How to Fix Your SASSA Card Declined at an ATM?
The SASSA card decline issue is a common problem run into by many grant beneficiaries. It can be extremely frustrating or irritating, particularly if you need urgent money. Most of the time, this issue comes to light when a SASSA card is blocked. It could be for several reasons, either unintentionally by the user or by the Post Bank of South Africa.
A beneficiary’s SASSA card declined while making transactions at the ATMs. There could be several reasons for this. The card may have expired. You have repeatedly tried the wrong PIN. This problem could be caused by a faulty card. Or your SASSA card was declined due to insufficient funds.
To resolve this issue, first, check that your card is physically okay. If not. It could be damaged. A worn-out card may not operate properly. So, if damaged, then go for a new card.
Next, you should verify whether the bank has blocked your card or not. It’s possible that you have entered the wrong PIN multiple times. The Bank considers such an action as an element of fraud. Therefore, the Bank immediately blocks a card on which multiple entries have been attempted. You can contact the Bank for immediate action to resolve the issue.
If the decline is due to an error in the banking system, waiting for a while and retrying the transaction may resolve the problem. Nonetheless, if the card remains blocked, it is recommended to visit the nearest and relevant bank office or contact their helpline too.
They can verify the causes for the blockage and guide you through the reactivation process. Under certain circumstances, a replacement card may be essential.
First, I would like to discuss all possible reasons and then provide the solutions.
How to fix SASSA Card Declined Reasons?
There are various reasons why a SASSA card may be declined. Let’s take a look at the essentials and how to fix these as well.
1. Damaged Card Chip
Your Postbank SASSA card may stop working. This can occur when the metal chip on the card is damaged by an external factor or a scratch at the spot where the metal chip is mounted on the card’s surface. This will result in access to the card being denied. So, wait until. Don’t attempt to cash out your funds again. You have to get an identical card from your relevant bank branch.
2. Income Threshold Exceeded
This is a very common issue that is faced by almost every cardholder at least once during a period. Why? The income threshold (According to the Means Test R624, eligibility criteria) established by SASSA is extremely stringent. So, whenever your income in the bank surpasses the limit, Post Bank declines your respective transaction.
So, you always know if you have exceeded the income limit. Don’t conspire with SASA. Cancel your grant yourself. So that someone who deserves it more than you can get it.
3. Grant Rejected by SASSA
When any activity is found to be suspicious or against the terms and conditions set by SASSA. The In-house counsel of SASSA immediately rejects or cancels approved grants, which results in the card being unaccepted at ATMs. That’s why there’s no need for a solution. You already knew that.
4. Crack in Card:
A crack in the card can prevent an ATM machine in detecting the information accurately. When information is not interpreted by the ATM. This can result in card decline. You can contact the bank’s customer support centre. Highlighted your issue clearly and concisely.
5. Bank’s Technical Issue:
When the system is experiencing technical faults in the bank’s operating system, the SASSA system, or the ATM. Such as system migration glitches or issues with the apparatus. It could become a reason for card decline. Usually, bank technical issues resolve automatically. If not, call them for troubleshooting information.
6. Card Blocked:
When a system exhibits any activity that is perceived as a malfunction, dubious, or unusual (such as incorrect credentials). The bank or SASSA system abruptly responds to it. And this may result in the blocking of the SASSA account. It happens most of the time due to additional documentation that may require further verification. So be prepared to provide all necessary information.
7. Wrong PIN:
Whenever you forget your card PIN and enter it incorrectly. Several attempts of the wrong PIN end in card blockage. This is happening on a large scale. Due to a hectic routine, people often become overwhelmed with other issues and forget their PIN. This may cause more trauma. To get out of such a situation, reset or retrieve your PIN. To learn how to do it, please look forward to it.
Reset or Retrieve Your PIN Code
Every bank has its own procedure. However, we are referring to the SASSA card, which is associated with a Post Bank. So, I’m going to show you how to reset your account with Post Bank.
Please note that you should remember your PIN. This will prevent any inconvenience caused by forgetting your PIN. Additionally, keep your card in a safe place and never share its details with anyone.
8. Exceeding Withdrawal Limit:
If your daily withdrawal limit is achieved. Which is between 1000 and 1800, depending on the allowance. Then you won’t be able to withdraw anymore. Consequently, the card will be declined. Contact your bank and request an extension of your daily withdrawal limit.
9. Insufficient Funds
You may encounter a card decline issue. When the SASSA account has not enough or insufficient balance. You won’t be able to use your card. Because your account does not have enough balance. This is a very common issue that many people experience. This problem often arises at the government level and will be resolved automatically at that level.
10. Inactive Grant Holder:
You won’t be able to use your account. If your SASSA grant holder account has been inactive for a long time. Since it has not been used for a long time, it will be automatically blocked. And definitely resulted in a card decline. Sometimes grant holders do not receive their grants. SASSA’s policy is that if a recipient does not receive their grant for three consecutive months, their account will be automatically deactivated. Therefore, contact SASSA to have it reinstated.
11. Delay in Card Activation
If you delay in collecting the grant card within the 90-day period. Your SASSA account will be frozen, and you will be unable to use it. You must collect your card within the specified time. Sometimes users try to use the card without activating it. To avoid any difficulty or hurdle, activate it first and then use it.
12. Linked Bank Account Issues
When the linked bank account (not a Postbank account) is inactive or has pending transactions. The SASSA card cannot be used to authorize new transactions. You must settle any outstanding transactions before initiating a new one.
If none of these reasons apply to why your card was declined, then you should contact SASSA directly for assistance.
Seek Online Assistance from SASSA
Important Keynotes
Transferring to the SASSA Black Card
If you have upgraded to a SASSA Black Card. You must ensure that all funds from your previous card (SASSA Gold Card) are transferred to the new card. It will preclude any loss of payment.
Reporting a lost card
In the event that your SASSA card is lost. Immediately notify your local SASSA office to prevent any unauthorized access. Please note that card duplication was free prior to April 2024. However, a fee of R26 will now be charged for each new card.
Your SASSA card has been rejected; as a result, you are unable to withdraw money, and you need it urgently. So what should you do? I have a quick and definitive solution to withdraw your money. SASSA has an app called Moya App. You can check your grant status, current balance, and transfer money to another account through this app.
