The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has moved swiftly to debunk claims that the Old Age Grant will be stopped in May 2025 if certain documents are not updated—calling the information circulating online “incorrect and fake.”
This comes after a message spread online, originating from the website amritavidyalayam.in, which stated:
“As we step into a new financial year, thousands of elderly South Africans relying on the SASSA old age grant may face an unexpected disruption. SASSA has issued a stern notice: Beneficiaries who do not re-update or resubmit their documents by April 30 may lose access to their grants.”
Reacting to the viral claim, SASSA spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi issued a firm statement on Wednesday:
“This message is mischievous and we urge our beneficiaries not to panic as no grant will be cancelled. SASSA only reviews grants that need to be reviewed at a particular time and that is communicated to the beneficiaries whose grant is to be reviewed before any action is taken.”
No grant cancellations—just routine reviews
SASSA emphasised that only grants scheduled for review are subject to documentation updates, and even then, affected beneficiaries are contacted directly by the agency. The broader warning circulating online does not apply to the majority of recipients.
With over 19 million South Africans relying on social grants—including the elderly, disabled, and vulnerable—SASSA stressed that false information like this causes widespread panic and emotional stress.
“We appeal to all South Africans to stop these acts and our beneficiaries to be vigilant and cautious at the information they consume,” the agency said.
Misinformation fuels fear
SASSA reiterated the importance of verifying all information before sharing it with others, especially when it relates to income relied upon by millions.
“Before anyone can share any information pertaining to social grants, they must first verify its authenticity to avoid disseminating false information that may cause anxiety and stress to our beneficiaries,” Letsatsi added.
ALSO READ: 2025 Social Grant Scam Alert: SASSA warns older persons (elderly) about circulating online hoax
What beneficiaries need to do
SASSA urges all grant recipients to follow these steps to stay protected and properly informed:
- Do not panic: If you haven’t been contacted by SASSA directly, there’s no need to resubmit documents.
- Get real-time updates:
- Follow SASSA on Facebook: SASSANewsZA
- Follow SASSA on X (formerly Twitter): @OfficialSASSA
- For Black Card or SASSA/Postbank card issues: Visit the Postbank website
- Need general grant information? View details of all grant types via the official SASSA Services Portal
- Explore more: Visit NOWinSA’s regularly updated SASSA Resource Centre for in-depth
- Still unsure? Contact SASSA directly:
- Toll-Free Call Centre: 0800 60 10 11
- Email: GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za
As the digital age makes it easier to spread misinformation, SASSA calls on South Africans to act responsibly, protect vulnerable citizens, and think before sharing.
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