 2025?

Although the rollout of the Postbank black cards began in 2024 with assurances that SASSA gold cards would remain active until all beneficiaries received new cards, an updated deadline has been set. The final expiry date for the gold cards is March 20, 2025, meaning they will no longer function beyond this date.

Despite some criticism from stakeholders regarding the efficiency of the rollout, Postbank has reassured beneficiaries that:

• Account numbers will remain unchanged
• Grant payments will continue as usual
• Expired SASSA gold cards will no longer provide access to bank accounts
• Postbank black card distribution will continue beyond March 20, 2025

Where and How to Collect Your New Postbank Black Card

Beneficiaries who have not yet received their new Postbank black card can visit their nearest Post Office with their ID book to collect it. Additionally, over 320 sites across the country are actively issuing new Postbank black cards to make the process more convenient.

For bedridden beneficiaries, there is an option to apply for a home visit through a SASSA office. To qualify for this, they must provide:

• A medical certificate proving their condition
• Their South African ID document
• A social worker certificate or clinic letter
• A cellphone number for communication

This allows Postbank to facilitate the process and ensure that beneficiaries in need can nominate a proxy to collect their social grant on their behalf.

SASSA and Postbank Assure Grant Continuity

Both SASSA and Postbank have reassured beneficiaries that their social grant payments will not be disrupted. Acting SASSA CEO Themba Matlou confirmed that the agency has taken several steps to support the transition. These include:

• Setting up extra Postbank distribution sites
• Deploying additional human resources to assist beneficiaries
• Providing ongoing support to ensure that no beneficiary is left without a grant

Final Reminder for Beneficiaries

If you are a SASSA grant recipient, take action now to avoid any inconvenience. Visit your nearest Postbank branch or Post Office to collect your new Postbank black card before March 20, 2025. Ensure that you carry your ID document and any necessary paperwork if applying for home-based assistance.