Across South Africa, scammers are increasingly looking to exploit vulnerable social grant recipients, prompting the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to issue a firm reminder: all SASSA services are completely free.
Beneficiaries should never pay a cent to access their social welfare grants.
This warning comes after a series of opportunistic fraud cases nationwide, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance among millions of grant recipients.
Free SASSA Services Are Non-Negotiable
Earlier this month, reports surfaced of long-deceased SASSA beneficiaries still receiving payments fraudulently, with some agency staff implicated and arrested.
In light of this, SASSA emphasized that applying for or receiving a grant comes with no fees whatsoever.
The agency urges anyone approached by individuals or staff charging for basic SASSA services to report them immediately.
Fraud can happen whether the person is an employee or an outsider pretending to help.
Key contacts to report fraud:
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SASSA: 0800 60 10 11
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National Anti-Corruption Hotline: 0800 701 701 (toll-free)
Staying Vigilant Against Scammers
Older and vulnerable South Africans remain prime targets for scams.
Recently, some grant recipients reported that unauthorised funeral policies were being deducted from their grants each month.
SASSA clarified that they do not offer funeral policies and warned that third-party scammers were behind such deductions.
Fraud often involves forged ID documents and fake applications in a beneficiary’s name, sometimes even with collusion from dishonest staff.
To counter this, SASSA has rolled out mandatory biometric enrolment, which went live this month, to strengthen the integrity of the system.
Never Pay for SASSA Services
Patseka Letsatsi, SASSA spokesperson, reinforced the agency’s commitment to rooting out fraud:
“We are committed to eliminating all fraudulent practices and improving the integrity of our social service system.
Communities must report anyone offering SASSA services illegally. This will protect all South Africans relying on social welfare.”
Upcoming SASSA Grant Disbursements
Beneficiaries can expect the October 2025 grants on the following dates:
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Old-Age Grants: Thursday, 2 October 2025
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Disability Grants: Friday, 3 October 2025
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Childcare Grants: Monday, 6 October 2025
Staying informed and cautious is key to protecting your grants.
SASSA continues to work closely with law enforcement to ensure that social welfare funds reach the people who genuinely need them.