As the new financial year starts today, April 6, 2026, the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has sent out an urgent double warning.
The agency has officially distanced itself from a “misleading” insurance partnership claim while the first wave of payments is being sent out. It also warned that Sassa April pension and social grant payment verification delays will affect thousands of recipients in all categories.
SASSA said in an official statement on Thursday, April 6, 2026, that 1Life Insurance had “unlawfully” used the agency’s logo to suggest that they were working together to provide funeral coverage. SASSA was very clear when it said that it does not work with any private insurance companies or funeral plans. This warning is very important for everyone who gets their confirmed higher grant amounts this week, because predatory marketing tends to go up during the times when payments are due.
SASSA made it clear that it does not work with private insurance companies or funeral plans. This clarification is especially important because thousands of people are getting their confirmed higher grant amounts this week, and they may be targeted by dishonest marketing practices.
SASSA sets the record straight: “Not in partnership”
The agency told the public that the Social Assistance Act only allows certain third-party deductions from social grants. Calling out 1Life Insurance is part of a larger effort to keep monthly payments safe from unauthorized charges.
The statement said, “SASSA strongly distances itself from this and categorically states that the Agency is NOT in partnership with 1Life Insurance to provide funeral cover.” “SASSA also never works with funeral plans or insurance companies.” This push for honesty comes at the same time as the SASSA payment dates in April 2026.
This push for honesty comes at the same time as the SASSA payment dates in April 2026, when the focus has shifted to “life certification” and reviews of who is eligible. Because they haven’t finished the new biometric or income reviews that the new SASSA grant model requires, many beneficiaries are having their payments delayed or stopped.
How to keep your grant safe and fix delays
SASSA is warning all of its beneficiaries, including those who get Disability and Children’s grants, to be on the lookout for scammers who use official logos to steal PINs or ID numbers. If you haven’t received your grant by the expected date, it’s probably because of the ongoing verification reviews and stopped grants drive, not a mistake in the system.
To keep your money safe:
- Check all offers Only believe what you read on the official SASSA website or in person at a local office.
- Report unauthorized deductions If you see insurance premiums that you didn’t sign up for, go to your nearest Sassa office right away.
- Update your information If your payment is late, go to an SASSA branch to finish your life certification and make sure your contact information is up to date.
The SASSA schedule for 2026/2027 continues with Disability and Children’s grants set for April 7 and 8. The agency is still on high alert for both administrative non-compliance and attempts at fraud from outside sources.
