Key Takeaways — 2026
- Apply online via USSD: *120*3737*7# — no data, any network, any handset
- You need an EasyPay Everywhere account with 3+ months of grant deposits to qualify for most loans
- Loan amounts: R410 up to R4,000 — repayable over 3, 6, or 9 months
- Effective annual rate: approximately 164–280% — among the most expensive legal credit in SA
- Net1 rebranded as Lesaka Technologies in 2022; Moneyline is now EasyPay Loans
- Repayments deducted automatically before you can access your grant funds
- Free consumer help from the Black Sash: 072 663 3739
What Are EasyPay Loans SASSA?
EasyPay Loans is a short-term credit product for SASSA grant beneficiaries, offered through the EasyPay Everywhere platform. The product is operated by Lesaka Technologies — the company previously known as Net1 UEPS Technologies, which rebranded in 2022.
EasyPay Loans was previously called Moneyline Financial Services. References you may see online to "Net1 SASSA loans," "Moneyline loans," or "EasyPay green card loans" all refer to this same product, now operating at epe-online.co.za.
SASSA does not provide loans. SASSA is a government agency that pays social grants. EasyPay Loans is a private credit product from Lesaka Technologies — a JSE- and NASDAQ-listed fintech company (JSE: LSK, NASDAQ: LSAK). Any person or site claiming to offer an "official SASSA loan" is almost certainly a scam.
EasyPay Loans SASSA Requirements (2026)
Before applying, confirm you meet both the eligibility criteria and have the required documents ready.
Eligibility Criteria
| Requirement | Detail | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 18 years or older | Required |
| Citizenship | South African citizen with a valid SA ID (smart ID card or green ID book) | Required |
| SASSA Grant | Active, approved SASSA grant recipient — any grant type (Old Age, Disability, Child Support, etc.) | Required |
| EasyPay Everywhere Account | Active EPE account with your grant deposited for at least 3 consecutive months | Required |
| Biometric Verification | Your registered mobile number must be biometrically verified at an EPE branch — required for USSD and app applications | Required |
| Affordability Assessment | Must pass a basic affordability check as required by the National Credit Act | Required |
Documents Required
| Document | Notes | Status |
|---|---|---|
| SA ID Document | Valid smart ID card or green ID book. A valid temporary ID is accepted. | Required |
| Registered Mobile Phone | The phone number linked to your EPE account — used for OTP and USSD verification | Required |
| EasyPay Everywhere Card | Your green EPE card with your 16-digit account number | Required |
| Proof of Address | Not older than 3 months — municipal bill, bank statement, or SASSA letter accepted | Required |
| 3-Month Account Statement | Your EPE statement showing 3 months of grant deposits. EasyPay can usually pull this internally. | Required |
| SASSA Grant Approval Letter | Used as an alternative to a bank statement if you are new to EPE or cannot provide one | If needed |
Without an established EasyPay Everywhere account, you can still apply for a one-month short-term loan by visiting a branch in person with your SA ID, mobile phone, and a recent SASSA grant slip. For loans up to R4,000 with longer terms, you'll need the full EPE account history.
How to Apply for EasyPay Loans SASSA Online (2026)
There are three application methods. The USSD method is the fastest — it works on any handset on any network, with no data required.
Method 1: USSD Application (Fastest)
Confirm Your Number Is Biometrically Verified
Your mobile number must be verified at an EasyPay Everywhere branch before USSD applications work. If not yet done, visit a branch first — this is a once-off process.
Dial *120*3737*7# From Your Registered Number
The USSD menu loads immediately — no data or internet required. Use the phone number registered on your EPE account.
Select Your Loan Amount
The system presents the loan amounts you qualify for. Each option shows the repayment amount and term. Read this carefully before continuing.
Confirm With Your ATM PIN
Your EasyPay ATM PIN is used as a security confirmation step. Do not share this with anyone.
Receive Funds in Your EPE Account
Approved loans are deposited directly into your EasyPay Everywhere account — usually within a few hours or the next business day. Withdraw at any ATM or partnered retailer.
Method 2: EasyPay Everywhere Banking App
Existing EPE account holders who have downloaded and registered on the EasyPay Everywhere app (available on Google Play) can apply directly in the app. You'll need your 16-digit card number, card PIN, SA ID number, and registered email address to log in.
