A spate of unauthorised SASSA grant deductions has been plaguing old-age beneficiaries across the country in 2025. According to numerous reports, elderly social-welfare recipients are being signed up to funeral policies with no prior knowledge or approval.
As such, unauthorised SASSA grant deductions of between R100 – R300 are coming off their profiles each month. As we know, today (Tuesday 2 September 2025) is the long-awaited payday for old-age beneficiaries. Over 75s get R2 330, and beneficiaries aged 60-74 receive R2 310. So, losing any amount of money is catastrophic for elderly pensioners who have no other form of income.
UNAUTHORISED SASSA GRANT DEDUCTIONS
These unauthorised SASSA grant deductions are a terribly exploitative practice by certain funeral policy providers, reports GroundUp. The South African Social Security Agency does allow deductions for insurance policies, according to the Social Security Act.
However, SASSA grant deductions cannot exceed 10% of the total grant value. And only one policy may be attached to an old-age grant at a time. After further investigation, the agency confirmed that several old-age pensioners have been signed up to funeral policies without prior knowledge. They had no paperwork or policy numbers, and the policies have since been cancelled and refunded.
PREDATORY PRACTICES
Nevertheless, the agency continues to tighten-up its own processes with new mandatory biometric enrolment from this month onwards. And there are stricter income tests for all new applicants and/or those under review.
Unfortunately, it seems the unauthorised SASSA grant deductions are still slipping under the radar though. Many of the pensioners affected cannot read or write and are elderly and immobile. Therefore, withdrawing their grants at an ATM or participating retailer requires assistance. Likewise, they are unable to travel to an agency office to report any unauthorised SASSA grant deductions.
MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE
Civil society groups say more needs to be done to stop unauthorised SASSA grant deductions. The Social Pension (SocPen) system needs stronger protections. And the onus should not be on the elderly to have to report on this behaviour each month.
Nevertheless, the agency has published a guideline on what to do if you fall foul of any unauthorised SASSA grant deductions. It says you can send an SMS to 34548 with your ID number and the name of your financial service provider. It will then verify if you have been unknowingly signed up for any additional policies through its internal Qlink system.
HAVE YOU HAD ANY SASSA GRANT DEDUCTIONS GOING OFF YOUR PROFILE?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
