The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has issued a strong warning to its more than 19 million grant recipients, urging them to remain cautious amid the growing spread of fake news on social media regarding social grant payments.
In a media statement published on 16 May 2025, SASSA debunked widely shared misinformation that falsely claimed beneficiaries would receive double payments in June or that new pension regulations would be implemented on 10 June. National Spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi described the rumours as baseless and aimed at causing confusion.
“Beneficiaries are advised not to believe or share unverified posts about additional grant amounts or changes to qualifying criteria,” said Letsatsi. “Any official changes will be communicated through our verified channels.”
SASSA clarified that the only current change involves the ongoing verification process, which started on 30 April 2025. This process targets beneficiaries using alternative forms of identification or with undeclared sources of income.
The agency encouraged the public to rely on its official communication platforms for accurate updates, including:
- Facebook: SASSA News
- X (Twitter): @OfficialSASSA
- TikTok: @officialsassanews
- YouTube: South African Social Security Agency
- Instagram: sassa10_za
- WhatsApp: SASSA_Official
- Toll-free: 0800 60 10 11
- Email: GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za
SASSA stressed that circulating misinformation can have serious consequences, especially for vulnerable groups dependent on social support. The agency urged all South Africans to verify facts before sharing and to report any suspicious messages to SASSA.
