The (SASSA) has embraced the digital era by offering online services for its beneficiaries as technology continues to change many parts of our lives. One of these services is the option to apply online for a new SASSA card, which expedites the application procedure and provides convenience to those dependent on social security benefits.
The days of drawn-out lines and tedious paperwork are long gone. The inconvenience of completing traditional in-person applications has been reduced for SASSA beneficiaries with the new online application system, allowing them to start acquiring a new SASSA card from the comfort of their homes.
You can use this page as a guide to complete the online application procedure for a new SASSA card. We will give you all the information you need to make the application process go as smoothly as possible, from assembling the required paperwork to using the online platform.
Therefore, continue reading to learn the easy and quick procedures to apply for a new card online if you benefit from the SASSA in South Africa and would like to get a new card without any hassles.
Qualifications to Apply for a New SASSA Card:
Please confirm that you are eligible for the SASSA card before applying. The SASSA card’s policy was modified in 2012 due to numerous fraudulent occurrences. According to reports, over 22 million grant recipients resubmitted their information. Therefore, SASSA must enforce tight standards and an application process to combat fraud. All beneficiaries must present proof of name, address, other details, and biometric identity verification.
The conditions listed below must be met before applying for a new card.
- You have to be eighteen years old.
- You have to be a legitimate South African citizen.
- You have to be a beneficiary of a SASSA-managed social security grant.
- A valid South African ID or an active asylum seeker permit is required.
- Proof of address in the form of a utility bill in your name is required.
- Both internet connectivity and a working email address are prerequisites.
- To finish the online application procedure, you will need a device that works with it—a computer or smartphone, for example.
- If you are married, your yearly income should not exceed R 2,455,400.
- You should make less than R 1,227,600 a year if you are single.
Thus, each receiver must meet these standards to apply for a new card.
Document Requirements:
In addition to the eligibility requirements, the following documents are needed:
- The complete name and last name as it appears on your passport, ID card, or special permit.
- A South African ID or passport number is required. You need a specific permit if you are not a citizen of South Africa.
- You must present documentation of your current address. An energy bill or a bank statement in your name can serve as proof.
- A working mobile number. The phone number needs to be in your name and operational. SASSA will use this phone number to contact you with updates on your card update.
Additionally, you must have a working cell phone number. The phone number needs to be in your name and operational. SASSA will use this phone number to contact you with updates on your card update.
Apply for a New SASSA Card Online:
You may apply for an SASSA card as soon as you satisfy the qualifications and obtain the required documentation. As I previously indicated, two methods exist for applying for a SASSA card: online or in person at the post office. I will go into great depth about each technique.
Since you do not have to travel far or stand in line, applying for a SASSA card online through the SASSA services site is the most convenient option. Please take the actions listed below to apply online for an SASSA card:
Apply for an SASSA Card Online:
- Visit the SASSA Website: The first step in applying for a new SASSA card online is to go to the South African Social Security Agency’s (SASSA) official website. Launch your favorite browser and proceed to www.sassa.gov.za, the SASSA website.
- Make an Account: Search for the option to register as a new user or to make an account on the SASSA website. After selecting the relevant link, provide the necessary data, including your contact details, personal information, and a working email address. To keep your account safe, create a username and password.
- Click your username and password to access your account after successfully registering. You will then be able to utilize the online services that SASSA offers.
- Open the Card Application Section: Find the area devoted to card services or applications in your SASSA account. This could be found under a particular menu item or tab, such as “Card Services” or “Apply for a New SASSA Card.”
- Complete the Application Form: To access the application form, select “Apply for a New SASSA Card.” Complete and accurately enter the requested information, and apply for a fresh card.
- Await receiving your card: You now have to wait to find out the status of your card through an email confirmation from SASSA. Your card is available for pickup at the SASSA office.
Obtain a Card Through the SASSA Office:
Instead of applying for a new SASSA card in person, you can visit the office closest to you. Here’s how to do it:
- Find the SASSA Office That is Nearest to You: Utilize our website to determine which SASSA office is nearest to you. Note the office’s address and its hours of operation, which are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
- Collect the Necessary Paperwork: Ensure you have the required paperwork before visiting the SASSA office. These might include evidence of address, your South African ID or valid asylum seeker visa, and any additional paperwork needed to apply for a SASSA card. To confirm the precise papers required, visiting the SASSA website or contacting the office beforehand is essential.
