Step-By-Step Guide To Apply For a SASSA New Card

Frustrated not having a SASSA card? Don’t worry, getting a new one is easier than you think!

This guide will walk you through the entire process step-by-step, in plain English.

Whether you prefer the convenience of online applications or the in-person approach at the post office, we’ll cover everything you need to know.

No more confusion or long lines – follow these simple steps and your new SASSA card will be in your hands in no time!

Requirements to Get SASSA New Card

There are two main parts to meeting the requirements for a new SASSA card: eligibility criteria and document requirements.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Age: You must be 18 years old or older.
• Citizenship: You must be a South African citizen, asylum seeker, or special permit holder.
• Grant Beneficiary: You must be a beneficiary of a SASSA grant with an active grant.
• No Duplicate Grants: You cannot be receiving any other government grant.
• Income Limits: Your income must fall below a certain amount. This is based on marital status:
  • Single: Income must be less than R86,280 per year.
  • Married: Combined yearly income with your spouse must be less than R172,560.
• Asset Limits: The total value of your assets must also be below a certain amount. Again, this depends on marital status:
  • Single: Assets must not be worth more than R1,227,600.
  • Married: Combined assets with your spouse must not be worth more than R2,455,400.

Document Requirements:

• Identification: You need to provide your ID card, passport number, or special permit number (depending on your citizenship status).
• Proof of Address: This can be a utility bill or bank statement in your name.
• Phone Number: You’ll need an active cell phone number registered in your name for SASSA to contact you about your card.

How to Apply For SASSA New Card

1. Apply For a New SASSA Card Online

Obtaining your new SASSA card online can be a breeze if you follow these simple steps.

Before you begin:

• Gather your documents: Make sure you have the following documents readily available:
  • Your South African ID card, passport, or special permit (whichever applies to you)
  • Proof of address (like a recent utility bill or bank statement in your name)
  • An active cell phone number registered in your name
• Prepare your device: You’ll need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a stable internet connection to access the SASSA website.

Steps to apply for a new SASSA card online:

1. Visit the SASSA website:

• Open your preferred internet browser (like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari) on your device.
• In the address bar at the top of the browser window, type “services.sassa.gov.za” and press Enter. This will take you to the official SASSA website.

2. Register or Log in:

• If you haven’t used the SASSA website before, you’ll need to register for an account. Click on the “Register” button located on the top right corner of the homepage.
• Fill out the registration form with your personal information, including your name, email address, phone number, and ID/passport number. Create a strong password and remember it for future logins.
• If you already have an account, click on the “Login” button and enter your username (your ID/passport number) and password.

3. Find the card application section:

• Once logged in, look for a section called “Card Services” or “Apply for New SASSA Card”. It might be located on the main dashboard, under a menu, or in a search bar. Click on it to proceed.

4. Fill out the application form:

• A new page with an online application form will appear. Carefully fill out the form with the following details:
  • Your full name and surname
  • Your ID/passport number or special permit number
  • Your date of birth
  • Your cell phone number
  • Your physical address as stated on your proof of address document
  • Select the type of SASSA grant you are receiving

5. Upload your documents:

• The website might ask you to upload scanned copies of your required documents, including your ID/passport, proof of address, and any other supporting documents requested.
• Make sure the scanned copies are clear and readable.
• If you don’t have a scanner, you can take pictures of your documents with your smartphone camera, ensuring good lighting and clear focus.

6. Review and submit your application:

• Once you’ve filled out the form and uploaded your documents, carefully review all the information you entered for accuracy.
• Make any necessary corrections before clicking the “Submit” button.

7. Wait for confirmation:

• After submitting your application, you’ll receive a confirmation message on your screen and a notification via SMS or email acknowledging your request.
• SASSA will process your application and verify your information. This might take a few days or weeks.

8. Collect your card:

• Once your application is approved, SASSA will notify you via SMS or email with instructions on collecting your new card.
• You’ll typically be able to collect your card from your nearest post office or SASSA office on a designated date. Bring the notification you received and a valid form of identification when collecting your card.

Additional tips:

• Keep your password confidential: Do not share your SASSA account login details with anyone.
• Save your application reference number: The confirmation message might include a reference number for your application. Keep a note of it for future reference.
• Check the SASSA website regularly: You can check the status of your application by logging into your SASSA account and navigating to the card services section.

2. Apply For SASSA New Card at the Post Office

If you’re not comfortable applying for your new SASSA card online, you can always visit your local post office.

Before you head to the post office:

• Gather your documents: Make sure you have the following documents readily available:
  • Your original South African ID card, passport, or special permit (whichever applies to you)
  • Proof of address (like a recent utility bill or bank statement in your name)
  • An active cell phone number registered in your name

Steps to apply for a new SASSA card at the post office:

1. Find your nearest post office:

• You can easily find your nearest post office location by searching online. Simply type “Post Office Near Me” in your internet browser and you’ll get a list of nearby offices with their addresses and opening hours.
• Alternatively, you can ask a friend or family member for help locating the closest post office.

2. Visit the post office during working hours:

• Most post offices operate from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, it’s always a good practice to check the specific working hours of your chosen post office before visiting.

3. Approach the customer service counter:

• Look for the customer service counter or a designated area where people are applying for SASSA cards. You might see signage directing you to the correct section.
• Politely inform the staff member that you’d like to apply for a new SASSA card.

