SASSA Denounces R500 Grant Topping As Fake News. In recent days, social media platforms have been abuzz with claims of a new R500 top-up grant for elderly individuals and people living with disabilities. However, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has firmly denounced these claims as false. The agency has clarified that the video and voice-note messages circulating online are not authentic and have urged the public to avoid spreading such misleading information.

The Fake News Alert

SASSA has officially addressed the viral video and WhatsApp messages that have been making rounds on various social media channels. These messages falsely advertise a R500 grant top-up for certain groups, including the elderly and individuals with disabilities. According to SASSA, these communications are not from their official channels and are designed to deceive the public.

Sandy Godlwana, a spokesperson for SASSA in KwaZulu-Natal, emphasized that the organization has been receiving numerous inquiries from concerned citizens questioning the legitimacy of these messages. Godlwana stated, “We have received WhatsApp messages from clients even wanting to enquire about the authenticity of these messages. These messages are fake news.”

Clarification On Grant-in-Aid

While the false messages are causing confusion, SASSA wants to clarify the existing grant programs to dispel any misunderstandings. The organization does offer a grant-in-aid for those who receive older persons’ grants or disability grants but require additional support for daily living activities.

Grant-in-Aid Eligibility And Process

• Eligibility Criteria: The grant-in-aid is specifically for individuals who are already receiving an older persons’ grant or disability grant. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a need for full-time care and provide a medical certificate from a doctor confirming their condition.
• Application Requirements:
  • Medical Report: Applicants must present a medical report or assessment from a healthcare provider that outlines their need for full-time care.
  • Age and Existing Grants: The applicant should be over 75 years old and must already be receiving an old age, disability, or war veteran’s grant.
• Application Process:
  • Visit SASSA Offices: To apply for the grant-in-aid, individuals need to visit their local SASSA office. The grant-in-aid provides an additional payment of approximately R5,000 monthly, which is meant to supplement the primary grant for those who need extensive care.
• Conditions:
  • Supplementary Nature: The grant-in-aid is not available as a standalone benefit. It is an additional payment provided on top of an existing grant and cannot be accessed if residing in any form of state-subsidized accommodation.

Conclusion

SASSA remains committed to providing accurate information and urges the public to verify the authenticity of any such claims before sharing them. The agency’s clarification underscores the importance of relying on official sources for information regarding social grants and benefits. By adhering to these guidelines, the public can help prevent the spread of misinformation and ensure that resources are directed appropriately to those in genuine need.