The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is known for helping millions of citizens through official social grants. But in 2025, a new buzz has taken over social media: the so-called SASSA R700 Grant. Promising monthly relief of R700, this grant gained attention fast—but here’s the catch: it’s not real.
With rising living costs and economic stress, it’s no surprise that many are hopeful for more support. But while this fake grant spreads, scammers are using it to steal personal info. Let’s break down the facts so you can stay safe and informed.
Table of Content
Overview
The SASSA R700 Grant is widely shared online as a temporary relief program giving R700 monthly to unemployed or low-income South Africans. It’s claimed to help with food, school costs, and utility bills.
But here’s the truth—SASSA has confirmed that the R700 Grant is fake. It’s not part of any official SASSA program, and no such payments are being made.
Fake websites and messages often pop up around this fake grant, tricking people into giving out their ID numbers, banking info, and more. Some even ask for “processing fees,” which SASSA never charges.
Fake Criteria
These scams look legit because they use common requirements from real SASSA grants. Here’s what they usually claim:
- Age: Applicants must be 18 to 65
- Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Income: Earn less than R3,500/month (single) or R7,000/month (married)
- Employment: Unemployed or underemployed
- Residency: Must live full-time in South Africa
- No Other Grants: Can’t already receive another SASSA grant
These details are used to lure you into giving personal information on fake websites.
Fake Application
Scammers often follow a pattern to make it all look real:
- They spread fake messages on WhatsApp, Facebook, or SMS
- These messages link to scam websites pretending to be SASSA
- The forms ask for your name, ID, phone number, bank details
- They claim the R700 will arrive in 24–48 hours
- Some even request a small payment to “unlock” the grant
Reminder: SASSA never charges fees to apply for any grant.
Grants
Even though the R700 grant is a scam, SASSA does offer several official grants. Here’s a breakdown of the real ones you can apply for:
| Grant Type | Age Requirement | Income Limit (Single) | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Age Grant | 60+ | R7,190 | R2,090 |
| Disability Grant | 18–59 | R7,190 | R2,090 |
| Child Support Grant | Under 18 | R5,000 | R510 per child |
| Foster Child Grant | For foster children | No income test | R1,130 per child |
| Care Dependency Grant | Child with disability | R7,190 | R2,090 per child |
| Social Relief of Distress | All ages (temporary) | Case-specific review | R350 |
You can apply for any of these via the official SASSA site or at your local SASSA office.
Report Scams
If you think you’ve been scammed or shared your info:
- Call the SASSA fraud line at 0800 60 10 11
- Report to SAPS (police) immediately
- Change your passwords and PINs if you shared login details
- Notify your bank if you see suspicious activity
- Let your community know so others don’t fall for the same scam
Apply Safely
Want to apply for a real grant? Here’s how to do it safely:
- Visit only www.sassa.gov.za for forms and updates
- Double-check news or messages with official sources
- Call SASSA at 0800 60 10 11 for clarification
- Remember: SASSA does not charge for applications
Scammers are getting smarter—but you can stay one step ahead. The R700 grant does not exist, but many real grants do. Don’t risk your personal info on a hoax. Always stick to trusted sources.
FAQs
Is the SASSA R700 Grant real?
No, it’s a scam. SASSA has not launched a R700 grant.
How can I check if a grant is legit?
Visit www.sassa.gov.za or call 0800 60 10 11.
What do scammers ask for?
They ask for ID numbers, bank details, and processing fees.
What are the real grants in 2025?
Old Age, Disability, Child Support, SRD, and more.
What to do if I shared personal info?
Call the SASSA fraud hotline and notify your bank immediately.