- Visit the SASSA Office: Proceed to the assigned office during business hours. Tell them you want to apply for a new SASSA card when you get there. The staff will provide the necessary documents to complete and walk you through the application procedure.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application completely and legibly. As directed by the staff, ensure you include all the essential paperwork and supply all the needed information. If you need assistance or have questions, do not hesitate to ask the SASSA staff.
- Submit Your Application Here: After completing the application and gathering all required paperwork, send it to the SASSA office staff. After confirming the details you submitted, they will handle your application. As evidence of submission, you can receive an acknowledgment or receipt.
- Follow Up and Pick Up the Card: Find out when the new SASSA card will be processed after submitting your application. As soon as your card is prepared for pickup, SASSA will let you know. Return to the office to pick up your new SASSA card as directed.
How to Check SASSA Card Balance?
There are a few ways to find out the balance on your SASSA card:
- Using Your Phone:
- USSD Code: This is the easiest way to use it. On your phone, enter *120*3210# or *120*69277#.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to get an SMS notification with your current balance.
- WhatsApp: You may use WhatsApp to check your balance as well.
- Type “Sassa” and send it to 082 046 8553.
- A response will be sent to you requesting your “Status.”
- If you have one, saying “Yes” and providing the reference number is appropriate. If not, respond with “No.”
- Type the cellphone number that you used to complete the application procedure at the end.
- After that, you will get an SMS with your current balance.
- Online:
- Go to srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status, the official SASSA website. Rather than simply reviewing the amount, the primary purpose of this site is to check the status of your SASSA grant application.
- It is advised to attempt alternative approaches first.
- ATM:
- Any ATM in South Africa can accept your SASSA card. After entering your PIN, choose “Account Balance” from the menu.
- The screen will show your balance, and if you would like, you may also select to print a receipt.
- Post Office:
- Visit the Post Office branch closest to you in South Africa.
- Tell the person working at the customer care desk that you want to check the amount on your SASSA card.
- Your ID card could be requested, and there might be a small price for this service.
How Should Your SASSA Card Be Used?
There are several ways that you may use your SASSA card to obtain your grant money:
- Withdrawing Cash:
ATMs: In South Africa, you may take out cash from any ATM, no matter which bank owns it.
Cash Pay Points: You may use your SASSA card to withdraw cash from specific businesses such as Shoprite, Pick & Pay, Checkers, Usave, Spar, and Boxer. These withdrawals usually do not come with any costs.
Post Offices: Any South African Post Office location allows you to take out your grant money for free over the counter. However, each month, only one free withdrawal is permitted.
- Making In-Store Purchases:
Various Retailers: Although not every store accepts SASSA cards for in-store transactions, some larger retailers, such as the ones listed above (Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Checkers, Usave, Spar, and Boxer), might let you use your card to make in-store purchases as long as their card reader is set up to accept SASSA cards.
It is essential to verify in advance whether the business accepts SASSA cards and what additional costs, if any, would be incurred.
Benefits of the SASSA Card:
The following are the advantages that come with owning an SASSA card:
- Decreased Dependency on Cash: By doing away with the necessity to carry significant sums of cash, the SASSA card reduces the possibility of theft or loss.
- Nationwide Access: You can use ATMs, Cash Pay Points, or Post Offices to access your grant money anywhere in South Africa. It would be beneficial if no SASSA office were near your residence.
- Multiple Withdrawal Options: You can decide how to use your grant, including in-store purchases at participating stores or cash withdrawals.
- Free Withdrawals: ATMs, Cash Pay Points, and Post Offices allow you a fixed amount of free withdrawals each month, generally one. Compared to alternative techniques, this strategy saves you money on transaction costs.
- Decreased Fraud Risk: The SASSA card provides a more secure way to manage your grant money than cash. Transactions need a PIN, which lowers the risk of illegal access.
- Simplified Record-Keeping: You can easily keep track of your spending by using your SASSA card to make purchases since they will appear on your monthly statements.
- Possibility of Future Benefits: The South African government is looking at methods to increase the SASSA card’s functionality. In the future, this might incorporate functions like paying bills or making minor purchases at affiliated retailers.
Now more than ever, obtaining a new SASSA card is simple! You may do it at the post office or online. After this session, you will discover the documentation needs, eligibility conditions, and new card application procedure. As soon as your SASSA card arrives, you may take advantage of the free transactions, simple online payments, and safe grant payments from your home.