The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) distributes more than 18 million permanent grants every month.
Beneficiaries of these grants receive a Sassa gold card, which they can use to withdraw their grant money and make transactions at retail stores around the country.
Millions of grant beneficiaries are using Sassa gold cards that are expiring in the coming months. Sassa recently announced the validity of these gold cards will be extended,
Grant beneficiaries were informed that they can continue using their expired Sassa gold cards as they have done in the past. They can use their gold cards at ATMs and several retail stores enjoying three free transactions and other benefits.
Alternatively, grant beneficiaries can also withdraw their grants without a Sassa gold card from several participating retailers. These retailers include Pick n Pay, Boxer, Shoprite, Checkers, Usave and OK stores.
What You Need To Collect Your Grant At Without A Sassa Card
- Cellphone
- Identification number
- Sassa/Postbank gold card PIN.
The Western Cape Department of Social Development is concerned that grant beneficiaries living in rural areas may not be aware of the new cardless grant withdrawal method.
This is because the information about the new cardless withdrawal method has only been shared on social media platforms that beneficiaries may not have access to.
We must remember those who are reliant on Sassa grants, many of them are people who may not have access to social media
Department spokesperson Monique Mortlock-Malgas says some grant beneficiaries may not be trusting of the cardless withdrawal method as they feel safer having a physical card.
What are you doing with beneficiaries living in far-flung rural areas, the elderly those who are disabled, people who might not be aware of what Postbank and Sassa are conveying on the different social media platforms?
While the department welcomed the introduction of the new grant withdrawal method, they noted several concerns.
These concerns include what will be done to replace expiring Sassa gold cards and whether beneficiaries have been provided with enough information on the new withdrawal process.
