The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) offers support to citizens who depend on social grants. When a beneficiary passes away before their next payment date, their family or the person who paid for the funeral may qualify to claim funeral benefits. This benefit is essentially a refund of the deceased’s unpaid grant and helps ease funeral expenses.
- Understand What SASSA Funeral Benefits Are
SASSA funeral benefits are not a separate payment or insurance policy. They are a refund of the deceased’s last unpaid grant amount. Only the person who paid for the funeral is eligible to receive the refund, and proper proof of payment must be provided.
- Visit the Nearest SASSA Office
After the death of the grant beneficiary, go to your nearest SASSA office as soon as possible. Bring all required documents and inform officials that you wish to apply for funeral benefits. Early reporting helps prevent delays and ensures that the refund process begins promptly.
- Prepare the Required Documents
Before visiting the SASSA office, ensure you have all the necessary paperwork. The key documents include:
- The death certificate of the deceased
- Your original ID document
- A certified copy of the deceased’s ID
- The SASSA card (if available)
- A receipt or invoice from the funeral home proving you paid for the funeral
In some cases, you might also be asked for proof of relationship to the deceased or a letter from the funeral parlour confirming payment.
- Submit the Application for Verification
Once you submit your documents, SASSA will verify that the deceased was a registered beneficiary and confirm that no payments have been made after their death. This verification ensures that the claim is valid and helps prevent fraud.
- Receive the Refund Payment
After verification, SASSA will process the refund. The amount will usually be deposited directly into your bank account or issued through another approved payment method. The refund represents only the grant for the month in which the beneficiary passed away.
- Follow Up and Keep Records
If you do not receive payment within a reasonable time, you can follow up with SASSA through their toll-free helpline 0800 60 10 11 or visit the nearest office. Keep copies of all submitted documents and receipts for your records.
- Note the Claim Deadline
It’s important to remember that funeral benefit claims must be submitted within twelve months of the beneficiary’s death. Claims made after this period will not be processed.
Also Read: How To Check Your TV Licence Balance In South Africa
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
