The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in KwaZulu-Natal has warned social grant beneficiaries not to fall victim to misleading information circulating on WhatsApp and social media, claiming that people over the age of 70 with chronic illnesses automatically qualify for an additional R500 monthly payment.
SASSA KwaZulu-Natal spokesperson Mbizeni Mdlalose said the information is false and does not constitute official communication from the agency. “The circulating message falsely claims that people over the age of 70 who suffer from chronic illnesses or take chronic medication automatically qualify for an additional R500 per month on top of their existing social grant,” said Mdlalose.
He clarified that Grant-in-Aid is currently an additional R580 per month paid to qualifying social grant beneficiaries who, due to a physical or mental condition, are frail and require regular care and assistance from another person to carry out activities of daily living.
Mdlalose stressed that age, a chronic illness or the use of chronic medication alone does not automatically make a beneficiary eligible for the additional assistance. “Being over the age of 70, suffering from a chronic illness or taking chronic medication does not automatically qualify a beneficiary for Grant-in-Aid,” he said.
Beneficiaries wishing to apply are required to visit their nearest SASSA local office, where their details will be captured and the necessary biometric enrolment completed. Once this process has been finalised, applicants will be given a date to undergo a medical assessment conducted by a SASSA medical practitioner. According to Mdlalose, it is the medical practitioner who, following the assessment, will make the final determination on whether the beneficiary’s condition qualifies them for Grant-in-Aid.
SASSA has meanwhile urged beneficiaries, particularly elderly and vulnerable residents, to exercise caution when receiving messages purporting to contain information about grants and additional payments. Mdlalose appealed to the public not to act on or forward unverified information received through WhatsApp or other social media platforms.
Beneficiaries are instead encouraged to verify information directly with their nearest SASSA office or through the agency’s official communication channels.
Members of the public seeking further information can contact SASSA on its toll-free number, 0800 60 10 11.
