SASSA grant money siphoned off, victims demand answers

We’re regularly contacted about missing SASSA grant money by readers. Dave Marie, for example, said on The South African this week:

“The problem and question I have, is why my SASSA payment only R1 730 and not R2 400 as promised? That is a massive difference of R670.”

He described the situation as a ‘disgrace.’

Earlier this month we also reported on the 80-year-old Gogo who had not received her SASSA grant money in months. Meanwhile, the agency confirms she is still on the database, with monthly payments rolling off as usual but not getting to her …

SASSA GRANT MONEY SIPHONED OFF

Perhaps her details on the database had been altered, and the money siphoned off. Part of the answer may lie in SASSA’s review process. The agency says payments for beneficiaries whose grants are under review will be made later, this month the date falls next week, on Tuesday 5 November.

That date sits apart from the main schedule, under which the Older Persons Grant was paid on Friday 30 October 2026. With the Disability Grant scheduled for Monday 2 November 2026, and Children’s Grants on Tuesday 03 November 2026. The South African Social Security Agency urges all beneficiaries undergoing reviews to respond to official communication and attend appointments when requested.

But also, not to respond to elaborate scam communications asking the same thing of recipients. Likewise, the agency warns that beneficiaries may be scammed by third-party insurance/funeral policy providers. These companies authorise a small deduction from your bank account each month.

WHEN SASSA GRANT MONEY DIFFERS BY TYPE

As ever, different SASSA grant money payments reflect different categories. SASSA Older Persons and Disability are both set at R2 400. While War Veterans comes in slightly higher at R2 420, along with Older Persons (over 75). Foster Child grant sits at R1 300, and Child Support and Grant-in-Aid recipients each receive R580.

SASSA advises beneficiaries to always keep their bank details current and active ahead of each payment cycle, as outdated information can delay payments. Beneficiaries who have not been paid are encouraged to check whether they have received any communication that their grant is under review before visiting an office.

If you suspect your SASSA grant money is being siphoned off illegally. You will have to go through the process of changing your banking details with the agency. Which, sadly, is a time-intensive process.

But what do you think? Are you missing SASSA grant money from your monthly stipend? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below …