The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has issues a warning beneficiaries who are 75 years and older as another scam has been brought to light. Often, these individuals are being targeted due to being vulnerable.
The latest scam offers an extra R500 to Sassa grant beneficiaries. However, Sassa has warned beneficiaries to not fall for this and to keep their personal information safeguarded.
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has warned senior citizens who are 75 years and above, including people living with disabilities, to be aware of a scam circulating on social media claiming that they will get an additional R500 allocated payment to them.
The only grant which would see beneficiaries receive a boost is the Grant In-Aid, which is set at R530 per month. This allows for an additional grant to be paid to the existing Sassa beneficiary in order to pay the person who takes full-time care of an individual who is unable to care for themselves.
Sassa's Mpumalanga spokesperson, Senzeni Ngubeni, said:
The applicant must be in receipt of an Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant or a War Veteran’s Grant, and require regular attendance by another person owing to his/her physical or mental disabilities; must not be cared for in an institution that receives subsidy from the State.
To qualify for the grant in aid, beneficiaries will have to undergo a medical or functional assessment or provide clinical information or a referral form confirming their disability.
Sassa Grant In Aid
Sassa provides the grant through different payment options:
- Cash collection at a designated pay point on a specified date
- Electronic deposit into a bank or Postbank account (note that bank charges may apply)
- Payment through an institution managing the grant, such as a welfare organization
The amount will be paid alongside the social grant. If beneficiaries are unable to collect the grant themselves, they can authorize someone to do so by appointing a procurator at a Sassa office or granting power of attorney.
Beneficiaries are urged to not share their personal details with anyone and always be vigilant to those posing as Sassa officials and call the police.
