How to Claim SASSA Funeral Benefits? Steps to Claim Benefits
As SASSA continues to assist underprivileged families in the country financially, the passing away of a grant recipient can pose severe financial threats for the family. SASSA’s funeral benefits are an excellent initiative by the government to help ease the financial burden of these families.
In this article, we will answer how to claim SASSA funeral benefits, the eligibility criteria, and all you need to know about SASSA’s funeral policy.
What is SASSA Funeral Policy?
The funeral costs of a SASSA recipient can be quite difficult for the family to manage. With this in mind, SASSA came up with government funeral assistance in South Africa to help cover the funeral costs of deceased recipients. While there is an eligibility standard for receiving the aid, the funeral policy typically helps cover major funeral expenses.
How Does SASSA Funeral Policy Work?
The funeral policy typically provides a standard lump-sum cash payout whose value is determined by SASSA. The value isn’t constant and may be adjusted annually. Recipients can use this amount for different funeral expenses, such as;
- Coffin
- Mortuary fees
- Transport costs
- Other expenses
Families wishing to access the SASSA funeral benefit must submit a claim and supporting documents to their nearest SASSA office. After which, the claims are assessed for eligibility and the funeral payout is then released.
Who Can Claim SASSA Funeral Benefits – Eligibility and What You Need to Know
The surviving family members or dependents of a deceased grant can claim SASSA funeral benefits. However, there are specific requirements as to who can claim SASSA funeral benefits. According to the eligibility criteria, the deceased must have been receiving either of the following grants at the time of death;
- Older Person’s Grant
- Disability Grant
- Care Dependency Grant
If the recipient is eligible, SASSA requires copies of the person’s ID applying for the policy and a claim form. Beneficiaries can easily obtain these forms from the nearest SASSA office or download them from the official website. However, the funeral claims must be submitted within 12 months from the date of death to be valid.
The funeral benefits can also be claimed for the death of the recipient’s spouse or qualifying child under the age of 18 years old. In that case, the following documents are required;
- Certified copies of the deceased’s ID
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificate showing the relationship
- Proof of registration as a SASSA grant recipient.
FAQs:
How do I claim money from SASSA?
You must apply for the relevant social grant at your nearest SASSA office to claim money. You will be required to provide supporting documents such as proof of identity, income, and your specific circumstances.
What happens if a SASSA beneficiary dies?
After the death of the beneficiary, the grant payments will eventually stop. It is the responsibility of the beneficiary’s next of kin to inform SASSA about the death. Any money received after the beneficiary’s death must be repaid to SASSA.
How do I check my SASSA old age grant balance?
The SASSA old age grant can be checked by visiting your nearest SASSA office. Alternatively, you can also check your balance digitally if you have registered for SASSA’s electronic payment methods.
How long does it take to process a SASSA funeral benefits claim?
Processing times may vary, but SASSA aims to process applications as quickly as possible. It’s advisable to inquire about the expected processing time when submitting your application.
Conclusion
In addition to providing financial grants to the underprivileged, SASSA also offers funeral benefits to the families of the late recipient.
This policy aims to help the underprivileged manage expenses that come with different arrangements for the funeral. However, it is important for the recipient’s family members to notify SASSA of the death as any money paid thereafter is supposed to be paid back.