Method 3: Apply In-Branch
Visit your nearest EasyPay Everywhere branch with your ID, EPE card, phone, and proof of address. A consultant completes the affordability assessment with you and provides the full loan agreement to review before signing. Call 0801 111 880 or visit epe-online.co.za to find your nearest branch.
Under the National Credit Act, you are legally entitled to a pre-agreement statement showing the total repayment amount, all fees, and the full repayment schedule — before you sign anything. Do not allow a consultant to complete the affordability form on your behalf. This practice has been flagged as reckless lending in past NCR investigations. If you feel pressured, walk away.
EasyPay Loan Costs & Interest Rates 2026
EasyPay Loans uses a service fee model rather than traditional monthly interest. When calculated as an effective annual rate, these are among the most expensive legal credit products in South Africa. The indicative figures below are based on the published 31% service fee — always confirm the exact total with EasyPay before signing.
| Loan Amount | Term | Service Fee (31%) | Total Repayment | Effective Annual Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R410 | 3 months | R127 | R537 | ~280% p.a. |
| R1,000 | 3 months | R310 | R1,310 | ~250% p.a. |
| R2,000 | 6 months | R620 | R2,620 | ~164% p.a. |
| R4,000 | 9 months | R1,240 | R5,240 | ~138% p.a. |
Figures are indicative based on the published 31% service fee structure. Actual amounts may vary. Request a full pre-agreement statement from EasyPay before signing.
If your monthly old-age grant is approximately R2,180 and you take a R2,000 loan over 6 months, your monthly automatic deduction will be roughly R437 — leaving you under R1,750 before any other EasyPay product deductions (insurance, airtime). For many beneficiaries this creates a monthly shortfall that leads to re-borrowing — a debt cycle that is difficult to break.
Pros and Cons of EasyPay SASSA Loans
- Apply online in minutes via USSD — no data, no queue
- No credit score check required
- Payout usually same day
- Available for all active SASSA grant types
- Loans up to R4,000 with 9-month repayment option
- No risk of blacklisting — deductions are automatic
- Effective annual rates of 138–280% — very expensive
- Repayment deducted before you access your grant
- History of unauthorised deductions for other products
- Requires 3 months EPE history for most loan amounts
- High risk of debt cycle if re-borrowing each month
Understanding the EasyPay Everywhere Account
The EasyPay Everywhere (EPE) account is a low-cost transactional bank account backed by African Bank, issued as the familiar green card. It is the core requirement for most EasyPay Loans. Here is how the mechanism works:
- You open an EPE account and your SASSA grant is redirected from your SASSA card to the EPE green card.
- Because the EPE account is a private bank account (not a SASSA card), EasyPay can legally deduct loan repayments from it — deductions directly from SASSA cards are prohibited by law.
- Repayments are collected each month automatically, before you can withdraw your full grant.
Aside from loans, the EPE account gives you access to: USSD banking, the EasyPay Everywhere app, ATM withdrawals, bill payments, airtime and electricity purchases, and EasyPay Insurance (funeral cover).
Opening an EasyPay Everywhere account redirects your entire SASSA grant to the green card. Research by the Black Sash and the London School of Economics documented cases where beneficiaries were enrolled without fully understanding this redirection. Make sure you understand the implications — especially if you currently access your grant via Postbank or another bank — before agreeing.
How to Stop Unauthorised Deductions
Many beneficiaries have found unexpected deductions on their EasyPay statements for insurance, airtime, or electricity they never consciously agreed to. Here is how to address it:
- Check your EPE statement. Use the app, USSD, or visit a branch to get a full transaction history. Identify every line item.
- Contact EasyPay Loans directly: Call 0801 111 880 or SMS 49201 and request that an agent calls you back.
- Contact SASSA toll-free: 0800 60 10 11 for any deductions you believe are being taken directly from your original SASSA card rather than your EPE account.
- Lodge a complaint with the NCR (National Credit Regulator): 0860 627 627. They have authority to investigate unlawful and reckless lending.
- Contact the Black Sash for free advice: 072 663 3739. They are highly experienced with Lesaka/EasyPay complaints and their service is completely free.
