Sassa deadline - Beneficiaries must swap gold cards for Postbank black cards to access grants

However, they’re not in Sassa’s black books just yet.

According to EWN, the social security agency said beneficiaries who have not yet collected their new cards can still do so at designated collection sites after the deadline.

They can no longer use the gold card, as Postbank chief commercial officer Thami Cele said it is no longer operational.

Cele said beneficiaries must first collect their new Postbank black cards to access their grants.​

Make haste

Sassa is calling on beneficiaries to waste no time in collecting their black cards.​“The deadline that Postbank has been communicating since the beginning of 2026 has now finally arrived.

“We encourage beneficiaries not to wait until their grant is paid for September.

“We ask them to come in as soon as they possibly can.”

“We also want to emphasise to beneficiaries that you do not have to go back to Sassa to register anything once you’ve collected the card. It works instantly,” said the social security agency.

Minister’s reassurance

In an interview with the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), Minister of Social Development Dina Pule said the transition from the Sassa gold card to the Postbank black card will not affect grant payments.

“I want to assure the people of South Africa, especially South African Social Security Agency beneficiaries, that they must not worry.

“They will receive their grants on time. All they need to do is change from the gold card to the black card, but this will never affect their grants,” Pule said.

She said the Department of Social Development, Sassa, Postbank and the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies were working together to address operational matters relating to the migration process.

According to Pule, grant payments will continue to be deposited directly into beneficiaries’ chosen bank accounts, including Postbank and commercial banks.

“Beneficiaries should remain calm,” she said at the time.

“Their grants will continue to be paid into their accounts every month, and they can withdraw their money using their bank cards at participating outlets,” she said.

Easy collection

GroundUp previously reported that beneficiaries can collect their Postbank black cards free of charge at selected Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, Pick n Pay, Boxer and Spar stores.

Beneficiaries need a valid South African ID or temporary ID to replace their cards and can dial *120*355# to locate their nearest card replacement site.