The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has reassured beneficiaries that the expiry of the SASSA Gold Card on Thursday, March 20, 2025, will not disrupt social grant payments.
Despite concerns, SASSA and Postbank have emphasised that grant recipients will continue receiving their payments through alternative methods while migrating to the new Postbank black cards.
March 2025 SASSA SRD payment dates confirmed
SASSA has officially announced that Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant payments will be processed from March 26 to 28, 2025. Beneficiaries are advised to ensure their bank details are up-to-date to avoid payment delays.
“We will start processing payments from the 20th, with money reflecting in clients’ accounts on 26, 27, 28, and 29 March,” SASSA spokesperson Andile Tshona told The Citizen.
Grant recipients should also keep in mind that it may take two to three working days for funds to reflect in their accounts after processing.
SASSA Gold Card expiry: What it means for beneficiaries
In a joint media statement on Thursday, March 20, 2025, SASSA and Postbank confirmed that while the SASSA gold card is no longer functional, card replacements with Postbank black cards will continue beyond this date.
“The replacement of SASSA gold cards with Postbank black cards does not stop today, 20 March 2025; the replacements of the cards continue,” stated the agency.
For those who have not yet migrated to the Postbank black card, grants will still be accessible through alternative payment methods at Post Office counters.
However, recipients are encouraged to switch to the new cards as soon as possible by visiting Postbank service points at Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, Pick n Pay, Boxer, and Spar or dialing *120*355# to find locations for card replacements.
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SRD grant extended until March 2026
In his March 12 Budget Speech, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana confirmed that the SRD grant will continue for another year, with R35.2 billion allocated to extend the program until March 31, 2026.
Since its launch in May 2020, the SRD grant has provided critical financial relief to approximately eight million South Africans, refugees, and asylum seekers. However, despite hopes for an increase, the grant amount remains unchanged at R370 per month.
How to check your SRD payment status
To confirm when your March 2025 payment will reflect, beneficiaries should check their SASSA SRD status online:
- Visit the SRD website and log in to check payment details.
- Dial 0800 60 10 11 and provide your ID number for status verification.
Who qualifies for the SRD grant?
SASSA has also opened new applications for the SRD grant for April 2025. To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
✅ Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or special permit holder
✅ Not receive UIF benefits, NSFAS bursaries, or other social grants
✅ Be unemployed and earning below R624 per month
✅ Fall within the 18-59 age group
Applications can be submitted via the SASSA website, where applicants must complete a biometric verification process as part of fraud prevention efforts.
The future of social grants in South Africa
Beyond the SRd extension, discussions around a Basic Income Grant (BIG) are ongoing, Minister Godongwana stated in 2025 Budget Speech:
“The SRD will be used as a basis for the introduction of a sustainable form of income support for unemployed people.”
A review of active labour market programs is expected by September 2025, and the Department of Social Development (DSD) is set to submit a draft policy to Parliament for further discussions on BIG implementation.
SASSA contact information
For queries, beneficiaries can reach out via:
📞 Toll-Free Call Centre: 0800 60 10 11
📩 Email: GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za
🌍 Website: www.sassa.gov.za
Final takeaway
While the SASSA Gold Card has officially expired, social grant beneficiaries can still access their funds and are urged to switch to the Postbank black card for uninterrupted payments. With March SRD payments scheduled for the 26th to 28th, staying updated through the SASSA website and contact centers will ensure a smooth transition.
