How to Fix "SASSA Card Not Working At ATM" Issue?

SASSA Card provides the most convenient way to use your grant money, even if you can withdraw cash from any ATM in your area. But I understand it can be frustrating when you find “SASSA Card Declined” in the ATM when trying to withdraw cash.

SASSA Card can be used for online and retail store purchases just like a normal debit card, but if there is any problem with your card and it is declined, then it could be a serious problem for you. So, how to fix the SASSA card not working issue and resume your stress-free transactions through your card?

This article will share the perfect solution for you which I tried myself when my SASSA Card was not working at ATM and causing the same issues. I will also share what causes this problem to occur so you can avoid it future.

Reasons for SASSA Card Declined

Before we talk about the solution for the “Declined SASSA Card problem” you must understand why this issue occurred so you can avoid it repeating in future. Following are some of the reasons why this happened:

Withdrawl Limit Exceeded: As with the debit card, SASSA Card has set a daily withdrawl limit set, if you exceed that limit — your card will be declined and you won’t be able to perform any other transaction through your card. SASSA Cards have a daily withdrawl limit of 1000 to 1800 (depending on the grant) so make sure you never exceed this limit.
Incorrect SASSA PIN: If you put your card into the ATM or Swipe machine and mistakenly enter the incorrect card PIN then your card will be declined. If you repeat the incorrect PIN too many times then your card will be temporarily blocked.
Insufficient Funds: Your SASSA Card transaction can also be declined if you are not having sufficient funds. So, make sure to check your balance before using the card.
Technical Issue: If there is any technical issue running on SASSA or Post Bank’s side then your SASSA Card can be declined and you won’t be able to perform any transaction through the card.
Grant Deposit Delays: If there is any delay in grant payment and you are trying to withdraw money from your card before it has arrived, then it can declined.
Expired Card: Your SASSA Card can be declined if your card is expired. So, you need to renew your card to resume its services.
SASSA Card Blocked: If SASSA detects any suspicious or fraudulent activity through your card, they can block it to ensure you are on the safe side. And your card can be saved from unauthorized deductions.
No More A SASSA Beneficiary: If you are not more a SASSA beneficiary or cancelled your grant, then you won’t be able to use the SASSA Card anymore. This card is given only to SASSA grant beneficiaries for collecting their grant payment.

How Can I Fix My Blocked or Declined SASSA Card?

I have shared the reasons why your SASSA Card can be declined, some of the causes can be fixed easily without needing you to do anything, such as:

Insufficient Funds: You can check your balance and then again try with the correct amount which is left in your account.
Withdrawl Limit Exceeded: Try again next day, and the issue will be resolved automatically.
Technical Issue: If there is any technical issue on SASSA or Post Bank’s side, then trying after some time can fix this issue.

But if your card gets blocked due to suspicious activity detected, or it is declining for any other reasons which are not solvable itself. Then, there are three methods to fix this issue:

Method #1: Fix “SASSA Card Not Working At ATM” By Calling SASSA Helpline

You can fix this issue by directly calling to SASSA toll-free helpline number, their team is quite active in attending to beneficiaries’ issues and fixing them asap. This method would be even more helpful when you don’t have any idea why this issue occurred. Just follow the procedure shared below:

Call the SASSA Helpline number at 0800 60 10 11
You will hear some automated voice prompts offering you multiple options to choose from. Select the option that connects you to the SASSA representative.
When connected with a human representative, ask them that you are not able to use your SASSA Card, transactions are declining. They will share why this is happening.
Once you find the solution, they will suggest a possible way to fix this issue.
If your card is blocked, ask them to unblock it for you.
They will ask you some questions to confirm that you are the real owner of the card. This is important for your safety.
Provide all the necessary details to confirm your identity.
They will take your request and your card will be unblocked after some time.
Once unlocked, you can again use your card without any issue.

Method #2: Fix “SASSA Card Declined” By Visting SASSA Office

If the SASSA Helpline method is not working for you, then use our second method. That is fixing the issue by visiting the SASSA office, you will be required to carry your SA ID Card and registered mobile number. Follow the below-shared procedure to fix this issue through the nearest SASSA office in person:

Locate the nearest SASSA office in your area, and also check for the operating hours of the branch you are planning to visit.
Meet their staff and ask them if you want to unblock your SASSA card or share the issue you are facing while using your card.
Staff will explain why you were facing that issue and also suggest what you need to do to resolve this.
If your card is blocked, ask them to unblock it.
They will ask for some information to confirm that you are the real owner of this card and an active SASSA grant beneficiary.
Once verification is completed, they will take your request to unblock your card. When unblocked, you can continue using it without any issues.

Whatever method you use, the staff will provide you with why your card is declined at the ATM or any other retail store. So, if you even don’t know the reason for this issue, you can contact their staff by calling or visiting the office, and they will happily guide you to resolve this.

Method #3: Renew Your SASSA Card

If you found that your card is expired and that was the reason why it was showing a declined error, then this is the time to renew it. You can renew your card by visiting the nearest SASSA office, carrying all the documents required for the renewal shared in this article.

When reach the office, ask their staff if you want to renew your expired SASSA Card, they will ask for some information to confirm that you are the real owner. Provide all the information to confirm your identity.

The staff will provide you with a form, fill in all the information asked in the form and attach all the required documents. Once everything is done, submit the form to the staff. It will take some time to issue a new card, you will receive an SMS notification when your card is issued and ready to be collected.

FAQs

My SASSA card isn’t working at the ATM. What could be wrong?

Following can be the reasons why your SASSA Card not working in the ATM:
1. Incorrect Pin
2. Insufficient Funds
3. Card Expired
4. Technical Issue
5. Card Blocked
6. Daily Withdrawal Limits

What should I do if my SASSA card is declined?

There are two ways to fix this issue:
1. Call to SASSA helpline number and share your issue, they will provide you with the reason and how to fix it.
2. Visit the nearest SASSA branch and share the issue you are facing with your card.

Can I use my SASSA card at any ATM?

Yes, your SASSA card can be used at almost any ATM in South Africa. But it is always recommeded to check the acceptability before visiting.

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