South Africa
SASSA HITS BACK AT FAKE VOICE NOTES! Grants NOT suspended
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Confusion Over Voice Notes Sparks Panic
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has moved to calm rising public panic after several voice notes circulated on social media claiming that elderly beneficiaries were being summoned urgently for “life certification” or risk losing their grants.
These alarming voice notes spread rapidly across WhatsApp and Facebook, leaving thousands of families—especially those caring for elderly grant recipients—fearful that payments might be stopped.
SASSA has now confirmed that no social grants have been suspended, and none will be suspended during the current verification process.
MEDIA STATEMENT – Life Certific…
Who Must Do Life Certification Right Now?
SASSA clarified that life certification—proof that a beneficiary is still alive—is a legal requirement to prevent fraud, reduce ghost beneficiaries, and ensure only eligible individuals receive grants.
However, contrary to the viral voice notes, not all people over 75 are being called right now.
According to the statement, life certification currently applies to three specific groups:
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Centenarians (100 years and older)
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Beneficiaries living in institutions
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Fragile beneficiaries who require home visits
The group aged 75 years and older is not yet being targeted. Beneficiaries in this age group are urged to wait for an official announcement through legitimate SASSA communication channels.
MEDIA STATEMENT – Life Certific…
Those who prefer to be proactive may visit their nearest SASSA office, but this is voluntary at this stage.
SASSA Introduces New Fourth Payment Date
To ensure no rightful beneficiary loses out while verification continues, SASSA has introduced a fourth payment date.
This additional payment window is meant to assist those who still need to complete the life certification process, ensuring they are not unfairly disadvantaged.
MEDIA STATEMENT – Life Certific…
The agency stressed that the life certification drive is not a punishment or an attempt to remove deserving individuals from the system. Instead, it helps ensure grants are not paid to deceased persons or people who have relocated without updating their details.
Documents Beneficiaries Must Bring
For those who are visited at home, in institutions, or who choose to go to a SASSA office, the following documents are required:
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A valid South African ID
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Proof of income (or affidavit if not employed)
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Bank statements for the past three months
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Proof of residence
SASSA also said it is working to automate parts of the process and introduce self-service options to help reduce queues at offices.
MEDIA STATEMENT – Life Certific…
SASSA Urges the Public to Verify Information
With misinformation spreading daily, SASSA urged the public to rely only on its official channels, including the SASSA website, its social media pages, and pamphlets distributed at local offices.
For more information, beneficiaries can contact the toll-free number: 0800 60 10 11 or 043 707 6335.
