The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has distanced itself from an alleged scam targeting elderly grant beneficiaries, warning recipients to be cautious of individuals falsely claiming to represent the agency.
The warning follows reports that some pensioners were allegedly persuaded to sign up for funeral policies after being promised food parcels. It is alleged that individuals posing as SASSA representatives convinced beneficiaries to sign documents, resulting in monthly deductions of up to R240 from their social grants without their full understanding.
SASSA spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi said the agency does not facilitate such schemes but is legally obligated to process deductions when beneficiaries have signed the required documentation.
"We cannot by law refuse to process a deduction if a beneficiary has signed a document authorising it. If we fail to do so and something happens to the beneficiary and the insurance company refuses to pay out, SASSA could be held liable. We can only process deductions as mandated," Letsatsi explained.
Meanwhile, SASSA Gauteng has addressed concerns from beneficiaries in Johannesburg who reported not receiving their social grants, saying many of the cases are linked to the agency’s ongoing social grant review process.
The clarification comes after complaints from beneficiaries at the Soweto office at Maponya Mall regarding the non-payment of grants.
According to SASSA, grants are not automatically cancelled during the review process. Beneficiaries selected for review are formally notified and required to provide updated information to confirm that they still meet the qualifying criteria.
Provincial spokesperson Lungelo Mkamba said the review process is designed to ensure that grants are paid only to eligible recipients.
"Where a beneficiary does not respond within the required timeframe, a grant may be temporarily suspended. Once the review is completed and eligibility is confirmed, the grant is reinstated and payment resumes," said Mkamba.
He added that the Soweto local office has completed 432 grant reviews during the current financial year, noting that many beneficiaries who visited the office had already been notified of a review but had not yet responded.
SASSA has urged beneficiaries to respond promptly to review notifications and to remain vigilant against scams involving individuals falsely claiming to act on behalf of the agency.