SASSA Gold Card Problems, Is the SASSA Gold Card Still Valid?
by Abinaya
Updated Sep 07, 2023
SASSA Gold Card Problems
Many people in South Africa who rely on the SASSA Gold Card to receive their grants have been facing some big issues. This card helps them get the money they need for things like food and other necessities. But recently, there have been problems with the card and how it works.
Some pensioners, which are elderly people who get grants, couldn't get their money from stores or ATMs because of technical problems with the card system. This meant they had to wait for a long time and were left without the money they really needed. Fortunately, the issue was fixed after a while, but it caused a lot of frustration and difficulties for these people.
Is the SASSA Gold Card Still Valid?
Yes, the SASSA Gold Card is still valid, and its validity has been extended until December 31, 2023. This extension ensures that grant recipients can use their cards without any issues, even if they have expired. SASSA is actively working on replacing expired cards, but the process may take some time to complete. If you have an expired SASSA Gold Card, you can continue to use it for withdrawals and transactions as usual until the end of 2023.
SASSA will inform you when it's time to collect your new card, so there's no immediate need for action if your card has expired. This extension aims to minimize any inconvenience for beneficiaries while the card replacement process is underway.
What is SASSA?
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is a government agency in South Africa that was created in 2005. Its main job is to manage the country's social security system, which includes giving out social grants to people in need. It operates under the supervision of the Department of Social Development and the Ministry of Social Development.
SASSA was established to make the process of giving out social assistance fairer and more efficient. It handles tasks like reviewing grant applications, making sure people are eligible for grants, distributing payments to those who qualify, and preventing fraud in the system. Many South Africans rely on SASSA for financial support, with almost half of the population receiving social grants in 2022.
Grants in SASSA
SASSA provides various types of grants to help people in need, and most of them are given out monthly after checking eligibility. These grants include the Child Support Grant, Care Dependency Grant, Foster Child Grant, Disability Grant, Grant-in-Aid, Older Person's Grant (similar to an old-age pension), and War Veteran's Grant. There's also a temporary Social Relief of Distress Grant that offers immediate help with vouchers, food parcels, or cash.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, a special relief grant was introduced and extended until March 2024. In 2023, SASSA increased the amounts for these grants. For instance, the Older Persons Grant for those between 60 and 74 will be R2080, while those over 75 will get R2100. The Child Support Grant will increase to R500, and other grants will also see boosts.
The SRD Grant, which aims to support unemployed South Africans between 18 and 59 years old with no income source, remains at R350 and is extended until March 2024. SASSA is working to reduce long queues at its local offices nationwide to provide a smoother experience for grant applicants. Additionally, they have an Internship Programme for interested applicants, requiring specific documents like the Z83 form, ID, CV, and certificates, which should be sent with the relevant reference number and position name.
SASSA Gold Card Problems - FAQs
Yes, the SASSA Gold Card is still valid until December 31, 2023.
SASSA is the South African Social Security Agency, a government agency managing social grants.
SASSA provides various grants, including Child Support, Disability, Older Person's, and COVID-19 relief grants.
Yes, in 2023, several grants, such as the Older Persons and Child Support Grants, are increasing.
To apply for the SASSA Internship Programme, you'll need documents like the Z83 form, ID, CV, and certificates, along with a relevant reference number and position name.