How to Replace Lost SASSA Card? Complete Guide 2025

Has your SASSA card been misplaced or stolen? Has your payment date arrived, but you’re worried about receiving your monthly grant without your card? Don’t worry, as the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides a convenient way to get your card replaced by submitting an application and paying some charges. Follow this quick step-by-step guide to learn how to replace lost SASSA card and ensure receiving your grant without any delays.

What Should I Do on Getting my SASSA Card Lost?

Before submitting your request for card replacement in SASSA, you first need to follow the necessary steps mentioned below:

Block your Lost Card Immediately

The first step you should take immediately is to block your card to prevent any unauthorized use. For this purpose, visit your nearest SASSA office and speak with a customer care representative who will assist you in initiating the card-blocking process. 

You can also contact SASSA’s toll-free number at 0800 601011. Explain the issue to the representative and request an urgent blockage on your lost or stolen card. 

Report to the SAPS

After blocking your SASSA card, the next step is to report the loss to the South African Police Service (SAPS). The police will inquire about some basic information, such as the beneficiary’s name, Identity Document (ID) number, the last four digits of the lost card, and the type of card issued. Don’t forget to get a copy of the police report, as it will be required for future reference.

How to Replace Lost SASSA Card? A Step-by-Step Guide

Visit Your Nearest SASSA Office

Visit your nearest SASSA office and inform the officials that your card has been misplaced and you need a replacement. The staff will ask for some basic details, such as your full name, ID number, and the type of card you were issued. After getting the initial information, you will be guided through the whole procedure to replace your SASSA card. 

Complete the Application Form and the Affidavit

The Information Officer will provide you with the application form and the affidavit. Fill out both forms with accurate information and submit them to SASSA along with the required documents. The following documents are needed for the SASSA card replacement application:

• A copy of your South African Identity Document

• A copy of the Passport

• Your recent residence details

• A copy of the Police Report for the lost SASSA card

• Your recent bank statement.

Submit your Application

Once you complete both the application and the affidavit, submit it to the SASSA office with all required documentation. Double-check all the provided information in the form to avoid rejection of your application and delays in payments. 

The officials will verify your application and the attached documents and process your application. After submitting your application, SASSA will confirm the application status within a few days.

Collect your New SASSA Card

Remember, you are required to pay the fee for SASSA card replacement. Submit the fee and wait for your application to be approved. After submitting your application, you can check its status online. SASSA also notifies applicants via SMS for any updates.

After application approval, visit the specified SASSA branch to collect your new card. Make sure to keep your new card in a safe place and sign the back for more protection. 

Activate Your Card

To activate your new SASSA card, visit your nearest SASSA office or Post Office with your ID. Follow the instructions provided by the staff to complete the activation process. You can also activate your card through an ATM by entering your confidential PIN code.

Sassa Appeal for R350 Declined

How Much Time Does It Take to Get a New Card?

Typically, the processing period for card replacement procedures is 30 to 45 working days. However, the duration can vary depending on the verification process and the staff’s workload.

3 Key Factors Affecting the Card Replacement Duration

Although SASSA ensures to maintain seamless and transparent application processing procedure and duration, however, sometimes, applicants have to face some delays due to certain factors mentioned below:

Delayed Verifications

Verification is the most important step for replacing your lost SASSA card. To prevent misuse and ensure accuracy, SASSA reviews all relevant information carefully, including your personal details, identity, residential address, and grant status. The verification process may require some extended time that can lead to delay in issuing the new card.

Extra Workload

An increased number of card replacement requests may also cause delays in processing time. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) staff may require additional time to complete verifications and documentation processes.

Delayed Deliveries

SASSA delivers new cards to the designated SASSA or Post office locations for collection. However, unexpected disruptions within the delivery system may cause delays in receiving new cards. Moreover, system downtime can also affect the timely dispatches of cards, causing applicants to wait longer than expected.

How Can I Continue Receiving Grant Payments Without Card?

If your SASSA card is lost or stolen, you can still continue receiving your grant payments in alternative ways, such as bank deposits, ATM withdrawals, Post Office, and affiliated payment points (Pick n Pay, Boxer). 

Visit your nearest SASSA office to report the issue and request temporary arrangements. In some cases, funds can be accessed through your bank accounts or a temporary voucher system. 

Bank Deposits

To change your payment method from card to bank deposits, visit your nearest SASSA office and submit a request to send your grant money into your bank account. If you don’t know how to update your payment method, you can contact the SASSA helpline at 0800 601011 for assistance. 

Get Payments Through Voucher 

If you misplaced your card, a voucher is the best option to get your payments until SASSA replaces your lost card with a new one. Get a voucher with a reference number mentioned on it through SMS by SASSA. 

Take this to Cash Send retailers as a reference for your grant payment approval. Make sure to carry your South African Identity Document (ID) for verification.

Informing SASSA timely about grant receiving is the key to continuing to receive money without disruptions.