Unauthorised SASSA Older Person grant deductions SOAR

The scourge of SASSA Older Person grant deductions is worsening. This is according to reports from several elderly beneficiaries in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Who would be so despicable to prey on the needy and elderly? To make matters worse, SASSA pensioners are being hit from multiple directions all at once …

Because October’s payment cycle came and went with no increase at all. This is the first time in two years pensioners have not received so much as a modest top-up. Next, SASSA still hasn’t resolved how it’s going to handle November’s payment schedule. No one thought to consider the clash with local government elections on Wednesday 4 November 2026.

SASSA OLDER PERSON GRANT DEDUCTIONS

As a result, this nasty combination of stagnant income and uncertainty over future payments as being met by a third issue. Namely, mysterious deductions eating into what little does come in from the South African Social Security Agency. According to reports, KwaMpumuza Ward 1 councillor Khulekani Msomi has raised the alarm.

Speaking at a financial literacy session in ePayipini, Pietermaritzburg, Msomi said several elderly residents had approached his office after discovering deductions for financial products and services they didn’t recognise. Some elderly beneficiaries also say airtime and other monthly purchases are going off their accounts without their knowledge.

NO LONGER ISOLATED INCIDENTS

“We are calling on families to assist with such matters and guide pensioners not to be lured into bogus financial institutions for loans,” Msomi said. Pensioners who suspect they’re being financially exploited can approach his office directly, which works alongside SASSA and the Department of Social Development (DSD). He also urged relatives to take a more active role helping elderly family members to stop them handing over their banking details.

A popular scam doing the rounds is a product that supposedly delivers supermarket vouchers, food and other benefits. Many only discovered said SASSA Older Person grant deductions when smaller-than-expected debit orders landed in their accounts at the start of the month.

HOW TO PREVENT SASSA OLDER PERSON GRANT DEDUCTIONS

SASSA says the best plan of action is to change your banking details after spotting deductions you cannot explain. SASSA CEO Themba Matlou has been direct in distancing the agency from any of it. He states plainly that SASSA’s own systems cannot make any kind of deduction, it only pays grants. However, changing your bank after discovering SASSA Older Person grant deductions is not exactly the work of a moment.

First, you must go through the entire rigmarole of setting up a new bank account. Then, permanent grant recipients like the Older Person, Disability, Care Dependency, Foster Care or Child Support must complete an Annexure C banking details form at a SASSA office. You need to take this to your bank and have it stamped and confirmed, before submitting back to SASSA with your ID and full biometrics. Submitted changes must be done before the 19th of every month to make sure they take effect in the following payment cycle.

ELECTION CLASH LEAVES NOVEMBER SASSA IN THE AIR

And if that wasn’t enough, as mentioned, agency still hasn’t resolved how it’s going to handle November’s payment schedule. Under the original 2026/27 schedule approved by National Treasury back in March, 4 November is Disability Grant day. However, the agency has confirmed it’s reviewing the entire November cycle now. It will consult with relevant stakeholders and has reassured beneficiaries ‘not to panic.’ We’ll update readers the moment SASSA gets its house in order and confirms November 2026 arrangements.

But what do you think? Can you believe anyone would prey on the needy and elderly with SASSA Older Person grant deductions? Have you experienced such crime personally? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below …