How to Withdraw Money Without a SASSA Card (2026 Guide).
Losing your SASSA card or having it stop working can feel like a full-blown crisis — especially when rent, food, or transport depends on that money. The good news? In 2026, you can still get your SASSA grant without the physical card using several secure “cardless” withdrawal options.
The Reality of Cardless Withdrawals
Many beneficiaries have recently had their old SASSA gold cards expire or be phased out, leading to switches toward Postbank’s new SASSA cards or direct bank payments. If your card is lost, stolen, expired, damaged or stuck in an ATM, you are not stuck. You can still:
- Use OTP (One-Time PIN) cardless withdrawals
- Withdraw through partner retailers with your ID + phone
- Use bank “send money” tools like CashSend, eWallet, Instant Money, or Send-iMali
- Change your SASSA payment method to your bank account and go fully digital
This guide walks you through every realistic way to withdraw money without a SASSA card, step by step, with clear requirements, safety tips, and plain-language explanations.
First Steps If Your SASSA Card Is Lost or Stolen
Before you worry about withdrawals, protect yourself by following these immediate steps:
Block the card immediately
Call the Postbank / SASSA call centre (from your grant letter / SMS) or visit your nearest branch. Ask them to stop all transactions on that card. This is vital to preventing unauthorized access to your funds.
Check for suspicious transactions
If you can, ask for a recent balance or mini-statement. Report any withdrawals or payments you did not make to the staff immediately.
Ask about a replacement card
Confirm where to collect the new card, what documents to bring (usually ID + proof of residence), and how long the replacement process will take.
Confirm your contact details
Make sure SASSA/Postbank has your current cellphone number — you’ll need it for OTP / cardless methods. If the number on file is old, update it at the branch during your visit.
What You Need to Withdraw Without a SASSA Card
Almost every cardless method needs three key components to work successfully:
Valid ID
South African ID book, Smart ID, or acceptable legal alternative.
Registered Phone
The cellphone number officially registered in your name with SASSA.
SMS Access
Ability to receive OTP codes, payment vouchers, or tokens via text.
For bank-specific or app-based methods, you’ll also need a personal bank account (such as Absa, FNB, Capitec, Standard Bank, Nedbank, TymeBank, etc.) and your bank’s mobile app or USSD service.
SASSA / Postbank OTP Cardless Withdrawal
This is the main method many SRD and grant beneficiaries use when they don’t have a card.
Set your grant to “cash send / cardless”
OTP withdrawals normally work only if your payment channel is set to cardless/cash-send/retailer collection, not to your plastic card. For SRD and some other grants, visit the official SRD online portal, look for “Change banking details / payment method”, and choose an option like “cash send” or a retailer collection method. Confirm using your ID and registered phone number.
For other grant types (old age, disability, child support, etc.), you may need to visit a SASSA office and ask to update your payment method to Postbank/cash send or to your bank account. Important: SASSA changes don’t happen instantly. It can take a few days or a full payment cycle before the new method is active.
OTP Withdrawal at Retail Partners
Once your payment method is set correctly, you can withdraw at major retailers partnered with SASSA/Postbank, such as Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, Boxer, Pick n Pay, and some Spar/OK stores. Follow these steps:
- Check your status & pay date: Make sure your SASSA payment is approved and has a pay date for that month.
- Go to a partner retailer: Take your ID and the cellphone registered with SASSA.
- Tell the cashier: Say you’re there for a SASSA grant withdrawal without a card.
- Verification & OTP: They will ask for your ID, confirm your phone number, and trigger an OTP via SMS.
- Use the OTP: Read or enter the code on the device when asked. The cashier will give you your cash and a receipt.
Tip: OTPs usually expire quickly. Don’t share them with anyone and don’t ask strangers to “help”.
OTP Withdrawal at Postbank / Post Office
In some cases, especially for older grant types, you can call the SASSA / Postbank helpline and explain that your card is lost or not working. Ask if they can issue an OTP/cardless withdrawal for you. They may verify your identity, issue an OTP, and direct you to a Postbank branch or Post Office counter. Availability of this option can vary by region, so always confirm via the helpline or at your local branch.
Get Your Grant Paid Directly into Your Bank Account
This is the most powerful long-term solution if you never want to rely on the SASSA/Postbank card again. Once your grant goes into your personal bank account, you can withdraw from any ATM using your bank’s own cardless tools or pay with a bank card directly at shops.
