SASSA Funeral Benefits and Food Parcels (be careful of these SCAMS)
SASSA is the entity of the South African government that distributes social grants to almost half of the population in South Africa, majority of whom come from very poor households.
SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) has informed recipients on their social media accounts (Facebook.com/SASSANewsZA/ and Twitter.com/OfficialSASSA) of some scams being posted online and what to watch out for.
As the saying goes, “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is”. If you see any news on social media that seems too good, please investigate it further and check SASSA’s official social media platforms or website before clicking any link or submitting your personal information.
SASSA scams to watch out for:
SASSA does NOT offer funeral benefits
All SASSA grants are linked to the Home Affairs population register – therefore SASSA is notified immediately when one of their recipients passes away, and the grant is then automatically cancelled on the last day of the month in which the person died.
If for some reason, SASSA does not detect that the grant recipient has died and someone still collects the grant on their behalf each month, this is seen as fraudulent behaviour. SASSA urges families of deceased beneficiaries to report their death immediately.
Unfortunately SASSA does not offer any funeral benefits or funeral policy for their grant recipients.
SASSA is NOT giving away food parcel vouchers
Previously, SASSA issued the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant in the form of food parcels (during the Covid-19 pandemic), as a temporary provision of assistance for people in dire need that were unable to meet their or their families’ most basic needs.
SASSA food parcels have since been discontinued.
SASSA SRD Grant is NOT increasing to R700
The Social Relief of Distress Grant (SRD Grant) is a grant of R350 that is paid to the poorest people in the country, who have no other financial means of support. The SRD Grant was formed in April 2022 and has been extended to 31 March 2024 (it is still unknown what will happen to the SRD grant after 31 March 2024).
Unfortunately the SRD grant is NOT being increased – it remains at R350 per month, as it did when it first began.
SASSA Does NOT offer Loans
In a previous article, we made mention of another scam that many SASSA recipients fall victim to.
SASSA does NOT offer loans
What to do if you spot a SASSA scam
If you come across any other suspicious posts about SASSA grants, please take precaution. Unfortunately there are many unscrupulous people who will try steal money from people who need it most. You should also report scams directly to SASSA via their contact details below.
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QUERIES AND CONTACT
For any further queries, please contact SASSA directly:
Contact the SASSA Toll Free Call centre on: 0800 60 10 11
Contact the SASSA Head Office on: 012 400 2322
Email SASSA Head Office at: Grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za
Contact details of SASSA offices across the country: SASSA contact details