How many months does SASSA pay after death?
The South African Social Security Agency provides financial support to millions of South Africans.
In the unfortunate event of a beneficiary’s passing, many families wonder how long SASSA grant payments continue.
This article will clarify SASSA’s policy on payments after death and offer guidance on handling the SASSA procedures after a loved one’s death.
Does SASSA Pay Grants After the Month of Death?
It’s important that you understand that SASSA has safeguards in place to prevent payments to deceased individuals.
Their system is designed to stop grant payments automatically in the month following the beneficiary’s death.
This is a look at how it works:
- SASSA verifies beneficiary status regularly: SASSA’s system interacts with the Department of Home Affairs on a monthly basis. This process helps identify deceased beneficiaries by checking death registrations.
- Cut-off date for payments: The 22nd/23rd of each month acts as a cut-off date for grant payments. SASSA finalizes the list of recipients before this date.
- Payments after death are rare: If a beneficiary dies after the 22nd/23rd of the month and before their death is registered with Home Affairs, a single, final payment might be issued. However, this is not guaranteed and efforts are underway to improve data sharing between departments to eliminate such occurrences.
What Happens to the Grant for the Month of Death?
The good news is that SASSA will disburse the grant for the month in which the beneficiary passes away.
This can be helpful in covering funeral and other immediate expenses.
If a SASSA beneficiary dies on June 15th, 2024, their grant will still be paid for the entire month of June.
However, no further payments will be made after that.
Should I Report a SASSA Beneficiary’s Death?
You must report the death of a SASSA beneficiary to the organization as soon as possible.
This can be done at a Department of Home Affairs office or by contacting SASSA directly.
Reporting a death helps prevent further payments and ensures accurate records.
What if the Beneficiary Was Hospitalized Before Death?
If a SASSA beneficiary was admitted to a state-funded institution like a hospital shortly before their passing, the grant payment might be stopped.
This is because SASSA assumes their basic needs are being met by the facility.
However, if the hospitalization was temporary, and the beneficiary was still considered financially dependent on the grant, it’s recommended to contact SASSA to discuss the situation.
What Documents Do I Need to Report a Death to SASSA?
To report a beneficiary’s death to SASSA, you will need:
- The deceased beneficiary’s SASSA card
- A certified copy of the death certificate
Can I Claim the Grant if a Beneficiary Died Recently?
Unfortunately, no. SASSA grants are not transferable, and any payments made after a beneficiary’s death must be returned.
What if the Grant Doesn’t Stop After Reporting a Death?
If you’ve reported a death, but the grant payment continues, contact SASSA immediately.
There might be a delay in updating their system.
SASSA has a toll-free number (0800 60 10 11) for inquiries and can assist you in rectifying the situation.
What if I Accidentally Use a Grant Paid After a Beneficiary’s Death?
If you unintentionally use a grant disbursed after a beneficiary’s death, it’s best to contact SASSA to explain the situation.
They will likely require you to repay the funds.
Can I Get Back Payments if I Didn’t Receive Their Grant Due to Death?
SASSA does not offer back payments for grants that were not received due to a beneficiary’s death.
However, it’s always advisable to contact SASSA directly to inquire about the specific circumstances.
How Can I Find More About SASSA Grants?
SASSA offers various resources for grant recipients.
You can visit their website for detailed information on different grants, eligibility criteria, and the application process.
Also, their toll-free number (0800 60 10 11) allows you to speak to a SASSA representative for further assistance.