SASSA Older Persons Grant: Beware of scams!

SASSA has issued a warning to senior citizens and disabled individuals about a scam spreading on social media. The scam promises beneficiaries an additional R500. SASSA Mpumalanga spokesperson, Senzeni Ngubeni, urged all SASSA beneficiaries to use official platforms to access accurate information.

What is a social grant-in-aid?

Senzeni Ngubeni explained that access to social grant-in-aid is not a stand-alone social grant. Individuals living on a social grant who are unable to care for themselves can receive an additional grant to pay for a caretaker. This is applicable to full-time care only.

Following is an explanation from Ngubeni in a statement on Tuesday, 4 February 2025.
The applicant must be receiving an Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant, or a War Veteran’s Grant. They must require regular assistance due to physical or mental disabilities and must undergo a medical or functional assessment to confirm their disability. The applicant must provide clinical information or a referral form to confirm their disability.

In short, those eligible for the aid must already be receiving a SASSA grant and require full-time care from another person. It is important to note that if an institution that receives a subsidy from the government cares for the applicant, they are not eligible.

What channels are available for information?

SASSA advises that beneficiaries should enquire directly from SASSA if they are unsure about the correct information. They should also not share their personal details and be vigilant of those posing as SASSA officials.

For any SASSA Older Persons Grant enquiries, beneficiaries can contact the toll free number 0800 60 10 11 during working hours. Additionally, they can send an email to GrantsEnquiriesMP@sassa.gov.za. 

How will SASSA pay the grant-in-aid?

SASSA will pay the grant to beneficiaries through:

• cash at a specific pay point on a particular day,
• electronic deposit into their bank or Postbank account, or
• deposit it into the account of an institution acting as the administrator of the grant (e.g. a welfare organisation).

The grant will be paid together with the social grant.

If individuals are unable to collect the money themselves, they can appoint a procurator at the SASSA office. Alternatively, they can give someone power of attorney to collect the grant on their behalf.