HOW agency hopes to beat SASSA queues in 2025

Off the back of the Postbank card-swap debacle, here’s how the agency hopes to eradicate SASSA queues in 2025 …

SASSA queues in 2025 have been brutal for needy beneficiaries. Here's the agency's big plan on how to solve them for good. Image: File

South African Social Security Agency beneficiaries with Postbank have been fighting SASSA queues in 2025. However, the agency’s plan to solve interminable SASSA queues in 2025 is not one you might expect. In yet another example of the private sector taking over from state-run entities, the agency hopes most will simply ‘switch to personal banking.’

This unbelievable statement came from a SASSA press event in Cape Town last week, in which the agency addressed the failed Postbank card migration. Its plans include adding resources through partnerships with SPAR. As well as outreach programmes and making house visits to ‘incapacitated’ clients. However, it was SASSA’s Sibusiso Nhlangothi who said: “We’re optimistic that we can manage the numbers with beneficiaries opting to switch to personal banks,” reports GroundUp.

BEAT SASSA QUEUES IN 2025

Furthermore, of approximately 3-million Postbank clients (30% of all SASSA recipients), roughly half have still not had their cards migrated after the Thursday 20 March 2025 deadline. SASSA and Postbank reiterate that April 2025 grants will still be paid as usual into these accounts. However, funds will not be able to be drawn on the old gold card. An alternative plan until the card migration is complete is to visit a participating SA Post Office branch for withdrawals.

Nhlangothi also explained that those who queue at SASSA offices are most often applying for disability grants. “One quarter of disability grant applicants are declined, which contributes to longer queues as rejected applicants make multiple trips back to the office,” said Nhlangothi. Therefore, SASSA is exploring doctor-initiated assessments, which will allow state-appointed doctors to assess applicants before they visit a SASSA office.

SWITCH SASSA TO PERSONAL BANKING

So, if the agency’s plan to beat SASSA queues in 2025 is for clients to switch to conventional banking, how exactly can you do this? 70% of SASSA Old Age, Disability and Childcare recipients already know too well that personal banking accounts are far more convenient and safer. This change can be made at any time at a SASSA branch/office. Be sure to bring along the following:

South African ID booklet or smart card.
Recent bank statement or confirmation letter of the bank account you wish to switch to.
Proof of residence not older than three months.
Your existing SASSA Postbank card.
A completed SASSA bank detail change form (download it HERE or find it at any SASSA office).

VISIT A SASSA OFFICE

When you arrive at the SASSA office, inform the security or information desk that you want to change your bank payment method. You’ll be directed to the correct service point and a SASSA official will help verify all your documents are in order. They will capture your new banking details on the SOCPEN system. They will provide you with a receipt confirming the change. Keep this receipt safe as proof of the transaction.

Also, don’t forget to submit your change request before the 15th of the month to ensure your next payment goes to your new bank account. Changes submitted after mid-month will unfortunately only take effect the following payment cycle.