Here’s how to change SASSA pension payment method in 2025, following the terrible service of Postbank. South African Social Security Agency clients still using gold cards are in a mad rush to swap their cards before Friday 28 February 2025. However, as we’ve covered extensively, many elderly or disabled residents living in remote rural areas – feel they’re being treated very badly.
According to our calculations, if 30% of SASSA grant recipients still use the gold card, approximately 11-million poor residents need to switch in the next two weeks. That equates to roughly 80 000 beneficiaries per day. A herculean task for such a poorly organised department. So, what alternatives are there?
CHANGE SASSA PENSION PAYMENT METHOD IN 2025
Arguably, the best course of action is to change SASSA pension payment method in 2025. Below we will give you a rundown of all the alternatives and what you’ll need to ditch the SASSA/Postbank card once and for all …
Just as 70% of SASSA Old Age, Disability and Childcare recipients already know, using a personal bank account to receive government welfare offers much more convenience and security. Furthermore, it perhaps comes as a shock to many pensioners that they even have the right to receive pension through any registered South African bank account of their choice. This change can be made at any time. Although, truthfully, the agency is under such strain at the moment, the likelihood of them servicing you is very small.
ALTERNATIVES TO THE SASSA BLACK CARD
Nevertheless, this is the process to change SASSA pension payment method, as stipulated by the agency:
Visit your nearest SASSA office with the following documents:
- South African ID booklet or smart card.
- Recent bank statement or confirmation letter of the bank account you wish to use.
- Proof of residence not older than three months.
- Your existing SASSA Postbank card.
- A completed SASSA bank detail change form (download it HERE and also available at SASSA offices).
When you arrive at the SASSA office, inform the security or information desk that you want to change your bank payment method. You’ll be directed to the correct service point and a SASSA official will help verify all your documents are in order. They will capture your new banking details on the agency’s SOCPEN system. Then they will provide you with a receipt confirming the change to SASSA pension payment system. Keep this receipt as proof of the transaction.
Also, don’t forget to submit your change request before the 15th of the month to ensure your next payment reflects in your new bank account. Changes submitted after mid-month will only take effect the following payment cycle.
If you’re struggling to meet the SASSA Postbank Black card deadline, never fear. The Postbank CEO recently explained that your SASSA grants will still be processed. However, accessing them after 20 March 2025 will become trickier. Hence the desire for many to change SASSA pension payment method. If and when successful, your old SASSA Postbank Gold card will be deactivated. Do not under any circumstances cancel your Postbank account yourself.
Important contact information:
If you get no assistance, try these SASSA regional office numbers:
- Gauteng: 011 241 8300
- Western Cape: 021 469 0200
- KwaZulu-Natal: 033 846 3400
- Eastern Cape: 043 707 6300
- Free State: 051 410 8339
- Limpopo: 015 291 7400
- Mpumalanga: 013 754 9380
- Northern Cape: 053 802 4900
- North West: 018 397 3360
DO YOU WISH TO MAKE THE SWITCH AFTER THE CARD-SWAP DEBACLE?
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