SASSA R700 Grant 2025: Is it real or another scam? Know the full truth and ways to be cautious SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) is like a lifeline for millions of citizens in South Africa. This agency provides financial assistance to the needy through Social Grants, including the elderly, disabled, and low-income families. In early 2025, a new news caught everyone’s attention—the SASSA R700 Grant.
This grant claimed that the government is giving an amount of R700 every month to unemployed and low-income citizens. But as fast as the discussion about this grant started among the people, reports of fraud and confusion about it also started coming to the fore.
When it comes to economic hardship and social inequality in South Africa, SASSA or South African Social Security Agency is the go-to institution that serves as a ray of hope for the most vulnerable sections of society. For the elderly, disabled, unemployed, and low-income families, the agency is an economic lifeline that eases their burden through social grants.
Let us understand in detail what is SASSA R700 Grant, what is the truth behind it, and how you can avoid such fraud.
What is SASSA R700 Grant 2025?
The SASSA R700 Grant was presented as a temporary social relief programme aimed at providing financial assistance of R700 per month to citizens who are in financial distress. It was intended to:
Help the unemployed
Support low-paid workers
Give needy families access to food, education and health services
But SASSA has officially clarified that the R700 Grant is not part of any of their recognised social grant programmes. Nevertheless, several fake websites and social media messages are spreading false information about this grant and misleading people.
How to identify fake grants? (Eligibility criteria that are false)
To make the scams look credible, the fake websites and messages show certain eligibility criteria, such as:
- Age limit: Individuals between 18 and 65 years can apply.
- Citizenship and residency: Applicants must be South African citizens, permanent residents or lawful refugees.
Income limit:
- Single individuals must have a monthly income of less than R3,500.
- Married couples must have a combined income of less than R7,000.
- Employment status: Unemployed individuals, part-time workers, or people undergoing temporary hardships (such as illnesses, natural disasters, etc.) are prioritized.
- Other grant holders: People who are already receiving other SASSA grants are said to be ineligible for this grant.
All this information is completely false and is spread only to trap people.
How does the fake application process work?
Scammers very cleverly create a fake application process that looks like the real SASSA website. This fake process includes:
These scammers have a well-thought-out strategy—they send messages via social media, WhatsApp, and SMS that applications for the ‘R700 grant’ are open. The links in these messages look like the official SASSA website, but are actually scams to steal personal information.
When a person clicks on the link, they are asked to fill out an online form that asks for sensitive information such as name, ID number, mobile number, bank account details, etc. In some cases, scammers even tell people that if they pay a small amount as a “processing fee,” the money will be transferred to their account within 24–48 hours.
- Sending messages such as “You can get a R700 grant” via WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter and SMS.
- Clicking on the link opens a fake website that looks like the real SASSA site.
- There you are asked for sensitive information such as name, ID number, bank details.
- In some cases you are asked for a “processing fee” between R50–R100, which is completely fraudulent. SASSA never charges fees for any grants.

Documents required for fake grants
The fake websites ask for the following documents:
- South African ID or refugee permit
- Proof of income (bank statement, salary slip, or affidavit)
- Proof of residence (electricity bill, rental agreement)
Bank account details
Unemployment certificate
Caution: All these documents are extremely useful for scammers, which they use to steal your identity.
Genuine Grants Offered by SASSA in 2025
SASSA offers some legitimate and official social grants, including:
- Old Age Pension
- Disability Grant
- Child Support Grant
- Foster Child Grant
- Care Dependency Grant
- SRD R350 Grant (Social Relief of Distress)
- Only apply for and enquire about these grants through the official website www.sassa.gov.za.
What to do if you have given information on a fake website?
- Contact the SASSA Fraud Hotline (0800 60 10 11) immediately.
- Contact your bank to have your account blocked or monitored.
- Change your ID, password and PIN immediately.
- Report to SAPS (South African Police).
- Alert family and community about this scam.
How to avoid fraud? Some important tips
- Get information about any grant only from SASSA’s official website.
- Check the website URL carefully before clicking on any unknown link.
- If an application process is asking for a “fee”, it is definitely a scam.
- Call SASSA’s helpline to confirm any suspicious messages: 0800 60 10 11
Grant Type | Age Requirement | Income Threshold | Monthly Payment (2025) |
---|---|---|---|
Old Age Grant | 60+ years | R7,190 (single) / R14,380 (married) | R2,090 |
Disability Grant | 18–59 years | Same as Old Age Grant | R2,090 |
Child Support Grant | For children under 18 | R5,000 (single) / R10,000 (married) | R510 per child |
Foster Child Grant | For foster children | No income test | R1,130 per child |
Care Dependency Grant | Children under 18 with disabilities | Same as Old Age Grant | R2,090 per child |
Social Relief of Distress Grant | Temporary aid for unemployed individuals | Case-specific evaluation | R350 |
Conclusion:
Schemes like the SASSA R700 Grant 2025 exploit people’s expectations. This grant is not real. It is a scam aimed at stealing your personal information and causing financial harm. The South African government and SASSA already run several legitimate and effective grant schemes that you can benefit from—but only through the right sources and methods. Being vigilant is the key to protecting you and your family. To confirm any information, visit the SASSA website www.sassa.gov.za or call toll-free number 0800 60 10 11.
FAQs
Q1. Does the SASSA R700 Grant really exist?
A. No, the SASSA R700 Grant is a fake scheme. SASSA has officially clarified that there is no R700 grant scheme launched in 2025. It is a scam aimed at stealing your personal information.
Q2. Where is the R700 Grant information coming from?
A: This information is being spread through social media, WhatsApp messages, SMS and fake websites. The links and forms provided in these are fake.
Q3. Is there a legitimate application process for the R700 Grant?
A: No. There is no legitimate or official application process for the R700 Grant. There is no mention of any such grant on the SASSA website.
Q4. How to protect yourself from this scam?
A: Never enter your personal information (ID number, bank details) on unknown websites.
SASSA only provides information via its official website www.sassa.gov.za.
Immediately treat any demand for a “processing fee” as fraud.
Q5. What do I do if I have accidentally given out my information?
A: Immediately contact your bank and mobile service provider.
Lodge a complaint to the SASSA Fraud Helpline 0800 60 10 11.
Change passwords and PINs, and keep an eye out for any suspicious activity.