SASSA Has Suspended 20000 Child Support Grant Accounts

SASSA has disabled 20,000 Child Support Grant accounts due to identity verification theft. These accounts were deceiving the system and taking advantage of the SASSA Child Support grant that is issued for only eligible parents. The grant is designed to support parents who can not raise their children due to poverty and joblessness.

However, some deceivers are trying to get the benefits of this grant even when they are not eligible. They were using the identities of other people.

What is the SASSA Child Support Grant and Who is Eligible for It?

The SASSA Child Support Grant is money given by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to help low-income families take care of their children. It is meant for parents or guardians who do not have enough money to support their children properly.

This grant helps pay for things like food, clothes, school fees, and other basic needs. The money is given every month to the parent or guardian of the child.

Who Can Get the SASSA Child Support Grant?

To receive this grant, you must meet these rules:

1. The child must be under 18 years old.
2. The child must live in South Africa.
3. The parent or guardian must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
4. The parent or guardian must earn below a certain amount.
   • If single, you must earn less than R5,500 per month.
   • If married, you and your partner must earn less than R11,000 per month (combined).
5. The child must not be cared for in a government institution.

How Much Money Do You Get?

As of 2025, the SASSA Child Support Grant gives R530 per child every month. Also, there is an R260 top-up for this grant.

How to Apply for the Grant?

1. Visit your nearest SASSA office.
2. Bring important documents, such as:
   • Your South African ID or passport (if a refugee).
   • The child’s birth certificate.
   • Proof of your income (like a payslip or bank statement).
3. Fill out the application form and submit your documents.
4. SASSA will check your application and let you know if you qualify.

Why SASSA Suspended the 20000 Child Support Grant Accounts?

SASSA suspended 20,000 Child Support Grant accounts due to identity verification fraud. This means that people were illegally using false or stolen identities to claim the grant, even though they were not eligible. 

The Child Support Grant is meant to help struggling parents or guardians who genuinely need financial assistance to care for their children. However, some individuals abuse the system by providing fake information or using the personal details of others to receive payments fraudulently. These dishonest actions caused financial losses for SASSA and took money away from families who truly needed the support. 

To prevent further fraud, SASSA conducted a thorough verification process and found multiple cases of identity theft, where grant recipients did not match the official records. As a result, the agency disabled the fraudulent accounts to maintain the integrity of the grant system and ensure that only eligible families receive the financial aid they deserve.

How Can I Avoid My Identity Theft for SASSA Grants?

To protect yourself from identity theft when applying for SASSA grants, follow these precautions:

1. Never Share Your Personal Details Publicly
   • Avoid sharing your ID number, SASSA reference number, phone number, or banking details on social media or with strangers. Scammers can use this information to steal your identity.
2. Use Only Official SASSA Platforms
   • Always apply for or check your grant status on official SASSA websites (https://srd.sassa.gov.za) or visit their offices. Avoid third-party websites that ask for your personal data.
3. Beware of Phishing Scams
   • Scammers may send fake emails, SMS, or WhatsApp messages pretending to be SASSA. Do not click on unknown links or respond to messages asking for your personal details.
4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on Your Accounts
   • If possible, enable two-factor authentication on your email and banking accounts to add an extra layer of security against fraudsters.
5. Report Suspicious Activities Immediately
   • If you suspect fraud, report it to SASSA immediately at their toll-free number 0800 60 10 11, or visit the nearest SASSA office. You can also check if your details have been compromised by regularly verifying your grant status.