In June 2025, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) was compelled to release an official clarification following a wave of misinformation that spread rapidly across social media. The false claims alleged that beneficiaries would receive double social grant payments and that a new set of rules affecting pensioners would come into effect starting June 10. These statements, which lacked any backing from official sources, caused widespread confusion among the more than 19 million individuals who rely on social assistance in South Africa.
These rumours were especially damaging because they coincided with the beginning of the month, a critical time when beneficiaries typically expect their grants to be disbursed. The false expectations led to beneficiaries flooding local SASSA offices and call centers with queries, thereby disrupting normal operations and increasing the risk of unnecessary panic.
SASSA moved swiftly to dispel the misinformation. The agency confirmed that no extra payments were scheduled for June and no new pension rules had been introduced. The only changes to grants in 2025 were the increases implemented in April as part of the national budget announcement. The next scheduled adjustment remains set for October, as previously declared by the Ministry of Finance.
No Double Grant Payments Approved or Scheduled
According to SASSA, there has been no policy change or special provision to issue double grant payments for any category of beneficiaries this month. Grant disbursements will proceed according to the standard payment schedule, and the amounts transferred will remain consistent with the April 2025 increase. No additional funds have been allocated by the National Treasury to allow for double payments in June.
Officials emphasized that changes to the value or structure of social grants require formal government processes, including public announcements and updates in the government gazette. None of these processes has occurred with June payments. The misleading information circulating online has no basis in fact and has been labelled as deliberate misinformation by SASSA’s spokesperson, Paseka Letsatsi.
Many beneficiaries depend on these payments as their sole source of income. Claims of a double payout led some to make financial commitments they could not fulfil, reinforcing the harmful consequences of spreading inaccurate financial information. The agency noted that it does not issue special or bonus payments unless announced nationally and included in the government’s fiscal planning.
To clarify the expected payment distribution, SASSA published the verified schedule for June 2025:
| Type of Grant | Confirmed Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Older Persons Grants | 3 June 2025 |
| Disability Grants | 4 June 2025 |
| Child Support and Other Grants | 5 June 2025 |
This table outlines the only approved disbursement dates and confirms that no additional payment cycle has been introduced for this month.
False Reports on Pension Rule Changes Debunked
A separate and equally widespread rumour suggested that new rules would come into effect for pensioners starting June 10. These alleged changes included requirements for re-verification, potential payment freezes, or updates to eligibility documentation. However, SASSA has denied the implementation of any such new policies.
SASSA reiterated that the eligibility criteria and disbursement procedures for older persons’ grants remain unchanged. There has been no legislative amendment or administrative adjustment that would impact pensioners at this time. The rumour is believed to have stemmed from misinterpreted messages on social media platforms that falsely quoted SASSA sources.
Routine grant eligibility checks and audits are ongoing administrative procedures that have always been part of SASSA’s system. These are not new rules but standard controls to prevent fraud or duplication of benefits. No pensioner will face a suspension or reduction in benefits unless specific irregularities are found through direct engagement with the beneficiary.
In April 2025, SASSA announced a verification initiative targeted at specific grant recipients, including those flagged during the means test and individuals using non-standard identification documents. Some social media users misrepresented this update as a universal policy change for all pensioners, which it is not.
To help distinguish between verified procedures and misinformation, beneficiaries should be aware of the legitimate verification activities currently underway:
- Verification applies only to recipients identified with incomplete or conflicting personal records.
- Individuals flagged in the bulk means test due to suspected undisclosed income may be requested to submit supporting documents.
- All affected beneficiaries are contacted directly by SASSA and are not required to take action unless notified.
This clarification was intended to prevent unnecessary panic among the elderly, who may not be as digitally literate or equipped to verify the authenticity of online claims.
Responsible Information Sharing and Use of Official Sources
One of the primary messages from SASSA during this communication campaign has been the importance of relying on official channels for all grant-related updates. As social media continues to serve as a primary source of information for many citizens, the risk of disinformation affecting public understanding and financial planning has increased significantly.
To counter this, SASSA has urged the public to follow these verified communication avenues:
- SASSA Official Website – Regular updates, policy changes, and payment schedules are posted here.
- Verified Social Media Accounts – Only accounts marked as verified on platforms like Facebook and Twitter/X should be trusted for real-time announcements.
In addition to digital platforms, community-based outreach events and SASSA regional offices remain reliable physical sources of information. Beneficiaries who encounter conflicting information are encouraged to directly contact these offices for clarification rather than act on unverified messages.
Misinformation in the social assistance sector can have significant consequences. It can lead to long queues at offices, loss of faith in the system, and financial missteps by vulnerable groups. As such, the role of accurate communication is critical in preserving the integrity and trustworthiness of the social security framework.
Public Advisory From SASSA
The South African social grant system serves as a critical safety net for nearly one-third of the population. Ensuring the stability of this system depends not just on timely disbursement, but also on the public’s access to correct information. False reports, especially regarding finances, can mislead millions and result in real-world harm to those least equipped to manage sudden changes.
SASSA has taken necessary steps to reaffirm that the system remains stable and that no unusual changes or bonuses are being processed for June. Regular updates are communicated through formal government channels and should be the only reference points used by beneficiaries when making financial decisions or planning their household budgets.
To maintain transparency and reduce misinformation-related disruptions, beneficiaries are advised to:
- Cross-check information before acting or sharing.
- Avoid forwarding unverified messages, especially those not sourced from government platforms.
- Contact SASSA offices directly in case of doubt about a policy or payment issue.
By staying informed and vigilant, beneficiaries can protect themselves and help ensure that the integrity of the social assistance system remains intact.
