A recent viral video circulating on social media claimed that South African pensioners over the age of 60 would be eligible to receive a “Double Old Age Grant” from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). The video, styled like a news report with dramatic graphics, suggested that seniors could receive two grants per month, effectively doubling their income.
The Viral Claim and Public Reaction
For millions of elderly South Africans who rely on the Old Age Grant as their main source of income, this claim caused excitement and confusion. The grant currently supports over 3.7 million beneficiaries nationwide, with monthly payments of R2,090 for those aged 60–74 and R2,330 for those over 75. In a time of rising living costs, the idea of double payments spread quickly, prompting many to share the video without verifying its authenticity.
SASSA’s Official Response
On 18 August 2025, SASSA issued a clear statement through its official social media channels, labeling the claim as false. The agency stressed that no policy changes have been made to provide two grants to a single beneficiary. SASSA advised the public to rely only on verified sources, including their official website and social media accounts, for accurate information.
What the Video Promised
The misleading video claimed that every South African citizen above 60 could automatically receive two Old Age Grants. It suggested that beneficiaries could collect over R4,000 per month and included vague instructions and links that appeared official. While the video used images of elderly people and public figures to seem credible, it was designed to mislead viewers, potentially as part of a scam targeting seniors.
How the Old Age Grant Actually Works
The Old Age Grant is carefully regulated to provide modest monthly support to eligible seniors. It is means-tested, requiring applicants to show that they do not have substantial income or assets.
| Age Category | Monthly Payment (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 60–74 years | R2,090 | Adjusted annually |
| 75 years and older | R2,330 | Higher payment for increased vulnerability |
Applications are submitted through SASSA offices, and processing can take up to three months. Payments are made via SASSA cards, banks, or post offices. Importantly, each person is eligible for only one Old Age Grant, and there is no legal provision for double payments.
Fraud and Misinformation in Social Grants
This viral video is part of a larger pattern of scams targeting social grant recipients. Fraud and misinformation have been growing concerns in South Africa, with scam tactics ranging from duplicate applications to identity theft. SASSA data shows a steady number of fraud cases and financial losses in recent years, particularly affecting vulnerable groups who rely heavily on grants.
Why Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Elderly citizens are at risk due to limited digital literacy and reliance on social grants. Research indicates that nearly 40% of seniors struggle to verify online claims, making them more susceptible to false promises. Common scam tactics include offering “bonus” or “double” payments and requesting personal information through unverified links.
Measures to Protect Beneficiaries
SASSA has implemented several measures to reduce fraud and misinformation, including biometric verification, public awareness campaigns, and partnerships with law enforcement. Seniors are encouraged to follow safe practices, such as relying on official SASSA updates, avoiding sharing personal information online, and seeking help from family or community groups to recognize scams.
Conclusion
The claim of a Double Old Age Grant in South Africa is false. Pensioners are entitled to only one Old Age Grant, with payments of R2,090 for those aged 60–74 and R2,330 for those over 75. The viral video was misinformation intended to exploit vulnerable seniors. SASSA’s timely response helped clarify the truth, but the incident highlights the ongoing need to protect elderly citizens from digital scams while ensuring they continue to receive their rightful support.