A dangerous myth is making the rounds again on social media and in local communities — and it could cost South Africans thousands of rands in lost benefits.
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is once again urging citizens to verify their information through official channels only and ignore misleading claims that have led many to miss out on critical financial aid.
The Myth in Question
One of the most persistent myths circulating is that “you must reapply every month to receive your SASSA grant”. While this might sound like a harmless rumor, thousands of beneficiaries have fallen for it, resulting in delayed or missed payments and unnecessary stress.
The reality? Most SASSA grants — including the Older Persons Grant, Child Support Grant, Disability Grant, and the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant — do not require monthly reapplications. In fact, submitting multiple applications or changes can trigger verification flags that delay payouts.
What SASSA Actually Says
SASSA has clarified on numerous occasions that grant recipients only need to reapply when specifically instructed by the agency — usually due to a change in policy, income verification, or application expiry (especially in the case of the temporary SRD grant). For example, the SRD grant introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic required reapplication at the start of each new phase, but not every month.
According to SASSA spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi, “This myth has been around for years, and every time it resurfaces, it causes panic and misinformation. People should trust only what is posted on our official website or social media pages.”
The Financial Consequences
This misunderstanding doesn’t just waste time — it could cost recipients thousands in lost support. Submitting unnecessary updates or using unverified portals may lead to:
- Suspension of payments due to duplicate or conflicting information
- Delayed bank verification, blocking payouts for weeks
- Falling for phishing websites posing as SASSA reapplication portals
- Losing eligibility by mistakenly changing income declarations
Some citizens have even reported falling victim to scams where they paid money to “consultants” promising to help them reapply — for grants they never needed to reapply for in the first place.
Scammers Thrive on Myths
Fraudsters rely on confusion. Fake messages shared on WhatsApp, Facebook, and TikTok often carry SASSA logos and official-sounding language, tricking people into clicking links or submitting personal information.
In one viral incident, a message claimed that all grants would be cancelled unless recipients completed a new “biometric verification form.” That form led to a fake website that stole banking details.
SASSA has since warned the public: they never ask for banking information via email, SMS, or third-party apps.
What You Should Do Instead
To stay safe and informed, South Africans are advised to follow these steps:
- Check only SASSA’s official website: www.sassa.gov.za
- Visit verified social media handles: @OfficialSASSA on Twitter and Facebook
- Avoid sharing ID numbers or bank info with anyone except during official processes
- Report scams to the nearest SASSA office or call the toll-free helpline at 0800 60 10 11
A Simple Mistake Can Have Big Consequences
Millions rely on their monthly grants to cover food, school supplies, electricity, and other essentials. Something as simple as falling for a myth could disrupt their lives for weeks.
In a time of rising living costs and increased dependency on government aid, understanding how SASSA truly works is not just helpful — it’s necessary.
Final Thought
The myth of monthly reapplication continues to spread like wildfire. But now you know the truth: most grants do not need to be reapplied for each month. Don’t let misinformation block what is rightfully yours. Always double-check with SASSA before acting — and help stop the spread by informing those around you.
