The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has warned senior citizens who are 75 years and above, including people living with disabilities, to be aware of a scam circulating on social media claiming that they will get an additional R500 allocated payment to them.
SASSA Mpumalanga spokesperson, Senzeni Ngubeni, said that access to social grant-in-aid is not a stand-alone social grant. If an individual is living on a social grant but can’t look after themselves, they can get an additional grant to pay the person who takes full-time care of them.
Ngubeni said the agency in Mpumalanga is currently educating the public and clientele at large about the benefits of the grant-in-aid.
“The applicant must be in receipt of an Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant or a War Veteran’s Grant, and require regular attendance by another person owing to his/her physical or mental disabilities; must not be cared for in an institution that receives subsidy from the State.
“[The applicant] must undergo a medical or functional assessment confirming disability; provide clinical information or a referral form confirming disability; must provide a referral form duly completed by a treatment facility or practitioner if previously rejected on medical grounds,” Ngubeni explained in a statement on Tuesday.
Ngubeni urged all SASSA beneficiaries to use the official platforms to access accurate information.
“If the beneficiary is not sure about the correct information, contact SASSA on various platforms provided to enquire. Beneficiaries are also warned not to share their personal details and always be vigilant of those posing as SASSA officials and call the police.
“SASSA has provided the clientele and beneficiaries with info on how to contact SASSA and on how to apply online, or visit SASSA's nearest offices,” Ngubeni said.
Beneficiaries can contact the toll free number 0800 60 10 11during working days/hours and email GrantsEnquiriesMP@sassa.gov.za .
• How do you know if you qualify?
Those who qualify for the aid must already be getting a disability grant, war veteran’s grant or grant for older people and not be able to look after themselves owing to physical or mental disability. These individuals must therefore need full-time care from someone else an not be cared for in an institution that receives a subsidy from government for care or housing.
• How much will you get?
You will get R530 per month.
• How will you be paid?
The SASSA will pay the grant to you through cash at a specific pay point on a particular day, electronic deposit into your bank or Postbank account (the bank may charge you for the service) or an institution acting as administrator of the grant (e.g. welfare organisation).
The grant will be paid together with your social grant.
If individuals are unable to collect the money themselves, they can appoint a procurator at the SASSA office or give someone power of attorney to collect the grant on their behalf. – SAnews.gov.za
