POLOKWANE – The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has issued a strong warning to its more than 19 million beneficiaries about the dangers of spreading and believing fake news about social grants.

The warning follows false reports circulated online including claims of new pension rules taking effect on June 10 and rumours of double payments in June.

Sassa confirmed that no official announcement has been made about rule changes affecting pensions or province-specific dates.

The agency clarified that the only verification process under way is for targeted beneficiaries in the May 2025 payment cycle.

“These include individuals who use non-standard forms of identification and those flagged during a bulk means test that revealed income not previously disclosed to the agency,” said Paseka Letsatsi, Sassa’s national spokesperson.

The misinformation, Letsatsi said, was mostly spread via social media and has caused unnecessary panic.

“These reports are untrue and should be rejected with the contempt they deserve,” said Letsatsi.

He stressed that grant increases were already implemented in April, with another scheduled for October and not June.

To avoid confusion, here are the official grant payment dates for June:

• Old Age Grant: June 4

• Disability Grant: June 5

• Child Support Grant: June 6

Sassa urges all beneficiaries to rely only on credible sources of information and to verify any grant-related news.

Official updates are shared on the agency’s social media platforms:

• Facebook: SASSA News

• X: @OfficialSASSA

• TikTok: @officialsassasanews

“Do not expect double payments or rule changes unless confirmed by Sassa itself,” Letsatsi added.

For accurate information, visit www.sassa.gov.za or contact Sassa offices directly.