The Black Sash is a non-profit human rights organisation that has been helping SASSA beneficiaries navigate EasyPay deduction disputes since 2015. Call 072 663 3739 or visit blacksash.org.za. Their advice is free.
Cheaper Alternatives to EasyPay Loans
Before committing, compare these alternatives — some carry significantly lower costs:
- Shoprite Money Market — Fast in-store micro-loans at Shoprite branches nationwide. Generally lower fees than EasyPay and no EPE account required.
- Finbond Mutual Bank — NCR-registered with transparent fixed-rate disclosure. Loans from R500 to R20,000. Online application available.
- Capitec Bank — Requires a Capitec account and credit assessment, but offers substantially lower effective rates and full NCA-compliant disclosure. Best available rate if you qualify.
- African Bank — Now backs EPE accounts and offers direct personal loans with transparent rate disclosure.
- Community & NGO assistance — In a genuine emergency, local NGOs, church organisations, and SASSA social workers may connect you with food parcels, emergency relief, or zero-interest community loans.
EasyPay Loans Contact Details — 2026
* Contact details verified May 2026. Confirm before visiting a branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
The fastest method is USSD — dial *120*3737*7# on your registered mobile phone. No data or smartphone required. You must have completed biometric verification at an EasyPay Everywhere branch first. Alternatively, use the EasyPay Everywhere Banking App or visit a branch in person with your SA ID and green card.
You must be 18+, a South African citizen with a valid SA ID, an active SASSA grant recipient, and hold an EasyPay Everywhere account with at least 3 consecutive months of grant deposits. Your phone number must be biometrically verified at a branch. Documents: SA ID, EPE card, proof of address (max 3 months old), and a 3-month EPE account statement.
Dial *120*3737*7# from the mobile number registered on your EasyPay Everywhere account. Follow the prompts, select your loan amount, and confirm with your ATM PIN. Works on Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, and Telkom with no data required.
Loan amounts range from approximately R410 to R4,000 depending on your grant amount, affordability, and repayment history. Terms are 3 months, 6 months, or 9 months. First-time borrowers usually qualify for smaller amounts; your limit typically increases with a good repayment record.
Net1 UEPS Technologies rebranded as Lesaka Technologies in 2022. EasyPay Loans (previously Moneyline) and the EasyPay Everywhere banking platform are now operated by Lesaka Technologies (NASDAQ: LSAK, JSE: LSK). The service runs at epe-online.co.za.
EasyPay charges a 31% service fee on the loan amount, which equates to an effective annual rate of approximately 164% for a 6-month loan and up to 280% for 3-month loans. Always request the full pre-agreement statement showing total repayment before signing.
Call EasyPay Loans on 0801 111 880 or SMS 49201. For SASSA card deductions: 0800 60 10 11. Lodge a formal NCR complaint: 0860 627 627. For free expert assistance: Black Sash 072 663 3739.
Yes — a short-term one-month loan is available without an established EPE account. Visit a branch with your SA ID, mobile phone, and a SASSA grant slip or approval letter. For loans up to R4,000 over longer terms, a full EPE account with 3 months of grant history is required.
Final Word: Is an EasyPay SASSA Loan Worth It?
For a SASSA beneficiary facing a genuine emergency, EasyPay Loans has real advantages: the USSD application takes under 10 minutes, there's no credit score check, and funds arrive quickly. For someone without access to formal banking credit, it is one of the most accessible short-term options in South Africa.
But the cost is high. A 31% service fee on a loan secured against your grant — deducted automatically each month before you see your money — is expensive. Lesaka faces near-zero default risk on these loans, yet charges rates that reflect high-risk unsecured lending. That gap works against you.
Before applying, ask yourself:
- Can I cover all essential expenses this month after the automatic deduction?
- Have I compared Shoprite Money Market or Capitec first?
- Will I need to borrow again next month? If yes, this loan will likely deepen the problem.
If you do proceed: get the total repayment in writing before signing, check your statement monthly for unexpected deductions, and save the Black Sash number 072 663 3739 — free help if anything goes wrong.
SASSA Loans via Cellphone 2026 • Funeral Cover for SASSA Recipients • Loans Under Debt Review