SASSA Gold Card – Easy Way to Get Your Grant Money | Guide

I’ve seen SASSA beneficiaries wait in long lines for hours, even after their grant is approved. When I looked into it more, I found out that they keep trying to get their grant money in the usual way. However, SASSA has given them cards to avoid this hassle, which many people don’t know about and suffer because of.

Not only that, SASSA has made the process of getting cards even easier. You can apply online from home or go to the office in person to apply for the card.

If you’re wondering what the criteria are for getting a SASSA card, what documents are needed, and what steps to take to ensure you get the SASSA Gold Card, keep reading this article until the end. It also has a lot of other information.

Who Can Get a SASSA Gold Card?

Getting a SASSA card was easy, but this changed in 2012. Many people tried to get the card again to get paid twice. To stop this, SASSA made new rules.

The new rules focus on checking who you are using your body, like fingerprints. You also need to meet other rules:

1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old.

2. Where you’re from: You should be from South Africa, seeking safety here, or have a special permit.

3. Getting SASSA money: You must get SASSA grants that are still active.

4. Only one grant: You can’t get any other government money.

5. How much money you make: If you’re married, you and your partner can’t make more than R172,560 a year. If you’re unmarried, your annual income cannot exceed R86,280.

6. What you own: Married couples can’t own things worth more than R2,455,400. Single people can’t own things worth more than R1,227,600.

Remember: To apply for an SASSA card online, you’ll need an email address that works and a device that can connect to the internet, like a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or computer.

Papers You Need For SASSA Card

To get a SASSA card, you need to bring some papers with you:

1. Your first and last name, just like it’s written on your ID, passport, or special paper.

2. The number on your South African ID, passport, or special paper if you’re not from here.

3. Something that shows where you live now, like a paper that says you pay for lights or water, or a paper from the bank with your name on it.

4. A phone number that works and is in your name. SASSA will use it to tell you things about your card.

How to Get a New SASSA Card – Step-By-Step Process

To get a SASSA card, first, ensure you can get one and have the necessary papers. Then, choose whether to do it on the computer or go to the Post Office. I’ll tell you how to do both.

Apply For a New SASSA Card Online

The easiest way to ask for a SASSA card is on the SASSA website. You don’t need to travel or queue up. Follow these easy steps to get your SASSA card on the computer:

Step 1: Go to the SASSA Website

First, go to the SASSA website by clicking on this link: services.sassa.gov.za.

Step 2: Log in or Make an Account

If you’ve already registered, just enter your login details. If it’s your first time, make an account by telling them things like your name, email, and phone number. Ensure the information is the same as what you told SASSA when you asked for money.

Step 3: Find the SASSA Card Part

After you log in, look for the part that says “Apply for New SASSA Card” or “Card Services” and click on it.

Step 4: Fill in the Card Form

Fill in the form to ask for a card. Ensure that everything is accurate before you hand it over to them.

Step 5: Wait for SASSA to Tell You

After you send the form, wait for SASSA to tell you what to do next. They will send you a message on your phone or email, telling you when to pick up your card.

When it’s time to pick up your card, go to the place they tell you, usually the Post Office or SASSA office closest to you.

Doing it on the computer saves time, and you don’t have to wait in line. It’s easy to do the whole thing this way.

Get a New SASSA Card at the Post Office

Another way to get a SASSA card is to go to the Post Office. Even though doing it on the computer saves time and you don’t have to wait in line, some people, like old people, like to go in person because they don’t know much about the internet.

Follow these steps to do it in person:

1. Find the Post Office Closest to You

Find the Post Office closest to you by searching “Post Office Near Me” on Google. Check when they’re open before you go.

2. Get the Papers You Need

Get the papers you need: Your ID. Something that shows where you live (like a paper that says you pay for lights or water). Any other papers they ask for.

3. Go to the Post Office

When the Post Office is open, go to the one closest to you and tell them you want to get a new SASSA card.

4. Fill out the Form

The people who work there will give you a form. Fill it out carefully; they will help you if needed. Double-check everything before handing it over.

5. Wait for Them to Tell You and Pick Up Your Card

After you give them the form, they will give you a paper that shows you asked for a card and tells you when to come get it. When your card is ready, go to the Post Office to pick it up.

That’s all you have to do to get your new SASSA card.

How to Make Your New SASSA Card Work?

To make your new SASSA card work, do these things:

1. Go to a special money machine that takes your card, i.e.ATM.

2. Put your card in the machine. It could take a bit more time initially.

3. Touch the button on the screen that says ‘Set PIN.’

4. Pick a secret number with four numbers, then say it again.

5. You’ll get a message on your phone that says your new secret number is ready.

6. It usually takes an hour for your card to start working, but sometimes it can take a whole day.

7. Choose a secret number that’s easy to remember, but don’t tell anyone else. This helps keep your card safe.

How Do I Get Money From My SASSA Card?

