Information reviewed 20 September 2026
31 August 2026 Was the Migration Deadline
Government and Postbank repeatedly advised remaining Gold Card users to migrate to Postbank Black Cards by 31 August 2026. The old Gold Cards were being phased out and were not intended to remain usable after the migration deadline.
Grant Money Is Not Cancelled by the Card Issue
Postbank stated on 31 August that grant payments would continue being deposited, but beneficiaries who had not migrated could be unable to access the funds until migration was completed.
Replacement and Card Problems Are Postbank Matters
For card replacement, PIN, lost or stolen cards and declined card transactions, current government guidance directs beneficiaries to Postbank support rather than treating the issue as an SRD status problem.
Do Not Pay for a Replacement
The replacement process was announced as free. Be cautious of anyone charging a fee to “activate” a Black Card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still rely on a Gold Card after 31 August 2026?
Government guidance said Gold Cards were being phased out and beneficiaries needed to migrate by 31 August 2026.
Does card migration cancel the grant itself?
No. A card-access issue is not the same as losing grant eligibility.
Should I pay someone to activate a Black Card?
No. Treat payment requests for unofficial activation as suspicious.