Could having your ID number listed on a gambling site make you lose your SASSA grant?
A poster has been doing the rounds on social media, warning the public that having your ID number registered on a gambling site could result in you losing your SASSA grant. But how true is this claim? Jacaranda FM finds out.
In South Africa, approximately 26.5 million people benefit from social grants administered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).
Earlier this year, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced that R229.8 billion had been allocated to social grants for the 2026/27 financial year.
These grants provide vital financial support to millions of South Africans, helping beneficiaries afford essential items such as food, toiletries and other household necessities. However, some beneficiaries may also use a portion of their grant money to gamble or try their luck on betting platforms.
A poster has recently been circulating on social media claiming that people whose ID numbers are linked to gambling sites could lose their social grants.
Jacaranda FM spoke to SASSA spokesperson, Dr Paseka Letsatsi, who has refuted the claim.
“This claim is not true. SASSA has confirmed that the notice circulating on social media is fake and was not issued by SASSA,” said Dr Letsatsi.
The spokesperson explained that "there is currently no policy, legislation, regulation, or grant condition that automatically disqualifies, suspends, or terminates a social grant solely because a beneficiary is registered on a gambling or betting platform."
However, while being registered on a gambling platform does not automatically result in the loss of a grant, SASSA continues to encourage beneficiaries to use their grants responsibly.
“While SASSA encourages beneficiaries to use social grants responsibly and for their intended purpose, eligibility for social assistance is assessed in accordance with the applicable legislative and policy requirements, including the means test and other qualifying criteria relevant to each grant type,” said Letsatsi.
With social media often being a source of unverified information, Letsatsi has also urged beneficiaries to be cautious about messages circulating online.
“Beneficiaries are advised to obtain information only from official SASSA communication channels and to be cautious of unverified messages circulated through social media and other platforms,” she said.
She added that any official changes affecting grant eligibility or payment conditions would be communicated through SASSA’s recognised communication channels and applicable government processes.
Deadline for gold cards
SASSA beneficiaries who are still using the gold cards have been urged to replace them with the new Postbank black cards before the 31 August 2026 deadline.
In a statement released on Monday, 24 August, the government warned that "beneficiaries who fail to replace their cards by the deadline, could face disruptions when accessing their social grant payments."
How to replace your SASSA card
Beneficiaries can change their cards by dialing *120355# from their mobile phones, and following the instructions.
They can also visit their nearest SASSA office, or visit participating retailers offering the card replacement service.
These include:
- Shoprite
- Checkers
- Usave
- Pick n Pay
- Boxer
- Spar
Listen to Jacaranda FM:
- 94.2
- Jacaranda FM App
- http://jacarandafm.com
- DStv 858/ OpenView 602
Follow us on social media: