Apply For a SASSA New Card. A SASSA card is a debit card for South African social grant recipients. Social grants are government payments for people who are deserving and want financial help, like seniors, disabled people, children, warfare veterans, and foster parents. You can test the extraordinary offers and their criteria on the SASSA or SASSA services websites.
The good part is that SASSA has introduced an online application for SASSA cards, so you no longer have to wait in longer queues and can apply from the comfort of your home. You can also apply for a SASSA card in person by visiting the post office. The choice always depends on you.
If you already have a card and are looking for a way to renew your lost SASSA card, then follow our separate guide on SASSA card renewal. In this article, we are going to discuss the step-by-step process to get your new SASSA MasterCard along with their requirements. So, please keep reading!
What are the Requirements to Get SASSA Card
There were not any strict requirement criteria to get a SASSA card until 2012. In 2012, more than 22 million SASSA grant holders resubmitted their details to apply for the grant twice and to receive double payments. To prevent this fraud, SASSA made some policies so no one can reapply for the grant more than one time.
The main part of the policy is to verify every applicant via biometrics along with other requirements to get the SASSA card. The complete eligibility requirements for an SASSA card are listed below:
Note: For online card applications, you need an active email address and a device with internet access, like a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or computer.
Document Requirements For SASSA Card
Apart from eligibility criteria, there are also some document requirements as listed below:
You will also need an active cell phone number. The phone number must be active and should be in your name. SASSA will use this phone number to update you regarding your card update.
Step-By-Step Process to Apply For SASSA New Card
Once you meet the eligibility criteria and have gathered the documents, then you can start the process of applying for an SASSA card. As I mentioned earlier, there are two ways to apply for a SASSA card: one is via an online application, while the other is to apply by visiting the Post Office. I will describe both methods in detail.
Apply For a New SASSA Card Online
The most convenient way to apply for a SASSA card is online via the SASSA services portal, as you don’t have to go anywhere or wait in long queues. Please follow the below steps to apply for SASSA card online:
Step 1: Visit the SASSA Official Website:
First of all, visit the SASSA official website using this link: services.sassa.gov.za
Step 2: Login or Register
If you already have an account on SASSA web portal, then login to your account.
If it’s your first time visiting the website, then you need to register a new account. For registration, you will need to provide your name, email address, phone number, and other personal information. Once the registration is completed, login to your account.
Please keep in mind that you need to provide the same information you used to apply for your SASSA grant.
Step 3: Access the SASSA Card Tab
After the successful login, look around and find the tab named “Apply for New SASSA Card” or “Card Services” and click on it. You will be redirected to a new page with a form.
Step 4: Fill out the Card Application Form
Now, fill up the card request form with the required details. Please provide accurate and up-to-date information and double-check before submitting the form.
Step 5: Wait for Confirmation:
That’s all. You have successfully submitted your new SASSA card application. Now, you will need to wait for confirmation from SASSA. Once your card request is approved, SASSA will notify you via SMS or email. The confirmation notice will also include the collection date and location of the card.
Once your collection date has arrived, you can collect your card from the location sent in the SASSA confirmation message. The location assigned mostly is your nearest Post office or SASSA office.
Apply For SASSA New Card In-Person at the Post Office
The other way is to apply for a SASSA card via the Post office. Although an online process is available to save time and wait in long queues, still some people, such as senior citizens, prefer to apply by visiting the office themselves. It’s because they mostly don’t have an understanding of internet and digital technology.
You can follow the below steps to apply in person:
Step 1: Find Your Nearest Post Office
First of all, you will need to find your nearest Post Office. To find it, write “Post Office Near Me” in a Google search. You will get a list of the nearest offices along with their exact location and opening times.
Most office hours are from 8:00 AM to Friday to 4:00 PM on weekdays from Monday to Friday. The Saturday timing is from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. So, you must see the opening time of the office before visiting it.
Step 2: Pack up Necessary Documents
Now, you need to gather and pack up all the required documents, as we discussed above. It includes your ID card, resident proof (e.g., utility bills and bank statements), and any other supporting documents to make your proof valid.
Step 3: Visit the Post Office
Once your documents are ready, you will need to visit the post office during their working hours. Visit your nearest office, and ask the representative you need to apply for a new SASSA card.
Step 4: Complete the Application Form
The representative will provide you with the form. You have to fill up the complete application form. Please provide accurate and up-to-date information, and you must recheck all the details before submitting this form. If you have any confusion in filling any field of the form, the staff will guide you in the process.
Once the form is completed, submit it to the post office representative.
Step 5: Collect Your Card
After you submit the application, the office staff will hand you a receipt of proof and will let you know the date when your card will be ready. You will also receive a notification on arrival of your card date. Once your card arrives, visit the office and collect your new SASSA gold card.
That’s it you need to apply for your new SASSA card.
How Can I Withdraw Money From My SASSA Card?
A SASSA card works like just a normal bank debit card. You can withdraw money from any ATM using a SASSA card or pay for different things like a regular debit card to pay at different places. With a SASSA card, you also get a one-time free withdrawal from the post bank or any other SASSA-partnered retail store.
Where Can I Use My SASSA Card?
You can use SASSA cards in major retail stores, supermarkets, shopping places, and restaurants in South Africa. There are no commissions or extra charges if you are paying with an SASSA card. All the grant money from SASSA only belongs to you, so there are no additional charges for paying with it.
SASSA Card Balance Inquiry
You can enquire about your SASSA card balance from any ATM. Simply follow the below steps:
With a SASSA card, you also get one free monthly balance check and three mini statements without any extra charges.
What Are the Benefits I Get With the SASSA Card
With a SASSA card, you enjoy extra benefits and advantages, including:
Convenient and Secure Grant Payment Access:
You can easily access your funds anytime from any ATM with a Mastercard or Visa logo. You can also make any purchase at any point of sale without needing to carry cash. It reduces the risk of theft or loss.
Free Transaction and Statements:
As a SASSA gold cardholder, you can enjoy a one complimentary withdrawal from Postbank or partnered retail stores. Additionally, you also receive a free balance check and three free monthly mini-statements.
Simple Online Payments for Essential Items:
The SASSA card facilitates bill payments for services like electricity, SABC TV License, and other government-related transactions. Moreover, it enables you to make online payments easily from the comfort of your home.
These are just a few of the many benefits of having a SASSA card. With easy access to your funds whenever you need them, you can enjoy peace of mind.