Many South Africans depend on SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) for monthly financial support. These grants help people pay for food, school needs, transport, and medical costs. SASSA has several official grants that are given under strict rules to make sure only those in need receive help.
Recently, a message claiming there is a new R700 monthly SASSA grant has been shared widely on WhatsApp, Facebook, and other platforms. These messages include links to supposed online application forms. This has caused confusion and worry for many people who are unsure if the offer is real or not.
SASSA has spoken up about this issue, saying that no such R700 grant exists. They warned the public about online scams pretending to be from SASSA. If you’ve received one of these messages, it’s important to know the facts and protect your personal details. Here’s everything you need to know.
Where the Fake R700 Grant Message Came From
The false R700 grant claim started on social media and messaging apps. It said people aged 18 to 65 could apply for a new grant by filling out a form online. The message also claimed that over 675,000 people had already received their money and urged others to apply quickly before the so-called deadline.
But this is not the first time scammers have used SASSA’s name to trick people. Many past scams also promised free money and asked for personal details. These fraudsters want to get people’s information, like ID numbers and bank details, for criminal use.
What SASSA Says About the R700 Grant Story
SASSA made it very clear that there is no R700 grant available in 2025. They have not created any new grant with this name. The agency asked the public to be careful and only trust official sources of information. According to SASSA:
- The R700 grant does not exist.
- No new grant with this value has been launched.
- All new grant information will only be shared through trusted SASSA platforms.
- People should not share personal or banking details with strangers or on unverified websites.
How to Spot a Fake Grant Message
There are several signs that a message about a grant might be fake. It is important to stay alert and know how to recognize a scam. These are the most common warning signs:
- Fake website links: They may look like real SASSA links but lead to scam websites.
- Requests for sensitive info: A real application never asks for your PIN or bank password.
- Spelling and grammar errors: Scam messages often have mistakes and sound unprofessional.
- Too-good-to-be-true offers: Claims about many people receiving money without proof should be questioned.
What You Should Do If You See a Scam Message
If you get a message about the R700 grant or a similar offer, follow these simple steps to stay safe:
- Do not click on the links.
- Check the information on the official SASSA website: www.sassa.gov.za
- Report the scam to SASSA or your local police.
- Warn your family and friends to help protect others from falling for the scam.
Real SASSA Grants You Can Apply for in 2025
Even though the R700 grant is fake, SASSA offers several real and helpful grants in 2025.
You can apply for these grants at a SASSA office or through the official website.
Why It’s Important to Use Only Official SASSA Platforms
Using trusted sources to apply for grants protects your identity and keeps your data safe. Here’s why using the official SASSA channels matters:
- Your information stays safe and secure.
- You receive correct details about grant offers.
- You avoid losing money or being part of a scam.
Always go to www.sassa.gov.za or call the helpline at 0800 60 10 11 if you need information or help.