Gold Card – In a sudden and shocking development, over 6 lakh SASSA grants have been blocked due to expired Postbank Gold Cards, sending thousands of South Africans into panic. Beneficiaries relying on their monthly grants were caught off guard as their June payments were either delayed or completely halted due to outdated card credentials. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and Postbank have now issued a joint alert urging affected beneficiaries to act before the 28 June deadline to restore access to their grants. This issue has primarily impacted beneficiaries who have not renewed their Gold Cards, which serve as a critical payment channel for social grants like the SRD R370, Child Support Grant, Old Age Grant, and Disability Grant. The expiry of these cards not only pauses payments but also locks users out of essential services tied to their grants, leaving many without food or transport support. The urgency has led to long queues at Postbank branches and South African Post Offices as beneficiaries scramble to update their details or switch to alternative bank accounts. With less than two weeks remaining, officials are urging beneficiaries to follow simple steps to prevent being permanently removed from the grant system. Below is a full guide on the situation, who is affected, and what must be done immediately to resolve it.
What Is the Gold Card and Why It Matters
The SASSA/Postbank Gold Card is not just a debit card—it is the key that unlocks monthly grant payments for millions.
- Used by over 8 million SASSA beneficiaries
- Serves as an identity-linked payment mechanism
- Linked directly to Postbank grant disbursement system
- Used for ATM withdrawals, POS transactions, and grocery payments
- Expires every 5 years and must be renewed
- Expiry causes automatic suspension of grant payment
- Especially used by rural and senior beneficiaries without other bank access
Common Grant Types Linked to Gold Cards
The Gold Card is crucial for various types of SASSA grants, all of which are now affected due to expiration issues:
- SRD R370 Grant
- Old Age Pension
- Child Support Grant
- Disability Grant
- Foster Child Grant
- War Veterans Grant
- Care Dependency Grant
Gold Card: How Many Are Affected and What Happened
As of June 2025, a massive backlog of unrenewed Gold Cards has triggered account suspensions.
| Metric | Number Affected | Area Most Affected | Last Renewal Drive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blocked Grants Due to Expiry | 6,14,000+ | Eastern Cape, KZN, Limpopo | Jan–Mar 2024 |
| Total Active Gold Cards | 8,100,000+ | National Coverage | Ongoing |
| Renewal Requests Pending | 2,47,000+ | Rural and remote areas | June 2025 |
| Replacement Cards Issued | 3,90,000 | Urban hubs | April–June 2025 |
| Official Complaints Received | 58,000+ | Hotline + Email | June 2025 |
| Average Delay in Grant Payout | 7–15 Days | Depends on region | Current |
| New Payment Method Changes | 1,25,000+ | Opted for other banks | May–June 2025 |
Gold Card – Why This Expiry Was Missed by So Many
Several systemic and personal reasons have led to this massive lapse in card renewals:
- Lack of notification about expiry dates
- Confusion between SASSA and Postbank communication
- Branch closures in rural zones
- Inability of elderly and disabled to travel
- Internet and digital illiteracy preventing online updates
What You Must Do Before 28 June
If your grant has been blocked or you are unsure whether your card has expired, act immediately using the following steps:
- Visit nearest Postbank or South African Post Office branch
- Carry your ID and expired Gold Card
- Request for a card renewal or account switching form
- Fill and submit before 28 June to avoid suspension
- You can also update to a different bank account (Capitec, FNB, Nedbank, etc.)
Gold Card – How to Check Your Grant Status Online
SASSA has updated their web and USSD platforms to allow for real-time tracking of blocked accounts.
- Visit: https://srd.sassa.gov.za
- Click on “Check Status”
- Enter your ID Number and Phone Number
- You’ll see “Pending”, “Approved”, or “Blocked”
- For SRD specifically, use the USSD: 1203210#
Option to Change to a Different Bank Account
If you are tired of the Gold Card system and want more reliable service, consider switching to a private bank account. This can help prevent future disruptions.
| Bank Name | Grant Support? | SMS Alert Option | Withdrawal Charges | Minimum Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capitec | Yes | Yes | Low | None |
| FNB | Yes | Yes | Medium | None |
| ABSA | Yes | Yes | High | R50 |
| Nedbank | Yes | Yes | Low | None |
| Standard Bank | Yes | Yes | Medium | None |
| TymeBank | Yes | No | Low | None |
| Old Mutual | Yes | Yes | Low | R20 |
Steps to Switch to a New Bank Account
Follow these steps to switch from your Postbank Gold Card to another bank:
- Open an account at any preferred bank
- Collect a proof of account letter (with your name and ID)
- Visit a SASSA branch and fill the “Bank Account Update” form
- Submit ID + proof + bank details
- Allow 5–7 working days for system update
Consequences of Not Fixing Before Deadline
Failure to act before 28 June may result in more serious issues that go beyond delayed payments.
- Permanent removal from the SASSA grant database
- Need to reapply from scratch (can take 2–3 months)
- No backdated payment guarantee
- Legal complications if account appears “inactive”
- Loss of additional benefits like school fees, transport, and food parcels
Who Is Most at Risk?
The groups most vulnerable to long-term loss of grant support include:
- Elderly beneficiaries above 65 years
- Disabled users who can’t travel
- Child support grant recipients (where school meals depend on the grant)
- Rural residents in far-off villages
- Beneficiaries without smartphones or digital literacy
Things to Carry When You Visit
Before going to a SASSA or Postbank branch, make sure you bring the following:
- South African green barcoded ID or smartcard ID
- Expired Gold Card (if you have it)
- Your cellphone (to receive OTPs or confirmations)
- Any new bank account details (if switching)
- Pen and clipboard (queues are long, filling forms while standing)
As the deadline fast approaches, it is critical that all affected SASSA beneficiaries act quickly to renew or update their Gold Card status. With over 6 lakh grants already disrupted, delays can lead to financial hardship and even permanent disqualification. Don’t wait until the last minute—visit your nearest branch or make the switch today to keep your grant flowing.
FAQs of Gold Card
Q1. What happens if I don’t renew my Gold Card by 28 June?
Your grant may be blocked permanently. You will have to reapply, which could delay your payment by months.
Q2. Can I switch to another bank account after 28 June?
Yes, but it may take longer to reflect in the system, and you may miss the July payment.
Q3. Is online renewal of Gold Card possible?
No, physical verification is required at a Postbank or SAPO branch.
Q4. I lost my Gold Card. What do I do?
Visit the branch with your ID and request a reissue along with a card update form.
Q5. Will I still get my grant if I update after 28 June?
There’s no guarantee of back pay. Officials strongly urge action before the deadline.