The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has issued an urgent warning to recipients of the Older Persons Grant and other 2025 grants about a scam circulating on social media. Fraudsters are promising beneficiaries an additional R500 payment, luring vulnerable individuals into sharing personal information. SASSA Mpumalanga spokesperson, Senzeni Ngubeni, emphasized the importance of using official channels for accurate information and urged beneficiaries to remain vigilant.
What is the Grant-in-Aid System?
The Grant-in-Aid is not a standalone social grant but an additional benefit for individuals already receiving an Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant, or War Veteran’s Grant. It is designed to assist those who require full-time care due to physical or mental disabilities. To qualify, applicants must undergo a medical or functional assessment and provide clinical information or a referral form confirming their disability. Importantly, individuals cared for in state-subsidized institutions are not eligible for this grant.
Ngubeni explained, “The applicant must be in receipt of an Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant, or War Veteran’s Grant and require regular attendance by another person owing to physical or mental disabilities. They must also not be cared for in an institution that receives a subsidy from the State.”
How Will You Be Paid?
SASSA provides multiple payment options for the Grant-in-Aid, ensuring convenience for beneficiaries. Payments for the 2025 grants are made alongside the primary social grant through the following methods:
- Cash Payments: Beneficiaries can collect their grants in cash at a designated pay point on a specific day.
- Electronic Deposits: Funds can be deposited directly into the beneficiary’s bank or Postbank account. Note that banks may charge a service fee for this transaction.
- Institutional Payments: For beneficiaries under the care of welfare organizations or institutions acting as administrators, the grant can be deposited into the institution’s account.
If beneficiaries are unable to collect their payments personally, they can appoint a procurator at a SASSA office or grant someone power of attorney to collect the grant on their behalf.
How to Access Accurate Information
SASSA has advised beneficiaries to avoid sharing personal details and to be cautious of individuals posing as SASSA officials. For accurate information about the 2025 grants, beneficiaries should contact SASSA directly via the toll-free number 0800 60 10 11 during working hours or email GrantsEnquiriesMP@sassa.gov.za. The agency has also warned against fraudulent eKYC links circulating online, which claim to verify grant application information. SASSA confirmed that its official eKYC system is currently under maintenance and urged beneficiaries to disregard such links.
February 2025 Grant Payment Dates
SASSA has announced the following payment dates for February 2025:
- Older Person’s Grants – Paid from 4th February 2025,
- Disability Grants – Paid from 5th February 2025,
- Children’s Grants – Paid from 6th February 2025.
A History of Misinformation
This is not the first time SASSA has had to address misinformation on social media. In August 2024, the agency warned beneficiaries about fake messages and voice notes circulating online. “Please note that the text messages and voice notes 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 stated at the time.
Stay Informed and Vigilant
SASSA continues to emphasize the importance of using official channels for information and reporting suspicious activities. Beneficiaries are encouraged to stay informed and protect themselves from scams by verifying information directly with SASSA.
Gor detailed guidelines on how to avoid card-related online hoaxes, click here.
