• SASSA is warning beneficiaries to beware of scams on social media as well as misinformation found online.
• It says the internet is full of incorrect information and scams relating to its Grant-in-Aid system.
• Beneficiaries must undergo a physical evaluation to be eligible for Grant-in-Aid.

Seniors and people living with diabilities have been warned by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to beware of social media scams, including one that has been circulating recently promising grant beneficiaries that they will receive an additional R500 payment.

This would not be the first time that South Africa’s social media channels were inundated with misinformation about grants. In August, the agency warned beneficiaries about believing in “fake messages” relating to the Grant-in-Aid system.

“Please note that the text messages and voice notes that are circulating on social media are fake and misleading. The Agency is urging the public to refrain from circulating such information as it causes unnecessary confusion,” SASSA said at the time.

The Grant-in-Aid system is now being used to scam senior beneficiaries and people living with disabilities. SASSA explains that Grant-in-Aid is a method so that beneficiaries that are unable look after themselves can pay another person to take care of them full time.

“The applicant must be in receipt of an Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant or a War Veteran’s Grant, and require regular attendance by another person owing to his/her physical or mental disabilities; must not be cared for in an institution that receives subsidy from the State,” explained SASSA spokesperson in Mpumalanga, Senzeni Ngubeni.

“[The applicant] must undergo a medical or functional assessment confirming disability; provide clinical information or a referral form confirming disability; must provide a referral form duly completed by a treatment facility or practitioner if previously rejected on medical grounds.”

It said that beneficiaries should head to official channels like calling 0800 60 10 11 or sending an email to GrantsEnquiriesMP@sassa.gov.za to find out more information and sort out queries that relate to grants.

As for the dates in which the February grants will be issued to beneficiaries, SASSA had indicated the below:

• Older Person’s Grants – Paid from 4th February 2025,
• Disability Grants – Paid from 5th February 2025,
• Children’s Grants – Paid from 6th February 2025.

[Source – SA News]