Are you experiencing any problems with your SASSA card? Have you noticed that it keeps getting declined at ATMs and stores? The main reason for this inconvenience is that your card has been blocked. In most cases, this happens unintentionally by the cardholders themselves, although occasionally SASSA may also block the card.
When your card is blocked, you will see the notification of an invalid card or declined transaction whenever you use it at an ATM. You will also receive an SMS on your registered phone number with the reason for the declination of your SASSA gold card.
I know it’s troublesome if you need any urgent money, but there is nothing to worry about, as I’m here to help you in solving this issue. In this article, I will guide you on the reasons that caused the card’s decline and also the step-by-step solution to fix it and activate your card again.
Reasons for SASSA Card Declined
Before moving to the solution, you need to understand the reasons that cause restrictions on your card. Please see the below reasons to identify if any of the one is happened to you:
- If you exceed the withdrawal limit of your card, it can cause a blockage of your card. The daily withdrawal limit is between 1000 to 1800 depending on your grants. (Please check the updated limits from the SASSA official website)
- If you enter your PIN code incorrectly too many times, it can also restrict your card.
- If you did not collect your grant on time. The delay in the collection of grant payments can lead to the blockage of your card.
- Your card can also be declined if your SASSA account has insufficient funds.
- Any technical issue caused by the SASSA system can also be the reason for your block card.
- SASSA can also block your card if they suspect your card is used for any suspicious or fraudulent activity. They will further investigate it.
- If there is any system migration going on in Post Bank. Sometimes glitches arise during the migration, which causes card decline.
- The card decline could also be caused if your personal bank account (Not a Post Bank account) is closed or has any pending transactions.
- If you are not an active SASSA grant holder anymore. If that’s the case, then you cannot reactivate your card again.
So, these were the most common reasons that may result in blocking your card. Now, let’s move to the solution to unblock your card.
ALSO READ: Sassa Grant Payment Dates for February 2024 – Check Your Sassa Status
How to Fix Your Blocked or Declined SASSA Card
The fixing of a declined card is simple; you can reactivate it either by calling the SASSA helpline or by visiting the SASSA office. The unblocking process varies depending on the reason for the card blockage, and SASSA staff will guide you accordingly. I will explain step-by-step details below to activate your card again, but before following it, make sure your card is not physically damaged and in good condition.
Please keep in mind that your card cannot be blocked due to expiry, as according to the latest update of SASSA, your expired SASSA card will work perfectly throughout 2024 until any further announcement from SASSA.
Unblock Your Card By Calling SASSA Helpline
The first and easiest method to unblock your SASSA card is to call them via their helpline directly. This method helped me quickly when I was unaware of why my card got blocked. I will mention the same steps I followed. You will need to do the same:
- Call the SASSA helpline at 0800 60 10 11.
- There will be an auto-response voice message guiding you through various options. Select the appropriate option to connect with SASSA agent. Typically, you need to press 1.
- After the staff receives your call, ask them if you want to unblock your SASSA card that was declined at the ATM during the withdrawal.
- They will ask for your personal details and ID number to verify your identity.
- After the identity verification, they will explain the reason that causes your card blockage and guide you further on how to solve this problem. If they have blocked your card from their system, they will reactivate it.
Please note that if they need further verification or they blocked your card due to any pending investigation, then they may also ask you to visit the office. You must call them from the phone number that you used to apply for your SASSA grant. Otherwise, they may not process your request.
Visit the SASSA Office to Fix Your Declined SASSA Card
If you are not comfortable with the call method, then the other way to fix your declined SASSA card is by visiting your local SASSA office. First, you need to find your nearest SASSA office location and its opening timing. You will also need to take along your identity document and a mobile phone with a registered SASSA phone number.
After everything is ready, then follow the below steps:
- Visit the office during the opening hours.
- You may face long queues outside the office, stand in the queue, and wait for your turn.
- Once your turn comes, explain to the SASSA representative that you are here to unblock your declined SASSA card. Also, tell them that you encountered the issue during the ATM withdrawal.
- They will ask you for an ID card and any other documents to verify that you are the real owner of the card.
- Once the verification is done, they will guide you on how to unblock your card. If they block it from their side, they will activate it.
They may also do some other verification checks before fixing your card. The disadvantage of this method is that you may need to wait for hours due to long queues. So, it is better to check your issue first by calling the SASSA helpline.
Note: Whether you choose to visit the SASSA office or call the helpline, the staff will guide you if your card is blocked by any technical error, withdrawal limit, wrong attempts, due to not collecting your grant on time, or it is due to your bank account. They will provide you with the details that you need to wait and the card will fix itself after waiting time or unblock your card if they blocked it due to any reason after the verification.
What to Do if My SASSA Card Cannot Be Unblocked?
By following the above methods, I am sure that your card will be reactivated. But still, if there is any reason that SASSA cannot unblock your card then you can request the SASSA to issue a new card. The request should be made by visiting the office. The SASSA staff will guide you on if that is possible depending on the reason for your card blockage.
In the meantime, you can also change your grant payment method to a Cash Method to receive your funds directly from the Post Office, Pick n Pay, or any SASSA-partnered retail outlets.
If you have lost your card, then you can follow the guide to recover your lost SASSA card.
How to Protect Your SASSA Card from Unexpected Blocks ️in the Future
Now, you know how to reactivate your restricted SASSA card. But to avoid any future blocks, I am sharing some tips with you. Follow them to keep your card always safe:
- Never exceed your ATM withdrawal limit. There is a separate daily and monthly withdrawal limit. The limit is varied depending on your grant so you need to check your withdrawal limit accordingly.
- Always collect your grant on time. Delaying the collection of your grant can restrict your card again in the future.
- Always remember your card pin. The wrong pin attempts can cause card blockage.
- Never share your card details with anyone, and keep it in a safe place.
- If your card is lost or stolen, then immediately report it to SASSA to avoid any fraudulent activity on your card.
Following these small tips will always protect your card and keep it safe from any future mishappens.
Conclusion
Finally, if your SASSA card is being declined or blocked, You do not have to worry about it, as SASSA is always there to support you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to their helpful staff and let them assist you in getting your card back up and running. Just relax, explain your situation, and trust that they’ll do their best to get you back to accessing your SASSA funds quickly and easily.
Why is my SASSA card being declined at ATMs and stores?
Your SASSA card may be declined due to various reasons, such as exceeding withdrawal limits, entering incorrect PIN codes, delayed grant collections, insufficient funds, technical issues, suspicion of fraudulent activity, or if your personal bank account (non-Post Bank) is closed.