How do I get a lump sum SASSA death benefit?

Bybursariesafrica

In the unfortunate event of a SASSA grant recipient’s passing, there might be unclaimed benefits for the month of death.

This article explores the process of claiming a lump sum SASSA death benefit, including eligibility, required documents, and application procedures.

SASSA Death Benefits

SASSA provides death benefits under the SASSA funeral policy.

If the SASSA beneficiary has died and his family member, who is his next of kin or legal representative, submits a report with the necessary documents to claim the death benefits, he will be given an amount of R9000.

Who Can Claim the Lump Sum SASSA Death Benefit?

The person who takes responsibility for the funeral arrangements is generally eligible to claim the unclaimed SASSA grant.

This could be a spouse, child, parent, sibling, or another close relative who covered the funeral costs.

Required Documents for Claiming the Benefit

To claim the unclaimed SASSA death benefit, you will need to gather the following documents:

  1. Death certificate(certified copy): This document officially confirms the passing of the grant recipient.
  2. ID copy of the deceased: A certified copy of the deceased’s South African ID book is required.
  3. ID copy of the claimant: You will need to provide a certified copy of your own South African ID book.
  4. Proof of funeral expenses: This can include invoices, receipts, or sworn statements outlining the funeral costs you incurred.
  5. SASSA beneficiary details: If possible, any documentation confirming the deceased’s SASSA grant type and beneficiary number would be helpful.

How to Claim the Lump Sum SASSA Death Benefit

There are two main ways to claim the unclaimed SASSA death benefit:

  1. Visit your nearest SASSA local office: Locate your nearest SASSA office using the branch finder on the SASSA website. Take all the required documents mentioned above with you. A SASSA official will guide you through the claim process.
  2. Submit a claim by mail: You can download and complete the SASSA Death Notification Form (SASSA Form BI-179) from the SASSA website. Attach certified copies of all the required documents mentioned earlier and mail them to:
    • South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Death Benefit Section Private Bag X901 Pretoria 0001.

Can I inherit a SASSA grant from a deceased spouse?

No, SASSA grants are not inheritable. The benefit system is designed to support the living, and upon the recipient’s passing, the grant stops.

What if the full SASSA grant was withdrawn before the beneficiary died?

If the entire SASSA grant for the month of death was withdrawn before the beneficiary passed away, there are no unclaimed benefits to recover.

Is there a deadline to claim the SASSA death benefit?

There is no official deadline mentioned by SASSA. However, it’s advisable to claim the benefit as soon as possible to avoid any delays or complications.

What if I don’t have the original death certificate, can I still claim the benefit?

Yes. A certified copy of the death certificate issued by the Department of Home Affairs is sufficient for claiming the SASSA death benefit.

Can someone else claim the SASSA death benefit on my behalf?

Yes. You can authorize someone to claim the benefit on your behalf by providing them with a signed letter stating your permission and attaching a certified copy of your ID.

How long does it take to receive the SASSA death benefit?

Processing times can vary depending on the workload at SASSA offices.

It’s generally recommended to check with your local SASSA office for an estimated timeframe.