Many South Africans rely on financial help from SASSA to support their daily needs, such as buying food or paying for school. The agency provides different grants to help older people, children, and those who are unemployed or disabled. These grants are managed strictly by the government to ensure fairness.
Recently, there have been viral messages on WhatsApp and Facebook saying people can apply for a monthly R700 grant. These posts include online forms and false deadlines, making them look real. Unfortunately, this is not true, and it has led to confusion among many people who really need help.
SASSA has made it clear that there is no such R700 grant for 2025. The messages are scams created by criminals who want to steal personal details. This article will explain how the scam started, what SASSA officially said, and how you can protect yourself and others from being tricked.
Where Did the R700 Grant Story Come From?
The fake R700 grant message began spreading on social media platforms like WhatsApp, Twitter, and Facebook. It claims that anyone aged 18 to 65 can apply for a monthly payment by filling out a quick online form. Some posts even say that over 675,000 people have already received the money.
These types of scams have happened before. Fraudsters use the trusted SASSA name to get people to believe the lie and trick them into giving away personal or banking information. Sadly, many people fall for it because they are desperate for support.
SASSA Speaks Out: No R700 Grant for 2025
SASSA has officially stated that there is no R700 grant available. The agency has never announced such a grant and warned citizens to ignore any message that says otherwise. Here’s what SASSA wants everyone to know:
- The R700 grant does not exist.
- No new grant by this name has been introduced in 2025.
- All official news is shared only through trusted SASSA platforms.
- Never share personal details with unverified sources.
You can always check the real information on:
- SASSA’s official website: www.sassa.gov.za
- Local SASSA offices
- Government press releases
- Trusted media channels
How to Spot a Fake SASSA Grant Message
It’s important to know the signs of a scam to stay safe. Here are some warning signs to look out for:
- Strange website links: Scammers use fake websites that look like SASSA’s real page.
- Requests for private info: No real SASSA form will ask for your PIN, password, or bank details.
- Bad spelling and grammar: Real government posts are written carefully. Scam messages often have many errors.
- Too-good-to-be-true claims: Promises like “hundreds of thousands already paid” without proof are usually lies.
What to Do If You Receive a Scam Message
If you get a suspicious message about the R700 grant, do not panic. Just follow these simple steps:
- Don’t click on any links or fill out forms.
- Visit the official SASSA site to check the truth.
- Report the message to local police or SASSA offices.
- Warn your family and friends so they don’t fall for it either.
Real SASSA Grants You Can Apply for in 2025
Although the R700 grant is fake, SASSA still offers many real grants to those in need. To apply, go directly to a SASSA office or use their official online services. Don’t trust any other website or form.
Why You Should Always Use Trusted SASSA Sources
Using only official SASSA platforms is the best way to stay safe. Here’s why:
- Your private information stays safe.
- You receive real and updated news about grants.
- You avoid falling for scams or losing money.
If you’re ever unsure, call the SASSA helpline at 0800 60 10 11 or visit www.sassa.gov.za to double-check.