Many pensioners are seeing money disappear from their SASSA grants, and the risk is growing every day. South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has warned that unauthorised insurance and funeral‑policy deductions are being made without clear consent, so you need to act now to protect your hard‑earned money.
What the warning is about
SASSA has received reports that some older‑person grant beneficiaries are being charged for funeral insurance they never agreed to. The agency says these deductions are illegal unless they meet strict conditions in Regulation 29 of the Social Assistance Act.
Who is affected
The alert mainly targets Older Persons Grant recipients, but it also reminds you that child‑related grants – Child Support, Foster Child, Care Dependency and Temporary Disability – may never be deducted. If you receive any of these grants, any deduction is automatically unlawful.
What you stand to gain
- Recovery of money wrongly taken from your grant.
- Peace of mind that your grant is being used only for food, medicine, electricity and transport.
- Protection from future unauthorised sales pitches.
How to report unauthorised deductions – step by step
- Check your statements. Look at your most recent grant payment for any new line items or reduced amounts.
- Visit the nearest SASSA office. Bring your ID, grant statement and any SMS or paper notice you received about a policy.
- Send an SMS dispute. Text 34548 with your ID number and the name of the insurance company you think is involved.
- Contact the insurer directly. Ask for a copy of the consent form, request cancellation and a refund if the policy was never authorised.
- Keep records. Save copies of all correspondence, receipts and the SMS you sent.
Tips to improve your chances of a successful dispute
- Never sign anything you do not fully understand. Insist on reading every document before you give your signature.
- Ask for proof of consent. A legitimate insurer must show you a signed agreement.
- Bring a trusted family member. An extra pair of eyes can catch hidden clauses.
- Write down policy details. Note the insurer’s name, policy number and the amount being deducted.
- Report quickly. The sooner you lodge a complaint, the easier it is for SASSA to investigate and recover funds.
Why this matters right now
Every rand counts for pensioners. Even a 10 % deduction can mean less food, fewer medications, and higher transport costs. SASSA is responsible not only for paying grants but also for shielding beneficiaries from exploitation.
What SASSA is doing to protect you
The agency is running awareness campaigns, education programmes and fraud‑prevention initiatives across the country. It repeatedly warns that it does not partner with any insurance or funeral service provider to enrol grant recipients automatically.
Take action today
Start by reviewing your latest grant payment. If you spot any unknown deduction, follow the step‑by‑step process above and report it immediately. Involve a trusted relative, keep all paperwork, and use the official SMS number 34548 for a fast dispute.
Frequently asked questions
- Can an insurance company deduct money from my SASSA grant? Only if you have given valid, written consent and the deduction does not exceed 10 % of your grant.
- How much can be deducted for a funeral policy? The law caps it at 10 % of the grant.
- Does SASSA work with insurance companies? No. SASSA does not enrol beneficiaries in any policy.
- How do I dispute an unauthorised policy? Visit a SASSA office or SMS 34548 with your ID number and the insurer’s name.
- Can child grants have deductions? No. Deductions are forbidden on child‑related grants.
Final thoughts
Your grant is meant to support your basic needs. By staying vigilant, checking statements every month, and reporting any suspicious activity right away, you protect yourself and help keep other pensioners safe. If you need help, the nearest SASSA office is ready to assist – don’t wait.
