Sassa offers free services – No compensation is required

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The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) would like to advise its beneficiaries and the members of the public that all its services are provided free of charge.

Any individual or entity offering to assist with social grant applications for a fee is engaging in deceptive and fraudulent behaviour that should be reported to the law enforcement agencies immediately.

SASSA National Spokesperson, Paseka Letsatsi says clients should always be vigilant and not entertain any person approaching them in the streets or their home claiming to be from the Agency, thus requiring compensation.

“We have been made aware of these unfortunate occurrences that are designed to swindle our vulnerable beneficiaries off their grant money in the name of SASSA. We want to emphasize that all our services are free of charge and not even our staff members are permitted to demand money from our clients for providing a service because they are paid already,” he emphasised.

Letsatsi called on all clients and the public to immediately report any suspicious activity involving someone purporting to be from SASSA, even if it is an official trying to solicit compensation for assisting them.

“We are committed to rooting out fraudulent practices within the social grants system and to put an end to these activities and ensure the integrity of our services. We urge communities to report any illegal operations occurring at our offices to safeguard the system for the benefit of all South Africans”, added Letsatsi.

Furthermore, he said SASSA can only win the fight against all forms of fraud and strengthen the integrity of the social grant system with assistance from the members of the public.

“It is our desire to ensure that social grants reach those who need it most and we will do everything in our power to root out all the bad elements in our system”.

For more information or to report suspicious activities, please contact the SASSA toll-free number at 0800 60 10 11 or the National Anti-Corruption Hotline on 0800 701 701.