SASSA Card Declined & is Not Working at the ATM-How to Fix?

BySiyabonga

That moment when your card just refuses to cooperate at ATMs or stores and you realize that your Sassa card is not working, Ahh! That heart-stopping moment right? Maybe technical error, the card is blocked or the card expires sometimes.

Receiving a message like “card declined” or finding that your SASSA card suddenly doesn’t function can be disheartening. Well! Once we pinpoint the actual reason that why Sassa card declined at ATM? we can solve it by the follow below given quick fixes.

What Are The Reasons Your SASSA Card Is Not Working?

When you head to the doctor he asks you about the issue and then finds out the reasons, he tells you about the possible solution by providing medicine or precautions.

So, firstly Let’s find out first what are the possible reasons for the “Sassa card not working”.

  • When there is any suspicious activity with your Sassa card
  • When you have insufficient funds
  • Any technical error in the Sassa IT system 
  • When you forget your PIN & enter the wrong PIN many times
  • When there is any issue with your personal bank account
  • When the withdrawal limit of your card exceeds. Because the daily limit is 1000 to 8000.
  • When your card date is expired so account restriction may occur sometimes
  • If there is a problem or error in the ATM you are using, try other ATMs as well
  • When your Sassa card is DAMAGED

Quick Fixes to “SASSA Card Not Working”

Quick Fixes to “SASSA Card Not Working”

1. Reset or Reactivate Your PIN

If your SASSA card is blocked due to repeated wrong PIN entries, visit a SASSA office, or contact them via the registered number. You’ll need iSASSA ID to reset your PIN. Additionally, there’s a WhatsApp option for OTP-based PIN retrieval.

Tip: For calling Sassa please use the number that you have registered at Sassa or in the Sassa application form, otherwise they will not entertain you or solve your issue.

2. Wait Out Temporary Blocks (If Limit Was Exceeded)

If you hit your daily limit, simply wait until it’s reset—usually on the next day or after midnight.

3. Call the Helpline

Dial 0800 60 10 11 to connect with SASSA’s support team. Explain your issue, provide your ID, and follow their guidance on unblocking or card replacement.

4. Visit a Local SASSA or Postbank Office

If phone assistance doesn’t resolve the issue—especially with expired, damaged, or blocked cards—visiting in person with your ID and card often helps.

Tip: We recommend you, visit at off-peak hours like early in the morning and in the evening

5. Get a Replacement Card

For expired or damaged cards, request a new one at a SASSA/Postbank office.

If you’re still using a Gold Card, convert it to the Black Card immediately to ensure continued access to your funds.

6. Try a Different ATM or Pay Point

Technical glitches can be ATM-specific. Try withdrawing from another ATM—preferably one linked to Postbank, or at retailers like Shoprite or Pick n Pay.

7.Keep Your Account Updated

Ensure your contact details (phone number, address) are current in SASSA’s records. This helps avoid processing delays or missed alerts.

What To Do If Your SASSA Card Cannot Be Unblocked Again?

I am pretty sure you can get your card recovered with the above-mentioned methods but still, in some cases, it won’t. Consider below given options in case your card is unable to unblock again.

Get Your New Sassa Card

Visit the Sassa Office located in your area. Bring all documents with you as the Sassa agent can ask you to provide the documents.

Cooperate with the Sassa agent & provide all details & tell your card issues. There is the possibility that they can ask you to submit a small fee for your new Sassa card. 

Change Grant Payment Method

Let’s be honest, changing your grant payment method can be a real struggle, You can change your grant payment method by following this guide, Change Your Grant Payment Method

Report Your Lost Sassa Card

In case your Sassa card is lost you should first report your lost Sassa card to the nearest Sassa office or police station as it will prevent misuse of your Sassa card. 

Furthermore, take assistance from the Sassa officer & secure your funds. 

How To Prevent Blocking & Other Issues Of SASSA Card?

Now your card issue is resolved, still, there are some precautions you should follow to avoid further issues while using your Sassa card. 

  • Avoid exceeding your ATM withdrawal limit
  • Have some funds in your card while using it
  • Keep your card safe from others as it causes suspicious activity when any other person misuses your card
  • Always get your granny amount on time as delay can cause restrictions on your card
  • Avoid wrong PIN attempts, write your PIN somewhere on your notebook or on any paper & keep it in your pocket
  • Never share your card details with someone else.
  • Keep tracking your personal bank issues
  • Keep tracking your Sassa Status & see if you find any issues in the results

FAQs

Your SASSA card may stop working for several reasons, including wrong PIN attempts, insufficient funds, exceeding daily withdrawal limits, expired cards, system errors, or damaged cards. If you’re still using the old Gold Card, it has been phased out and replaced by the Postbank Black Card, which could also be the reason for the decline.

A declined transaction can be fixed depending on the cause:

  • If it’s due to a wrong PIN, reset it via SASSA or Postbank.
  • If you’ve exceeded your daily limit, wait until the next day.
  • For insufficient funds, check your balance before retrying.
  • If your card is expired or damaged, request a replacement.
    If the issue persists, visit a SASSA or Postbank office with your ID for further assistance.

Yes. SASSA cards can be used at ATMs nationwide, including those of major banks such as ABSA, FNB, Capitec, Nedbank, and Standard Bank. They can also be used at participating retailers like Shoprite, Pick n Pay, and Boxer for cash withdrawals and purchases.

An expired card—or the older Gold Card—will no longer be accepted at ATMs or pay points. To avoid service interruptions, you must replace your expired or outdated card with the new Postbank Black Card.

If your card is blocked:

  • Visit your nearest SASSA or Postbank branch with your valid ID.
  • Call the SASSA helpline at 0800 60 10 11.
  • In some cases, you may reset your PIN via SASSA’s WhatsApp OTP service.
    Unblocking usually requires identity verification to keep your account secure.

This can happen due to:

  • Insufficient funds in your account.
  • Technical issues at the retailer’s system.
  • A blocked, expired, or damaged card.
    If your card works at an ATM but not at a pay point, the problem is likely on the retailer’s side—try another store or ATM.

Daily withdrawal limits usually range between R1,000 and R1,800, depending on the type of grant and transaction. Exceeding these limits will result in a declined transaction. To avoid this, withdraw smaller amounts or use your card for purchases at retailers.

If an ATM swallows your card:

  • Immediately call the helpline number displayed on the ATM (usually your bank’s or Postbank’s hotline).
  • Contact SASSA at 0800 60 10 11 to report the issue.
  • Visit a Postbank or SASSA office with your ID to request a new card.
    Never accept help from strangers at ATMs, as this could put you at risk of fraud.