Unclaimed SASSA R900? Here’s the Truth Behind the Viral Claim

Have you seen posts about a “SASSA R900 payment” making the rounds online? Many South Africans are confused and hopeful but is this grant real or fake?

Let’s break down the facts and expose the truth behind the viral “R900” claim.

Unclaimed SASSA R900? Myth or Fact

The viral claim about an unclaimed SASSA R900 grant has gained traction across social media, WhatsApp groups, and unreliable blogs.

These platforms often share images or messages suggesting that SASSA is paying out a one-time R900 grant or “backdated funds” to SRD applicants.

However, this claim is false. There is no official R900 SASSA grant, and SASSA has not released any announcement regarding a new or unclaimed R900 payment.

Official SASSA SRD Grant Amount in 2025

As of April 2024, the Special COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant was officially increased from R350 to R370 per month.

No government source, including the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) or the Department of Social Development, has published or approved any R900 payment to individuals.

Where Did the “R900 SASSA Grant” Claim Come From?

The false R900 payment claim often appears in these forms:

• WhatsApp messages with shortened URLs
• Facebook ads linking to fake application pages
• Posts claiming you can “check if you’re owed R900”
• Unofficial blogs mimicking SASSA’s branding

Most of these sources redirect users to ads, phishing websites, or survey scam pages where personal details are harvested or airtime is stolen.

⚠️ These are scams designed to mislead users, earn traffic, or collect private information.

SASSA’s Official Statement on the R900 Claim

SASSA has confirmed multiple times that there is no such R900 grant. Any posts suggesting that unclaimed R900 payments are available are false and misleading.

Official SASSA communication channels include:

• srd.sassa.gov.za
• SASSA’s verified Facebook and Twitter pages
• Government press releases and media briefings

SASSA has urged the public to avoid clicking on suspicious links and to verify grant information only through official platforms.

Why the SRD Grant is R370?

The SRD R370 grant is based on a government-approved budget and is managed by the National Treasury, SASSA, and the Department of Social Development.

Any change in amount requires an official update in legislation or gazette something that did happen in April 2024 when the grant rose from R350 to R370.

There is no indication or future plan to issue R900 as a one-time payout or monthly grant under the SRD program.

How to Spot Fake SASSA Grant Posts?

To protect yourself and others, always check for these warning signs in fake grant messages:

• Claims of “unclaimed money” with no official source
• Links not ending in .gov.za
• Spelling errors or poor grammar
• Promises of quick approval or “bonus payouts”
• Requests for your banking or ID information

If you see suspicious links or posts, do not click or share them. Report them directly to SASSA or via the South African Fraud Hotline at 0800 701 701. Besides, SASSA recently shut down many fake SASSA websites.

How to Check Your Real SASSA Grant Status?

You can check your legitimate SRD grant status using official SASSA channels:

• USSD: Dial *120*3210# or *120*69277# on your cellphone
• WhatsApp: Send “SASSA” to 082 046 8553
• Website: https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status

These methods are free and do not require airtime to access your current grant balance or approval status.

Summary: There Is No SASSA R900 Grant

The SASSA R900 grant is a myth. It is not a real grant, not approved, and not backed by any government agency. The actual SRD grant in 2025 is R370 per month, and all payments are processed only through official SASSA systems. However, if you are looking for a method to claim unclaimed grant, you can check out our separate article on it.

If you receive or see messages about “unclaimed R900” payments:

• Do not click the link
• Do not share your personal info
• Report the post or sender immediately

Always get your information from trusted sources like srd.sassa.gov.za or SASSA’s verified social channels.