If you receive social grants through SASSA, you likely depend on your card for everyday needs—including food. But not every store accepts it. In 2025, it’s important to know where to use your SASSA card for everyday grocery SA purchases without issues. The South African Social Security Agency has updated its list of grant-approved retailers to ensure smooth and secure SASSA food shopping experiences across the country.
Knowing your options helps you avoid failed transactions and ensures your grant covers the essentials at the right stores.
Where to Use SASSA Card for Grocery Shopping
You can use your SASSA gold card at a variety of stores that are officially listed as grant retail partners. These include both national chains and regional retailers. Here’s the updated list of grant-approved retailers in 2025:
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Shoprite
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Checkers
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Pick n Pay
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Boxer
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Usave
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Spar (select stores)
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Woolworths (larger outlets only)
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OK Foods
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Local spaza shops equipped with card machines (where applicable)
These retailers accept SASSA card payments for grocery SA purchases, including bread, milk, meat, vegetables, baby items, and household basics. Some also offer cash withdrawal services inside the store.
What You Can Buy with Your SASSA Card
Your SASSA card is meant strictly for essential purchases. Here’s what you can buy during SASSA food shopping trips at grant-approved retailers:
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Fresh produce and perishable goods
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Dairy products, cereals, and grains
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Toiletries and hygiene products
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Baby formula and nappies
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Cleaning products
Luxury items, alcohol, or tobacco cannot be purchased using the SASSA card at any of the grant retail partners.
Tips for Using Your SASSA Card Safely
To make the most of your grocery SA purchases, follow these smart usage tips:
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Always check your available balance before shopping
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Shop at larger chain stores for more consistent stock
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Do not give your card to others to shop on your behalf
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Never disclose your PIN—even to store staff
The agency continues to ensure that SASSA food shopping is secure and accessible, even in rural areas, through expanding networks of grant-approved retailers.
FAQs
Where can I use my SASSA card to buy food?
You can use it at grant retail partners like Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Boxer, Usave, Spar (selected stores), and others listed for SASSA food shopping.
Can I withdraw cash at grocery stores with my SASSA card?
Yes, many grant-approved retailers offer cash withdrawal services at their tills when making a grocery SA purchase.
Are there any items I cannot buy with the SASSA card?
Yes, you cannot use it for alcohol, tobacco, or luxury items. It is meant strictly for SASSA food shopping and basic household needs.
Is it safe to use my SASSA card at local spaza shops?
Some spaza shops are registered as grant retail partners, but always ensure they have verified card machines and never share your PIN.
What happens if a store says they don’t accept the card?
You’ll need to find one of the grant-approved retailers. Always confirm before shopping to avoid payment failures during grocery SA trips.
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