SASSA Card Declined at ATM 2025

Facing your SASSA card declined at ATM can be a frustrating experience, especially when you are trying to withdraw your approved SRD R350 grant or monthly social grant payments. Whether it happens at an ATM, a retail store, or the Post Office branch you have selected as your preferred SASSA payment method to receive your grant funds, it is important to understand why your card was declined so you can take the necessary steps to fix the issue.

SASSA Card Declined at ATM

Having trouble withdrawing your SASSA grant at the ATM? Whether your old SASSA Gold Card or new Postbank Black Card is declined at an ATM or POS, the issue arises from a few common reasons. Here’s what you can check to resolve it and access your grant at any ATM or point of sale (POS) machine without delay.

1. First, check your SASSA balance by dialling *120*3210# or *120*69277# to ensure you have sufficient funds for the transaction before assuming your card is not working.
2. If you’ve entered the wrong PIN too many times, wait for the timer to finish, then enter the correct PIN to use your SASSA card at an ATM or POS machine.
3. If you’ve forgotten your SASSA card PIN, you must visit your nearest Postbank branch or SASSA office to reset it.
4. Switch to a different ATM or point-of-sale (POS) machine to avoid the daily withdrawal and money transaction limits set on certain devices.
5. Make sure your card is not damaged or expired. If it is, you’ll need to submit a request for a replacement at the Post Office or the SASSA office.
6. If your SASSA card is damaged or expired, you’ll need to renew your SASSA card before it can be used at an ATM.
7. If you have switched to another bank or updated your bank details on srd.sassa.gov.za, use your linked bank card/app for grant payment.

Notice: Beneficiaries are advised to check their SASSA status each month to confirm any pending grant payments.

New Postbank Black Card Activation

As part of the 2025 updates, SASSA is replacing Gold Cards with new Black Cards to enhance security and improve the management of social grant payments.

If you’ve switched to the new Postbank Black Card, make sure it is activated by visiting your nearest Postbank or Post Office ATM, or a retail partner ATM such as Pick n Pay, Usave, Shoprite, Boxer, or Checkers.

Insert your card at any ATM to check your balance. If it shows your balance, it means your card is active. If declined, your new SASSA card is inactive and needs activation.

In this case, dial the SASSA helpline at 0800 60 10 11 or contact Postbank card support at 0800 53 54 55. They will confirm your card status over the phone, whether it’s active or blocked.

If required, you’ll have to visit your nearest Post Office or SASSA office to complete your identity verification and activate or unblock your SASSA card.

Grant Approved but No Payment Received on SASSA Card

We’ve received reports from several beneficiaries experiencing the same problem. Although their grants were approved for monthly payment, their new Postbank Black Cards were declined at ATMs.

If you’ve recently switched to the Black Card, please don’t assume your funds have been moved over automatically. It’s possible that your SRD or social grant for this month was still paid into your old SASSA Gold Card. Even if that card has technically expired, you can still use it to withdraw the funds at selected ATMs or retail partners.

We’ve confirmed with Postbank CEO Nikki Mbengashe, who stated that all expired SASSA Gold Cards will continue to function until every beneficiary has successfully switched to the new Black Card system.

Reminder for SASSA Cardholders

Sometimes SASSA grant card get declined due to network or technical issues at the ATM. Try using a different ATM to complete your transaction.

If your SASSA card lost, it is crucial to report it to the authorities immediately to request for a replacement card, ensuring you continue to receive your grant payments and prevent misuse.

Your ID card and you phone number information is important for grant payments, and verification. The phone number registered with your SASSA application should remain active and remain registered in your name to ensure your grant security.