The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has dismissed as false and misleading the growing online claims that social grants recipients would receive double payments in October or November 2025.
The rumour, which gained momentum across social media platforms last week, claimed that the agency was introducing a “two-payments-in-one-week” system to reduce long queues before the holiday season. According to the viral message, beneficiaries were to receive “the normal monthly amount plus an early payment for November.”
However, SASSA has categorically denied the claims, warning South Africans not to fall prey to misinformation circulating under the agency’s name.
“There has been no announcement of social grants double payment by SASSA or government. We urge all beneficiaries not to entertain this information,” said Paseka Letsatsi, SASSA’s national spokesperson, in an official statement released on 29 October 2025.
The agency further appealed to the public to verify any social grant-related information shared online through official communication channels, including SASSA’s verified social media pages and website.
“Before anyone shares any information pertaining to social grants, they must first verify its authenticity to avoid spreading false information that causes anxiety and stress to our beneficiaries,” Letsatsi added.
Fake notice sparks panic online
The bogus message — styled to resemble an official government announcement — caused widespread confusion among millions of grant recipients, many of whom took to Facebook and WhatsApp to confirm whether they’d be receiving double payments starting Saturday, October 25.
In response, SASSA moved swiftly to debunk the post, sharing a screenshot of the fake memo on X (formerly Twitter) along with a clear warning:“IMPORTANT NOTICE! SASSA warns all social grant recipients about a fake social media post claiming a double payment in October 2025. For credible SASSA updates, always go to sassa.gov.za or the official SASSA WhatsApp channel to avoid being scammed.”
Official November payment schedule
To prevent further confusion, SASSA reiterated that all eight social grants will be paid according to the agency’s standard monthly schedule, starting from Monday, November 4.
Beneficiaries can view the confirmed payment dates and amounts for November 2025 here.
It’s worth noting that the R10 increase announced in October remains in effect across all qualifying grants. Details of the October increase can be found here.
Persistent scams targeting beneficiaries
This isn’t the first time social media misinformation has sparked panic among grant recipients. Earlier this year, another false alert about a biometric verification rollout delay led to fears of non-payment for September grants — a rumour SASSA also promptly refuted. (Read more).
With over 19 million South Africans depending on SASSA grants for survival, the agency says false reports can cause “untold panic and stress.”
Stay informed — Stay vigilant
Beneficiaries are urged to rely only on verified communication channels and to contact SASSA directly for official updates:
- Toll-Free: 0800 60 10 11
- Email: GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za
- Website: www.sassa.gov.za
- X: @OfficialSASSA
- Facebook: SASSA News
SASSA has reaffirmed that no double payments are planned and that regular disbursements will proceed as scheduled.
