SASSA Petrol Subsidy Card – As fuel prices continue to rise in South Africa, many low-income families and social grant recipients are struggling to keep up with transportation costs. Recognizing this urgent need, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), in collaboration with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), has launched the SASSA Petrol Subsidy Card—a new initiative aimed at easing the fuel burden for grant beneficiaries. Starting from 5 September 2025, eligible individuals can apply for this special card that offers R450 monthly fuel subsidy, usable at selected fuel stations across the country. This is a significant step toward supporting mobility and accessibility for millions who rely on social grants for daily sustenance and travel. Whether it’s getting to work, collecting a grant, or taking children to school, the subsidy is expected to bring measurable relief. This card is not just a payment mechanism, but a carefully planned effort to ensure financial stability and inclusion for the vulnerable population. It comes loaded with advanced security features and will be accepted at over 3,200 partnered fuel stations nationwide. Below is everything you need to know about the new SASSA Petrol Subsidy Card, including eligibility, how to apply, where to use it, and how it fits into the broader social relief framework.
Who Can Apply for the SASSA Petrol Subsidy Card?
The new fuel subsidy is not for everyone. Only specific categories of grant recipients and low-income earners can benefit.
- Individuals receiving Old Age Grant
- Beneficiaries of Disability Grant
- Child Support Grant recipients who own a vehicle
- SRD R370 grant beneficiaries who commute regularly
- Low-income individuals registered in the National Household Registry
- Monthly household income must be below R3,500
- Valid South African ID and updated residential address required
- Vehicle must be registered in the name of the applicant
Approved Petrol Stations Accepting the SASSA Petrol Subsidy Card
This H3 section outlines where you can use your fuel card to redeem your R450 monthly subsidy.
- Shell
- Engen
- BP
- Sasol
- Caltex
- TotalEnergies
- Puma Energy
- Astron Energy
Full List of Provinces and Participating Fuel Stations
The table below highlights major provinces and the number of petrol stations accepting the card.
| Province | Shell | Engen | BP | Sasol | Caltex | Puma | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | 140 | 110 | 85 | 95 | 60 | 55 | 100 |
| Western Cape | 130 | 90 | 70 | 75 | 45 | 40 | 88 |
| Eastern Cape | 115 | 70 | 50 | 60 | 38 | 30 | 66 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 125 | 95 | 60 | 65 | 40 | 33 | 72 |
| Limpopo | 105 | 60 | 45 | 55 | 35 | 28 | 60 |
| North West | 90 | 50 | 42 | 47 | 28 | 25 | 54 |
| Free State | 85 | 48 | 39 | 42 | 30 | 22 | 49 |
| Mpumalanga | 88 | 52 | 41 | 50 | 29 | 26 | 58 |
| Northern Cape | 80 | 40 | 36 | 38 | 22 | 20 | 45 |
Benefits of the SASSA Petrol Subsidy Card
This new fuel support card brings more than just fuel. It offers security, stability, and affordability for many South Africans.
- R450 monthly fuel support, recharged automatically
- PIN-protected card to prevent misuse
- Works with biometric verification at partnered pumps
- Can be used any time of the day or night
- Linked to registered vehicle license plate
- Reduces financial stress on families
- Promotes mobility for work and healthcare visits
- Helps grant recipients maintain independence
How the Fuel Subsidy Works Month by Month
Here’s a detailed table showing how the R450 fuel credit accumulates and expires if unused:
| Month | Recharge Date | Monthly Limit | Carry Forward | Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 2025 | 5 Sep | R450 | R0 | 30 Sep |
| October 2025 | 5 Oct | R450 | R100 (if unused) | 31 Oct |
| November 2025 | 5 Nov | R450 | Max R900 cap | 30 Nov |
| December 2025 | 5 Dec | R450 | R450 (if full used) | 31 Dec |
| January 2026 | 5 Jan | R450 | R0 | 31 Jan |
| February 2026 | 5 Feb | R450 | R50 | 28 Feb |
| March 2026 | 5 Mar | R450 | Max R900 cap | 31 Mar |
| April 2026 | 5 Apr | R450 | Unused credits expire | 30 Apr |
How to Apply for the SASSA Petrol Subsidy Card
Applying for the SASSA Fuel Card is simple and can be done online or offline depending on your access.
