The South African Social Security Agency has apologised for the SASSA card renewal 2023 challenges affecting many social grant recipients whose gold cards are expiring this year.
About 5.9 million grant recipients use the SASSA gold cards, the majority of which will expire by June 2023. Recently, the Agency advised card holders to start the process of replacing their expiring cards.
SASSA card renewal 2023
In a statement shared on Facebook on Thursday (20 April), SASSA assured grant recipients that even if their gold cards expire, it will process their grant payments as normal. The funds will also remain in the bank accounts safely until recipients complete their SASSA card renewal in 2023.
“To avoid non-access to these funds in the clients’ bank accounts, recipients have the option to either replace the SASSA gold card at the identified South African Post Office (SAPO) branches or alternative venue provided by Postbank, a participating retailer, or make use of the cardless withdrawal option provided by Postbank,” the Agency said.
Alternatively, recipients can opt to use another bank to receive their grants. To do this, they have to request a change of payment method at their nearest SASSA office or alternative government venues that SASSA will announce.
Recipients who request a change of payment method need to bring along their ID card/document and proof of bank account OR three months bank statement that show their details such as names and bank account number.
“These documents should be submitted to the nearest SASSA office to mandate SASSA to pay the beneficiary social grant into the chosen personal bank account,” the Agency explained.
“There is no limit as to how many times beneficiaries can change their method of payment as it is their right to do so – beneficiaries are advised to request the change of method of payment once in a month.”
SASSA said it will increase its capacity to process change of payment method requests faster. It will also extend its office operating hours. “SASSA officials are always ready to assist grant recipients whenever there is a need to exercise their rights,” it concluded.
In related news, Shoprite has advised social grant recipients that they can easily switch their grant to its Money Market Account, which it bills as the cheapest bank account in South Africa.
Visit the Shoprite Holdings newsroom page to learn how to make the switch and avoid the challenges of renewing your SASSA gold card.
The Shoprite Money Market Account has no monthly fees or transaction fees – except for a R5 flat fee for cash withdrawals.