SASSA Card Blocking Step-by-Step Guide
SASSA Card Blocking Step-by-Step Guide? Your SASSA card has been lost or stolen, or has it been damaged? It is important that you block your SASSA card as soon as possible to prevent unauthorized access to your grant funds. Nowadays, frauds are on the rise too much. It is possible to compromise your lost or stolen card and gain unauthorized access if you delay blocking it.
The purpose of this article is to guide you on the steps you need to take to block your SASSA card immediately, how you can withdraw your funds until the SASSA card is blocked, and how you can get a replacement SASSA card.
Also Read About: SASSA Status Check Appeal
Card Blocking Documents You Will Need
Make sure you have the following documents before you begin the card-blocking process:
- The 13-digit barcoded Identity Document (ID Card) of South Africa
- In the case of asylum seekers, refugees, or holders of special permits, your passport number or special permit number is required.
- In your SASSA grant application, you provided your phone number.
- SASSA Card transaction history (specifically, the last one-month transaction must be available)
- Identification as a resident
- Case number of your lost card in the police report (optional, but recommended)
- Additional documents that prove you are the real owner of the card.
SASSA requires these documents to ensure that you are the rightful grant owner and that no one is trying to fraudulently access your funds. Any additional documents may also be requested during the verification process by SASSA.
SASSA Card Blocking Step-by-Step
For safety reasons, make sure you have searched everywhere you can for the card before blocking it. One of the methods listed below may help you locate it if you are not able to locate it.
The SASSA call center can block your card, while the South African Post Office (SAPO) can block your card in person. Post Bank can also be contacted via email to block it. It is important to note that you cannot block your SASSA card online.
1. Blocking your SASSA card with SASSA Helpline
You can block your card by calling the helpline. Without visiting any office, you can block it within a few minutes. The SASSA call center can block your SASSA card by following the steps below:
- Dial SASSA’s Helpline: From your cell phone, dial the SASSA helpline number 0800 601 011. Upon receiving a voice message, you will be given the option to select from a list of options. SASSA representatives can be reached by pressing 1. (The selection option may change in the future, so make sure you carefully listen to the message and select the option that allows you to speak with a SASSA official.)
- Wait for SASSA: From your cell phone, dial the SASSA helpline number 0800 601 011. A voice message will be played and options will be presented to you. The SASSA representative can be reached by pressing 1. Please read the message carefully and select the option that allows you to contact SASSA officials (the selection option might change in the future).
- Block the SASSA card: Ask the representative if you want to block your SASSA card after they connect with you on the phone. Your identity card and phone number will be requested first. Make sure they have all the information they need.
- Blocking Process & Reasons: The representative will ask why you want to block your card after verifying your identity. Describe the valid reason to them; don’t make up any story, as it may result in your card being permanently blocked. Depending on the reason, they may ask for your card transaction details and other documents. Send them every document they need. In the event that your card has been blocked after the verification process has been completed, they will do so immediately.
The SASSA card can now be blocked. The money you receive from your grant will now remain secure, and you won’t have to worry about your funds being accessed by unauthorized parties.
2. SASSA Office: Blocking Your SASSA Card
For a face-to-face interaction, you can visit the SASSA office if you do not prefer the calling method. Follow these steps:
- Your Nearest Office & Hours: Ask the representative if you want to block your SASSA card after they connect with you on the phone. You will be asked to provide a copy of your identity card and your phone number by the representative. Please provide them with the details.
- We Look Forward to Seeing You: Ask the representative if you want to block your SASSA card after they connect with you on the phone. Your identity card and phone number will be requested first. Make sure they have all the information they need.
- You can ask SASSA to Block Your Card: If your turn comes, ask the SASSA official why you are here. In order to verify your identity, they will need your ID card and phone number. You may also have to provide proof of residence and any other necessary documents to prove your identity.
- Verification and Blocking: They will ask you why you are blocking your card once the identity verification process is complete. You must provide a valid reason; do not lie to them. If necessary, they may also request additional documents and SASSA funds transaction history. Make sure they know everything they need to know. Your card will be blocked once they verify that you are the real owner of the grant.
If you visit the SASSA office, you only need to do that to block your card. Blocking your card keeps your funds safe and prevents unauthorized access to them.
Also Read About: Coalition and SASSA Beneficiaries
3. SASSA Card Blocking via Email
In addition to these two methods, you can block your card by sending an email directly to Post Bank. To use this method, you must first contact the police about your lost card.
Upon reporting the incident to the police, send an email to postbankfraud@postoffice.co.za. Be sure to include a clear subject line and the reason for blocking your card. In the email, please include your ID Number, Phone number, Application ID, Police Report File Number, and other necessary details.
Is My SASSA Card Blocked?
You can check if your card has been blocked successfully by calling the SASSA helpline again or visiting any SASSA office. They will verify your details and let you know if your card has been blocked.
What Happens if the Card is Blocked?
SASSA SRD R350 Payments are not affected by the card-blocking process. Despite not having a SASSA card, you will continue to receive grant payments and withdraw them.
What Happens if my SASSA Card is Blocked?
Without a SASSA card, you can continue receiving SASSA R350 payments. You can receive grant payments without a card by using the following methods:
- SASSA Cash Send Services (ABSA, FNB and Standard Bank)
- The SASSA R350 Cardless Withdrawal (SASSA OTP Withdrawal)
- Direct Deposit into Your Bank Account
Read our detailed guide on How to Withdraw Money Without SASSA Card for a step-by-step guide.
Also Read About: SASSA Relief Grant Cancellation Guide: Step-by-Step
What to do after blocking your SASSA Card?
A Renewal application can be submitted after you have blocked your older SASSA card. The only place to renew your SASSA card is at the Post Office branch. You will need to visit the branch in person to renew your SASSA card. You cannot renew your card online.
Conclusion
Throughout this article, I have discussed the steps you need to take to block your SASSA card, which ensures the safety of your grant funds. As part of the blocking process, we discussed the required documents and the detailed methods, including contacting the helpline, visiting the SASSA or SAPO offices, or emailing Post Bank.
If you want your card replaced, you must have a police report. You can still withdraw SASSA funds through alternative methods, and your grant payments won’t be affected.