SASSA Older Persons Grant Scams: Don’t Let Scammers Steal Your Money!

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has issued an urgent warning to senior citizens and disabled beneficiaries regarding a scam spreading on social media. The scam falsely promises an additional R500 to beneficiaries, leading to confusion and potential exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

Official Statement on the Scam

SASSA Mpumalanga spokesperson, Senzeni Ngubeni, has urged all beneficiaries to ignore such messages and only rely on official SASSA platforms for accurate information.

“Do not share personal information or fall for promises of extra payments. Contact SASSA directly for any grant-related questions,” Ngubeni advised.

Understanding the Social Grant-in-Aid

Ngubeni clarified that the social grant-in-aid is not a stand-alone grant. Instead, it is additional financial support for individuals who are already receiving one of the following SASSA grants:

• Older Persons Grant
• Disability Grant
• War Veteran’s Grant

This additional grant helps cover the cost of a full-time caretaker for beneficiaries who are unable to care for themselves due to physical or mental disabilities.

Eligibility Criteria for the Grant-in-Aid

To qualify for this grant, the applicant must meet the following requirements:

1. Receiving a SASSA grant: The applicant must already be receiving an Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant, or War Veteran’s Grant.
2. Require full-time care: The applicant must require regular assistance due to a physical or mental disability.
3. Undergo a medical assessment: A medical or functional assessment must be completed to confirm the applicant’s condition.
4. Provide supporting documents: Clinical information or a referral form confirming the disability must be submitted.

Note: If the applicant is being cared for by an institution that receives a government subsidy, they are not eligible for this additional grant.

How to Protect Yourself From Scams

SASSA has provided the following tips to help beneficiaries avoid falling victim to scams:

• Do not share personal information with anyone claiming to be a SASSA official unless you have verified their identity.
• Contact SASSA directly for information or to report suspicious messages.
• Be cautious of any offers of additional grants that are not confirmed through official SASSA announcements.

How to Contact SASSA

• Toll-free number: 0800 60 10 11 (available during working hours)
• Email for enquiries: [email protected]

How Will SASSA Pay the Grant-in-Aid?

The grant-in-aid will be paid alongside the main social grant through any of the following methods:

• Cash at a designated pay point on a specific day
• Electronic deposit into a beneficiary’s bank or Postbank account
• Deposit into the account of an institution acting as the administrator of the grant (e.g., a welfare organisation)

Appointing Someone to Collect the Grant

If the beneficiary is unable to collect the grant themselves, they can:

• Appoint a procurator at the nearest SASSA office
• Give someone power of attorney to collect the grant on their behalf

Beneficiaries are urged to stay vigilant and avoid falling prey to scams promising extra grant payments. The grant-in-aid is only available to those who meet specific requirements and is processed alongside other SASSA grants. Contact SASSA directly for any questions or concerns.

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