How to change to bank payments
For SRD grants: Go to the official SRD online portal and select “Change banking details”. Enter your ID number and follow the link sent to your phone via SMS. Enter your bank name, account number, and account type, then wait for confirmation.
For other grants: Visit your nearest SASSA office with your ID, a stamped bank letter or statement, and proof of residence. Ask to change your payment method to your bank account and complete the consent form. Changes can take a few days to a full payment cycle.
Banking Methods for Absa, FNB, and Others
If your grant is already in a personal bank account, you can use the bank’s own cardless withdrawal tools. Each bank has its own specific steps:
Absa CashSend
Log in to the Absa banking app or online banking. Go to Payments → CashSend / Send Money. Choose “Send to cell number” and enter your own phone number. Absa will send a withdrawal code or token via SMS. Go to an Absa ATM that supports CashSend, choose “Cardless services”, and enter the code plus your phone number to receive your cash. Fees apply.
FNB eWallet
Log in to the FNB app or online banking. Select “Send Money → eWallet”. Send the money to your own cellphone number. FNB sends you an SMS with a PIN or token. Go to an FNB ATM, select “Withdraw from eWallet / Cardless services”, and enter your phone number and PIN to get your cash. Fees apply.
Standard, Nedbank, Capitec, TymeBank
Standard Bank uses Instant Money, Nedbank uses Send-iMali, and Capitec uses its app-based CashSend. TymeBank offers voucher-based withdrawals at Boxer and Pick n Pay. The general pattern is to choose the cardless withdrawal option in the bank’s app, send money to your phone number, and use the SMS voucher at the bank’s ATM or a partner retailer.
Cardless Withdrawals at Retail Stores
Even if you’re using a bank’s cardless system, your actual cash collection might still happen at retail stores instead of bank branches. This includes Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, Boxer, Pick n Pay, and selected Spar or OK stores. This is especially useful in areas where ATMs are far or always busy, but shops are closer and safer.
Whether you use the SASSA / Postbank OTP route or the bank voucher route, the process involves providing your ID, phone number, and a secure voucher or OTP code to the cashier to receive your funds.
Safety & Scam Warnings (Very Important)
Cardless withdrawals are powerful — but scammers love them. Protect yourself with these golden rules:
- Never share your OTP, voucher code or banking PIN: Not with “helpers”, neighbours, or even people who say they’re from SASSA. Real staff will never ask for your PIN.
- Avoid WhatsApp “SASSA loan” numbers: If someone promises to “unlock” your money or get your grant faster in exchange for an ID or OTP, it is a scam.
- Only use official channels: Use official government portals, bank apps from official app stores, and verified USSD codes.
- Check your balance regularly: Use ATMs, USSD, or your bank app to monitor your balance and report strange withdrawals immediately.
Quick Comparison: Cardless Withdrawal Options
Summary of costs and speed for the various withdrawal methods in 2026.
| Method | Cost | Speed | What You Need |
|---|---|---|---|
| SASSA/Postbank OTP at retailer | Low / free | Immediate | ID, phone, OTP |
| SASSA/Postbank OTP at branch | Low / free | Same-day | ID, phone, OTP |
| Absa CashSend | Bank fee | Instant | Absa app, phone |
| FNB eWallet | Bank fee | Instant | FNB app, phone |
| Other bank app vouchers | Bank fee | Instant | Bank app, phone |
| Direct bank deposit (then ATM) | ATM fee | 1–2 days | Bank card/cardless tool |
FAQ – With No Card, What Now?
I didn’t receive my OTP. What must I do?
First, check that your phone is on and has network. Ensure you’re using the same number registered with SASSA. If issues persist, ask the cashier to retry or call the SASSA/Postbank helpline to confirm your number and request assistance.
I lost both my SASSA card and my phone. Can I still get money?
Yes, but it takes more admin. Go to a SASSA office with your ID to block the old card, update your contact number, and request a replacement card or change to bank payment. Once your number is updated, you can use cardless options again.
Which method is “best”?
If you have no bank account, the SASSA / Postbank OTP at retailers is easiest. If you have a smartphone and bank account, using your bank’s cardless tools is the most convenient long-term solution.
Can someone else withdraw my money for me?
Officially, you can only appoint a procurator or power of attorney in certain cases (like illness). Never share your ID and OTP with someone else; if they vanish with the cash, it is extremely hard to fix.