Sassa grant payments begin as officials issue scam warning

GRANT payments for December 2025 officially kicked off today as the South African Social Security Agency began rolling out social grants to millions of beneficiaries across South Africa, starting with payments to older persons.

According to Sassa, older persons’ grants are being paid from Tuesday, December 2, followed by disability grants on Wednesday, December 3, and children’s grants on Thursday, December 4. The staggered payment schedule is aimed at easing congestion at payment points and allowing beneficiaries to access their funds safely and conveniently.

Beneficiaries can withdraw their money via bank accounts and ATMs, at major retail outlets including Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Checkers and Boxer, or at official Sassa pay points. Sassa has again urged grant recipients not to rush or queue unnecessarily, as grant money remains safely in bank accounts once deposited.

Officials have also advised anyone who does not receive their grant on the correct payment date to urgently visit their nearest Sassa office, as this may indicate that their grant is due for a review, verification, or that incorrect banking details are on the system.

Meanwhile, Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe has made a strong appeal to parents who receive the Child Support Grant to ensure the money is used in the best interests of children.

“I’m pleading with parents to use the grant accordingly. Take care of the grant recipients, your children, and do not misuse the grant,” Tolashe said.

Fake news warning issued

At the same time, Sassa has issued a serious warning to the public about a surge in fake social media posts and scam links falsely claiming to offer new forms of assistance linked to Sassa.

The agency has confirmed that it has not introduced food parcel vouchers, R500 electricity support payments, a so-called ‘National Family Support Allowance’, or any new online registration portals currently circulating on WhatsApp and Facebook.

Several of these posts use misleading images, false endorsements and suspicious website links, and are designed to steal personal information and banking details from unsuspecting members of the public.

Sassa has stressed that it does not ask beneficiaries to apply for grants through random social media links, and that all official information is released only through verified government channels.

Beneficiaries are urged to remain vigilant, never share their Sassa card PINs or personal banking details, and to report suspected scams to their nearest Sassa office or law enforcement.