The South African Social Security Agency has officially dismissed recent social media rumours suggesting that beneficiaries will receive double grant payments in June 2025. These claims, which have caused confusion and concern across social media platforms, were described by SASSA’s national spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi as “false and misleading.”
In a clear and firm statement, Letsatsi urged beneficiaries and the public to disregard these rumours. “These reports are untrue and should be rejected with the contempt they deserve,” he said. SASSA confirmed it will not issue any double payments and reminded South Africans that changes to grant payments are only announced through official and credible government channels.
Understanding SASSA’s Grant Payment Schedule for 2025
It’s important for beneficiaries to understand how SASSA manages grant payments and adjustments. As per the Ministry of Finance’s Policy Statement issued in March 2025, social grant increases are planned and implemented carefully to support vulnerable South Africans.
The first round of grant increases was implemented in April 2025, with a second round expected in October 2025. These increases follow a transparent process and are communicated publicly well in advance. Letsatsi emphasised: “Any other increase not announced by credible and relevant authorities should be treated as lies.”
Clarifying Pension Payment Rumours Starting 10 June 2025
In addition to rumours about double payments, SASSA has addressed misinformation regarding pension payments and possible new rules from 10 June 2025. The agency confirmed that no rule changes will affect pension payments at that time.
The only recent update involved the introduction of a verification process during the May 2025 payment cycle. This process targets specific cases, including:
Beneficiaries who use alternative forms of identification, rather than the standard 13-digit South African ID number.
Individuals flagged in means test audits who may have undeclared income in other bank accounts.
This measure aims to ensure the integrity of the social grant system and prevent fraud, but it does not affect the normal payment schedules or amounts for pensions.
Understanding SASSA’s Role in Social Welfare
SASSA is a vital government agency tasked with administering social grants to millions of South Africans who depend on these payments for basic needs, including old age pensions, child support grants, disability grants, and others. The agency’s work is critical in addressing poverty and social inequality across the country.
Since its establishment, SASSA has faced various operational challenges, including the rollout of biometric verification, managing fraud prevention, and ensuring timely payments. Despite these challenges, SASSA continues to improve its services through enhanced technology, beneficiary verification processes, and closer collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Department of Social Development.
Why SASSA Urges Careful Verification of Information
Misinformation about social grants can cause unnecessary anxiety among beneficiaries, many of whom rely on these payments to meet basic needs. SASSA stresses the importance of verifying information before sharing it online or acting on it.
“We appeal to our beneficiaries to only rely on credible sources of information on our official social media pages,” Letsatsi said. By doing so, the public can help prevent the spread of harmful rumours and protect vulnerable communities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Will SASSA be paying double grants in June 2025?
No. SASSA has confirmed that the rumours about double grant payments in June 2025 are false and misleading. Only official announcements from SASSA or government sources should be trusted.
Q2: When are the next social grant increases scheduled?
The next scheduled increase after April 2025 will take place in October 2025, as outlined in the Ministry of Finance’s Policy Statement.
Q3: Are there any changes to pension payments starting 10 June 2025?
No. the South African Social Security Agency clarified that no new rules affecting pension payments will come into effect on 10 June 2025.
Q4: What is the recent verification process introduced by the South African Social Security Agency?
The verification process, introduced in May 2025, targets beneficiaries using alternative ID forms or those flagged in means test audits for undeclared income to ensure the integrity of grant payments.
How to Stay Informed with Official SASSA Updates
South African Social Security Agency maintains several official communication channels to keep beneficiaries and the public informed about social grant policies, payments, and any changes. These include:
X (formerly Twitter): @OfficialSASSA
Facebook: South African Social Security Agency
Website: www.sassa.gov.za
Learn More: 5 Common Myths About SASSA Grants You Need to Stop Believing
Beneficiaries are encouraged to regularly check these official platforms for accurate and up-to-date information.
