How to Activate Your New SASSA Card :Full Guide

Checking Your Card Details Before Activation

Once you apply for a new SASSA card or renew your existing card, it takes 2 to 3 weeks to deliver. Once you receive your card, you need to make sure that the details on the card are printed correctly. Check the following information on the card to ensure they are correct

Sassa Card Activation Process

Are you confused about your SASSA card activation process? There is no need to be worried. Here is the beginner’s guide for all the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant holders about the activation of their debit cards.

1. Receive Your SASSA Card

After checking your SRD status to verify that you are approved for the SRD R350 grant the first step is to receive your SASSA card in the mail. It will be sent to the address you provided when you applied for your SASSA grant. The card should arrive within 2-3 weeks after your grant application is approved.

2. Check the Card Details

Once you receive the card, check that all the details on the card are correct. This includes your full name, ID number, and card number. If there are any errors with the card details, you need to report this to your nearest SASSA office before activating the card.

3. Activate Your Card Through the Retail Store

Take your SASSA card and ID book/card to any Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, Boxer, PEP, Ackermans or Cambridge store. Inform the cashier you want to activate your SASSA card. The cashier will assist in activating the card on their system. This activation is instant, and you don’t need to call the SASSA card toll-free number.

4. Set Your SASSA Card PIN

Once the card is activated on the retail store system, you need to set your unique Personal Identification Number (PIN) for the card. This PIN will allow you to access your money at ATMs or pay for purchases. You set the PIN on the Point of Sale device with the cashier.

5. Wait 24 Hours Before Using

It can take up to 24 hours after activation before you can use your SASSA card. So don’t worry if you cannot access or withdraw money immediately after leaving the store. After 24 hours, your card will be ready to use at ATMs, retail stores etc.

How to Use SASSA Card at ATM?

Here is a beginner’s guide on how to use your SASSA card at an ATM:

1. Find an ATM

First, locate an ATM machine that accepts SASSA cards. Look for the SASSA or Grindrod Bank logo displayed on the ATM. These ATMs can be found at banks, retailers, and other public locations.

2. Insert Your SASSA Card

Once you are at the ATM, insert your SASSA card into the machine with the chip facing upwards. Push the card in smoothly until it catches. The ATM will read your card details.

3. Enter Your PIN

The ATM screen will prompt you to enter your 6-digit SASSA card PIN number using the keypad. Type in your PIN carefully and press the green Enter or OK button once done.

4. Select Transaction Type

You will be given options like Withdrawal, Balance Enquiry, Mini Statement etc. Use the keypad to select your desired transaction then press Enter.

For example, if you want to withdraw cash, choose Withdrawal.

5. Enter Withdrawal Amount

If you select withdrawal, the ATM will ask you to enter the amount you would like to withdraw. Type in the amount, for example, R100, then press Enter to proceed.

6. Take Your Card and Cash

Once the transaction is approved, the ATM will dispense the cash. Take your SASSA card and remove the cash. Make sure you collect all the notes dispensed. Your transaction slip will also be printed.