Postbank Black Card Glitches Delay SASSA April Payments for Beneficiaries Using ATMs

Thousands of SASSA beneficiaries experienced payment delays in April 2025 due to Postbank Black Card system glitches that disrupted ATM withdrawals nationwide. The issue, confirmed by Postbank, specifically affects recipients using SASSA Gold and Black Cards at ATMs.

Postbank Black Card Glitches Delay SASSA April Payments for Beneficiaries Using ATMs

The glitch began during Postbank’s ongoing system transition from the SASSA Gold Card to the new Postbank Black Card. While aimed at improving payment security, the upgrade unexpectedly disabled ATM access for many users, especially in rural areas. However, retail outlets and supermarkets with point-of-sale systems remain unaffected.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has acknowledged the ATM access disrupted amid Postbank black card transition and advised beneficiaries to withdraw funds at participating retailers including Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Boxer, and Usave, which remain operational.

SASSA Statement: “Network glitches during payment days continue to inconvenience beneficiaries. The ongoing issues with Postbank have had a significant impact, with many grant recipients affected. As a result, Postbank troubles have pushed over 2 million SASSA users to migrate successfully to other banks, a shift we acknowledge as part of informed user choice.”

Postbank Responds to ATM Issues During Payment Days

Postbank confirmed the fault lies in ATM processing and not in the grant disbursements themselves. Beneficiaries do not need to reapply and submit SASSA online application. All funds remain secure in their accounts.

“We are working closely with SASSA to ensure all beneficiaries receive their grants. The glitch does not affect the actual payment, only access via ATMs,” Postbank stated in a public notice. enquiries@postbank.co.za”

Now the High Court challenging National Treasury over the R370 SRD grant eligibility criteria, Postbank faces increasing pressure not to lose millions of new and existing beneficiaries. As SASSA rolls out revised eligibility requirements, uncertainty remains.

While no clear completion date has been set, Postbank have pledged to provide regular updates and work toward a long-term solution to stabilize the grant payment system and card infrastructure.