Sassa squashes expiry of social grant card rumours
The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has set the record straight regarding media reports about illegal deductions as well as the expiry of the Sassa card.
Through recent media reports, the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) was made aware that social grant beneficiaries are being advised to obtain a new card as the Sassa card would expire in December.
Sassa reassured beneficiaries of social grants that the matter has been dealt with and resolved by all parties concerned, namely Cash Paymaster Services (CPS), Payment Association of South Africa (Pasa) and MasterCard.
The agency has also confirmed that the official Sassa card that will be issued to social grant beneficiaries without any problems beyond the expiry date of December 31, has been agreed upon by all parties.
This therefore means the card will be accepted at all retailers irrespective of the expiry date printed on it.
It further reiterates that the card bearing the colours of the South African flag remains the only official card and cannot be changed for any other card.
Pearl Bengu, CEO of Sassa says as part of their negotiations, Pasa will issue a notice to all retailers informing them that they should find it easy to accept the Sassa card as it will still function properly irrespective of the expiry date printed on it.
Bengu has guaranteed beneficiaries that payment of their social grants will go ahead as usual.
“The agency is aware the expiry date on the card coincides with the period when most parents will be preparing to take their children back to school.”
“Sassa would never allow any families or children to be impacted negatively by this issue,” says Bhengu.
Beneficiaries are warned to be careful of any individuals posing as Sassa employees offering to exchange their cards for any other card because of the expiry date.
