SASSA does not provide funeral policies
“It has been reported that there are people going into the community of Mamelodi under the pretext of working with SASSA and duping clients into signing policy documents by misrepresenting themselves.”
South African social security agency SASSA does not provide funeral policies, according to the agency.
This after Sassa beneficiaries in Mamelodi complained about unauthorised deductions of R208 from their social grant accounts.
The social grant beneficiaries claimed Sassa no longer pays them the full amount of their social grant money.
Sassa spokesperson Andile Tshona said the Mamelodi office can confirm that it dealt with complaints related to unauthorised deductions from our clients.
He said it has been reported that there are people going into the community of Mamelodi under the pretext of working with SASSA and duping clients into signing policy documents by misrepresenting themselves.
“Others promised clients they will get extra money from SASSA when they sign.”
While SASSA has made provision for clients to have their policy deduction made directly from their grants, it warned beneficiaries to be careful when signing documents.
“We are not working with these insurance houses, and clients must not sign documents they don’t understand,” said Tshona.
Pensioner Simon Mabena (69) said, “For the past three months, my social grant money has been R208 short”.
He said these deductions started last year in November.
“I approached Sassa about these deductions. It is where I was told I have a policy with Sanlam and should contact them. I don’t have a policy with Sanlam.”
Mabena said he approached Sanlam, but they don’t have any records under his name.
He pleaded with Sassa to stop these unauthorised deductions.
“First, I must pay for is water and electricity bills, and I am behind with my payments. Then food, medications, and transport money in case I want to go to the clinic.
“The social grant money is not enough, but Sassa allows scammers to deduct money from the little that we get.
Tshona said SASSA, as a government agency, provides social grants to the poorest of the poor who meet particular qualifying criteria.
“SASSA does not provide funeral policies. Funeral policies are provided by registered and authorised financial service providers (FSP).”
Therefore it is prohibited for any financial service provider to promote its funeral policies using SASSA’s brand.
This is an illegal practice and should be reported immediately to SASSA for investigation.
Clients disputing the signing for a funeral policy with an FSP are advised to follow the following process for cancellation :
– Send an SMS to 34548
– The SMS should include the ID number, name and surname, FSP funeral policy name, and duration of the policy.
– Or visit the insurer or FSP for cancellation if you are no longer interested.
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