To get money from your SASSA card, just use it at any money machine or the machines in shops and other places. It works like a normal card you use to buy things. You can take money out or pay for stuff with it. You can also take money out one time for free at the post office bank or shops that work with SASSA.

Where Can I Use My SASSA Card?

You can use your new gold SASSA card in many places:

• Big shops
• Food shops
• Places with lots of shops
• Places to eat

You can use your SASSA card in many places all over South Africa. You won’t have to pay anything extra. All the money you get from SASSA is just for you. You won’t have to pay extra when you use your card to buy things.

Different Processes of SASSA Gold Card Balance Check

It’s easy to see how much money you have on your SASSA card. Here are some ways:

Use a Special Phone Number (USSD Code)

• Use your phone to call *120*3210# or *120*69277#.
• Follow the instructions given on the phone. You will get a message that tells you how much money you have now.

Use any ATM

1. Go to the money machine that’s closest to you. 

2. Put your SASSA card in the machine. 

3. Put in your secret 4-number code. 

4. Pick “Account Balance” from the list. 

5. Look at the screen to see how much money you have, or print a paper that shows it. 

You can check your money once for free each month and get three small papers about your money without paying extra.

Check Using WhatsApp

• Send a message that says “Sassa” to 082 046 8553.
• Answer the message that asks about your “Status.”
• If you have a special number, say “Yes” and tell them the number. If you don’t have one, say “No.”
• Type in the phone number you used when you asked for the money.
• You will get a message telling you how much money you have.

Post Office

• Go to the South African Post Office that’s closest to you.
• Tell the people who work there that you want to see how much money is on your SASSA card.
• They might ask for your ID and might make you pay a little bit of money.

SASSA Card Benefits

Your SASSA card offers numerous advantages, making managing your grant money more convenient and secure.

Let’s examine the advantages of utilizing a SASSA card more closely.

• You don’t have to carry much money, so it’s harder for someone to take it from you.
• You can get your money from the card nationwide at money machines, places that give you cash, or post offices.
• You can take out money or buy things in shops with the card.
• You can take out money for free each month at different places.
• It’s safer than having cash because you need a secret card number.
• You can see how much money you spend on the papers they send you each month.

The card might let you do more things like pay bills or buy things in shops.

Reporting Stolen or Lost SASSA Cards

If your SASSA card is lost or stolen, act quickly. Let’s explore the steps to report a lost or stolen SASSA card.

1. Notify the South African Police Service (SAPS):
   • Visit your nearest police station and report the loss.
   • Describe your SASSA card in detail.
   • Get a copy of the police report for replacement.
2. Block your lost card:
   • Immediately Call SASSA at 0800 60 10 11.
   • Request to block your card to protect your funds.
   • Provide your ID details for verification.

By taking these steps, you can protect your grant money and stop unauthorized entry to your account.

How to Renew SASSA Card?

You can renew your lost or stolen Sassa cards through the following process:

• Go to the nearest post office.
• Tell the worker you lost your SASSA card and need a new one.
• Show your South African ID (ID card or book).
• Show proof of where you live (like a utility bill or bank statement).
• Show a copy of the police report you made when you lost your card.
• Fill out the form to replace a Sassa card. The worker will give you the form and help you.
• Pay the fee for a new card (around R26 as of March 2, 2024).
• When your new card is ready, the post office will let you know (usually by SMS).
• Go to the post office branch. They tell you to bring the receipt you got when you applied for the new card and your ID.
• Activate your new SASSA card by following the instructions they give you. This might mean entering a PIN or doing steps online.
• Keep your PIN private.

By doing so, you can successfully replace your lost SASSA card and continue receiving your grant payments.

Tips for Managing Your SASSA Card Account

Sassa is a payment card from the government for people who don’t have jobs. It gives money to help them live. SASSA Gold card helps in different ways. So, manage your SASSA card account wisely with these helpful tips.

• Make a spending plan to monitor your earnings and outgoings.
• Take out only what you require to prevent spending too much
• Take advantage of free monthly withdrawals to save on fees
• Keep your PIN private and secure to prevent unauthorized access
• Regularly review your balance to stay updated on your account status.
• Consider setting aside some money each month for emergencies or future expenses.
• Avoid unnecessary purchases to make your benefits last longer
• Use your card wisely to improve your financial well-being

If you see any payments or activities on your card that look strange or you didn’t do, tell Sassa right away. Using a debit card instead of your SASSA card whenever you can is preferable. This helps protect your grant money.

Concluding Remarks

Your SASSA card is a helpful way to get the money you need. Use it wisely by planning for your money, only taking out what you need, and keeping your secret number safe. Check how much money you have often and try to save some each month. Using your card carefully can improve your life with the money you get.

Frequently Asked Questions