Many South Africans depend on SASSA for social grants that help them pay for food, school, health care, and other basic needs. The government gives these grants to support people who are old, disabled, unemployed, or caring for children. These grants are real and very important for millions of families across the country.
Recently, people have been sharing messages online and on social media that talk about a “R700 SASSA grant” available in 2025. These messages say that people between the ages of 18 and 65 can apply for this money by filling out a form online. Many people believed this and started applying — but the truth is, this grant is fake.
SASSA has officially said that there is no such R700 grant. The agency is asking people not to trust messages like these. Scammers are trying to trick people into sharing their personal or bank details. In this article, we explain how this fake message started, what SASSA has said, how to spot a scam, and what real grants you can apply for in 2025.
How the Fake R700 Grant Message Started
The false news about the R700 grant began on WhatsApp, Facebook, and other platforms. The message said that people aged 18–65 could apply and that more than 675,000 people had already received the money. It also included a fake website link to fill in the form.
This is not the first time scammers have used SASSA’s name to cheat people. For many years, fraudsters have been sending false messages to get private information from the public. They pretend to offer help or money, but they only want to steal personal details or bank information.
SASSA Responds to the R700 Rumors
SASSA clearly stated that there is no R700 grant in 2025. They asked citizens not to believe any messages about it. The agency made the following important points:
- SASSA has not launched any R700 grant.
- Any real grant updates will be shared only on SASSA’s official channels.
- People should never share their personal or bank details with unknown sources.
Where to find real updates from SASSA:
- Official website: www.sassa.gov.za
- Government news updates
- SASSA offices
- Trusted news channels
How to Spot a Fake SASSA Grant Message
It’s important to know how to tell if a message is a scam. Here are some clear warning signs:
- Strange website links: Scammers use fake links that look like SASSA’s real website.
- Asking for bank details: No real grant form will ask for your PIN or password.
- Bad grammar and spelling: Real messages from SASSA are written properly.
- Too good to be true: If a message says thousands have already received money, be careful. Always check first.
What to Do If You See a Scam Message
If you receive a message about the fake R700 grant or something similar, follow these steps:
- Do not click on any links.
- Visit the SASSA website to check if the message is real.
- Report the scam to SASSA or the police.
- Warn your family and friends so they don’t fall for the scam.
Real SASSA Grants You Can Apply for in 2025
Even though the R700 grant is fake, there are many real grants available through SASSA.You can only apply for these grants through SASSA’s official website or at their offices. Do not trust any other website or link.
Why You Should Use Only Trusted SASSA Sources
Scams can steal your money or identity. It’s always safer to use SASSA’s official website or go to a local office. This way:
- Your information is kept safe.
- You get the right details about real grants.
- You avoid falling into scam traps.
If you need help, call SASSA at 0800 60 10 11 or visit www.sassa.gov.za.