- Visit the official SASSA website or local SASSA office
- Fill out the Petrol Subsidy Application Form
- Submit valid ID copy and vehicle registration papers
- Provide proof of income (bank statement or SASSA grant proof)
- Address verification document (municipal bill or lease)
- Wait for SMS confirmation within 7 working days
- Card is delivered via post or collected at SASSA office
Application Support Channels
For those needing help, SASSA has set up multiple assistance channels.
- Toll-Free Number: 0800 60 10 11
- Email: [email protected]
- WhatsApp Chatbot: 082 046 8553
- Help Desks: Available at local SASSA branches
- Mobile Vans: Will visit rural areas every Wednesday & Friday
Documents Required During Application
Keep these documents ready before starting the application to avoid delays.
- South African ID (Green Book or Smart ID)
- Proof of SASSA grant receipt (e.g. payment slip)
- Address verification (e.g. utility bill)
- Proof of vehicle ownership (NaTIS papers)
- Bank statement or SASSA card statement
- Passport-sized photograph (if applying offline)
Security Features and Monthly Recharge Rules
The card has advanced security layers and recharge policies to ensure responsible use.
- Each card is embedded with biometric data
- Monthly recharges done only if previous month’s usage logged
- Card automatically locks after 90 days of inactivity
- PIN reset available via SASSA kiosk or mobile app
- Subsidy cannot be transferred or converted to cash
- Card becomes invalid if vehicle sold or re-registered
What Happens If You Lose Your Card?
If your card is lost, act quickly to protect your benefits.
- Report to nearest SASSA office or call 0800 60 10 11
- Temporary freeze will be applied to your card
- Apply for reissue by submitting affidavit and ID copy
- New card will be reissued within 10–14 working days
Can Family Members Use This Card?
No. The card is strictly tied to the vehicle and the primary beneficiary’s ID and biometrics. Using the card by someone else can lead to suspension of benefits.
Is There a Limit on Fuel Type?
Yes. The card can only be used for unleaded petrol or diesel—no usage allowed for LPG, paraffin, or shop purchases.
Departmental Contact Details
If you need assistance or want to track your application status, reach out to these official departments:
| Department | Contact Number | Email Address | Office Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| SASSA National Helpline | 0800 60 10 11 | [email protected] | Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm |
| Department of Social Development | 012 312 7500 | [email protected] | Mon–Fri, 8am–4pm |
| Department of Mineral Resources & Energy | 012 406 8000 | [email protected] | Mon–Fri, 8am–4:30pm |
| Gauteng SASSA Office | 011 241 8300 | [email protected] | Mon–Fri, 9am–3:30pm |
Please note: The Petrol Subsidy Card is a pilot program, and the government will review its performance after the first 6 months to consider extension or expansion. Make sure to check your eligibility and apply as soon as possible before the first rollout window closes on 10 September 2025.
FAQs of SASSA Petrol Subsidy Card
Q1: Can I use the card for more than R450 per month?
A1: No, the card is capped at R450 per month. Any extra fuel cost must be paid by the user.
Q2: Is the subsidy amount credited to my SASSA grant card?
A2: No, it’s a separate card dedicated to fuel purchases only.
Q3: What if I don’t use the full amount in a month?
A3: The unused balance can carry over, but it expires after 2 months.
Q4: Can I apply without owning a car?
A4: No, vehicle ownership in your name is mandatory.
Q5: How long will the card remain valid?
A5: The card will remain valid as long as you’re a qualifying SASSA recipient and meet usage rules.