4. Explain your situation and provide your documents:

• Briefly explain to the staff member that you’re applying for a new SASSA card.
• Hand over your original identification document, proof of address, and any other documents requested by the staff.

5. Fill out the application form:

• The staff member will provide you with a paper application form. Fill out the form carefully and accurately using a black pen. Ensure all your details, including your name, ID/passport number, contact information, and grant type, are correct.
• If you have any difficulty understanding the form or filling it out, don’t hesitate to ask the staff member for assistance.

6. Submit your application and collect your receipt:

• Once you’ve completed the form, double-check your information for accuracy.
• Hand over the completed form and your documents back to the staff member. They will process your application and issue you a receipt.
• Keep the receipt safe, as it will contain important information about your application, including a reference number and the estimated collection date for your card.

7. Wait for notification and collect your card:

• SASSA will process your application and verify your information. This might take some time, so be patient.
• You’ll be notified via SMS or email once your card is ready for collection. The notification will also mention the date and location for collecting your card.
• On the designated collection date, visit the post office mentioned in the notification, bringing your receipt and a valid form of identification (like your ID card) to collect your new SASSA card.

Additional tips:

• Dress appropriately: While there’s no strict dress code, it’s always advisable to dress respectfully when visiting government offices like the post office.
• Be patient: Applying for a new SASSA card in person can involve waiting times, especially during peak hours. Be patient and courteous with the staff.
• Ask questions: If you’re unsure about any part of the process, don’t hesitate to ask the staff at the post office for clarification. They are there to help you.

Where To Use Your SASSA Card

You can use your SASSA card in a variety of ways to access your grant money:

1. Withdrawing Cash:

ATMs: You can withdraw cash from any ATM in South Africa, regardless of the bank it belongs to.

Cash Pay Points: Certain retailers, like Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Checkers, Usave, Spar, and Boxer, have designated Cash Pay Points where you can withdraw cash using your SASSA card. There are typically no fees associated with these withdrawals.

Post Offices: You can withdraw your grant cash over the counter at any South African Post Office branch, free of charge.

However, only one free withdrawal is allowed per month.

2. Making In-Store Purchases:

Some Retailers: While not all stores accept SASSA cards for direct purchases, some larger retailers like those mentioned above (Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Checkers, Usave, Spar, and Boxer) may allow you to use your SASSA card to pay for in-store purchases, provided they have a card machine activated for SASSA cards.

However, it’s crucial to check with the store beforehand to confirm if they accept SASSA cards and what fees, if any, might apply.

How to Check SASSA Card Balance

Here are several ways to check your SASSA card balance:

1. Using Your Phone:

• USSD Code: This is the most convenient method. Dial *120*3210# or *120*69277# on your phone.
• Follow the prompts on the screen to receive an SMS notification with your current balance.
• WhatsApp: You can also check your balance through WhatsApp.
• Send the word “Sassa” to the number 082 046 8553.
• You’ll receive a reply asking for your “Status.”
• If you have a reference number, respond with “Yes” and include the number. Otherwise, reply with “No”.
• Finally, type your mobile number used during the application process.
• You will then receive an SMS with your current balance.

2. Online:

• Visit the official SASSA website at srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status. However, this portal is mainly for checking the status of your SASSA grant application and not necessarily the balance.
• It’s recommended to try other methods first.

3. ATM:

• Insert your SASSA card into any ATM in South Africa. Enter your PIN and select “Account Balance” from the options.
• Your balance will be displayed on the screen, and you can also choose to print a receipt if desired.

4. Post Office:

• Visit your nearest South African Post Office branch.
• Approach the customer service counter and inform them that you’d like to check your SASSA card balance.
• They may ask for your ID card and might charge a small fee for this service.

Benefits of the SASSA Card

Here are the benefits you can enjoy with your SASSA card:

• Reduced Reliance on Cash: The SASSA card eliminates the need to carry large amounts of cash, minimizing the risk of theft or loss.
• Nationwide Access: You can access your grant money from anywhere in South Africa using ATMs, Cash Pay Points, or Post Offices. This is particularly helpful if you don’t live near a SASSA office.
• Multiple Withdrawal Options: You have the flexibility to choose how you want to access your grant, whether through cash withdrawals or in-store purchases (at participating retailers).
• Free Withdrawals: You get a certain number of free withdrawals per month (usually one) at ATMs, Cash Pay Points, and Post Offices. This saves you money on transaction fees compared to using other methods.
• Reduced Risk of Fraud: Compared to cash, the SASSA card offers a more secure way to manage your grant money. It requires a PIN for transactions, reducing the possibility of unauthorized access.
• Simplified Record Keeping: Transactions made with your SASSA card will be reflected on your monthly statements, providing a clear record of your spending.
• Potential for Future Benefits: The South African government is exploring ways to expand the functionalities of the SASSA card. This might include features like bill payments or small purchases at participating stores in the future.

That’s it! With these clear steps, applying for your new SASSA card should be a breeze.

Now you can choose the method that works best for you – online or in-person at the post office.

Gather your documents beforehand and follow the steps closely.

If you have any questions while applying, don’t hesitate to ask the SASSA staff for help.

Soon, you’ll be able to access your grant money easily and securely with your brand new SASSA card!