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How to Stop Illegal Deductions From Your SASSA Grant

How to Stop Illegal Deductions From Your SASSA Grant?

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By Sibongile Nkosi

Is money missing from your SASSA grant without your say-so? Did a funeral insurer or service provider debit you unexpectedly? Many beneficiaries face unlawful deductions each month.

This guide explains your rights under the Social Assistance Act, the 10% rule, protected grants, and exact steps to stop and dispute charges.

What Counts as an Unlawful deduction?

An unlawful deduction is any amount taken from a SASSA grant without the beneficiary’s consent or outside the law. This includes premiums for funeral policies or insurance products a beneficiary did not approve, or deductions made from grants where the law forbids them.

The law in plain words

  • The Social Assistance Act, 2004 and Regulation 29 allow only one deduction per month, and it may not exceed 10% of the grant value.
  • That deduction may only be for a funeral policy issued by an insurer registered under the Long-term Insurance Act, 1998 (Act 52 of 1998).
  • The beneficiary must consent to the deduction. Consent can be given electronically or by other acceptable means.
  • SASSA states it has no authority to make deductions on social grants without the beneficiary’s consent and does not partner with funeral schemes or insurers to deduct money.

Important: The statement (dated 14 August 2025) notes a surge in complaints and confirms SASSA’s position that “your money belongs to you.” CEO Themba Matlou emphasized that the Agency will not short-change clients or work with unlegislated schemes.

Grants where deductions are not permitted

Funeral policy deductions are not allowed from these grants:

  • Child Support Grant
  • Care Dependency Grant
  • Foster Child Grant
  • Temporary Disability Grant

If any of these show a funeral or insurance deduction, it’s unlawful and should be challenged immediately.

What to do if you see an unlawful deduction?

Follow these steps in order. Keep copies of everything.

  1. Report it to SASSA at once
    Visit your local SASSA office and lodge a complaint for investigation. Bring your ID, grant card/bank statements, and any SMSes or policy documents.
  2. Dispute the deduction by SMS
    Send an SMS to 34548 with your ID number and the financial services provider’s name to record a formal dispute (as instructed in the statement).
  3. Cancel with the provider
    Contact the insurer/service provider directly and cancel the policy you did not authorise. Ask for written confirmation and request a refund of any unlawful debits.
  4. Track the case
    Keep a file with dates, reference numbers, and contacts. If you do not receive progress updates, revisit the office and escalate with your case references.

How to Recognize risky situations?

  • You are offered a “free” funeral cover linked to your grant and asked for your ID and cell number.
  • A caller claims to be from SASSA and requests your PIN or card details (SASSA will never ask for your PIN).
  • You sign a form or respond to a marketing SMS without reading the consent section.

Tip: Never share your PIN. Read every policy line—look for the consent to debit clause. If unsure, say no.

Practical checklist to protect your grant

  • Check your statement after every payment date.
  • If bank details changed, confirm they are updated and verified on SASSA’s system.
  • Keep screenshots or photos of suspicious SMSes or sales pitches.
  • Teach family members—especially older persons—about consent and the 10% limit.

Official contacts (from the statement)

  • Toll-free SASSA line: 0800 60 10 11
  • Email: GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za
  • Website: www.sassa.gov.za
  • Media/Spokesperson: Mr. Paseka Letsatsi082 883 9969, PasekaL@sassa.gov.za
  • Dispute SMS line: 34548 (send your ID number and the provider’s name)

Use these channels to report, dispute, and follow up.

Key takeaway

The law allows only one funeral-policy deduction per month, capped at 10%, and only with your consent to a registered insurer. Deductions from Child Support, Care Dependency, Foster Child, and Temporary Disability grants are not allowed. If money is taken without consent, report to SASSA, SMS 34548, and cancel with the provider immediately.

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