An organization that offers grants to qualified recipients is the South African Social Security Agency. Unfortunately, official Sassa offices do not accept applications for Sassa loans. It is still possible for qualified recipients to request their social grants directly from Sassa.
SASSA Loans: Key Facts to Know
The South African Department of Social Development has implemented various grant programs to reduce poverty, inequality, and unemployment. 18.4 million beneficiaries in 2021/2022 have grown to 19.2 million in 2024/25. SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) offers the following grants:
- Care and Dependency Grant
- Child Support Grant (for children over 18)
- Disability Grant
- Foster Child Grant
- Grant-In-Aid
- Older Person Grant
- Social Relief of Distress (SRD 350)
- War Veterans Grant
Check Your SASSA Application Status Online
The National Credit Regulator (NCR) launched an investigation in 2017 into money lenders who used SASSA cards as collateral. As SASSA itself acknowledged, these lenders often charged high-interest rates and targeted pensioners and recipients of social grants. While some lenders required beneficiaries to sign up for additional cards and funeral insurance policies, others continued to deduct payments even after the loan was repaid.
Regulations Governing SASSA Grants and Loans
Grants are provided by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to eligible beneficiaries. The purpose of these grants is to provide financial assistance to individuals who are in need. These grants are, however, subject to strict SASSA regulations.
Regulations for Money Lenders:
A SASSA card cannot be used as collateral for a loan. If a money lender is caught using a payment card, he or she will be arrested and punished. Documents pertaining to pensioners cannot also be in the possession of money lenders. To protect grant and fund cards from money lenders, new applicants are required to sign a declaration of intent.
Consequences for Loan Recipients:
The transfer, ceding, or pledging of an award is illegal. Violations of this rule may result in beneficiaries’ grants being suspended or terminated.
Shoprite Loans:
Through Shoprite, you can obtain affordable unsecured personal loans. As part of the loan application process, you will need to submit a bank statement for the past three months, a valid ID document, a salary or wage payslip, and proof of residence.
How to Apply for Shoprite Loans:
You can apply for Shoprite loans in person at a Shoprite branch or online at the MFin website. It is necessary to complete the loan application form, indicating the amount of the loan that is required.
Beware of Scammers:
Grant recipients are warned to be cautious of fake R700 grant application messages from SASSA.
Finbond Mutual Bank Loans for Short-term Financial Assistance
Finbond Mutual Banks provide unsecured personal loans for a short period of time, providing financial assistance to those in need.
Loan Amount and Repayment:
A loan amount of R500 to R20,000 can be obtained from Finbond Mutual Bank without collateral or guarantee. It is repaid over a 24 month period without interest.
Requirements for Finbond Loans:
To apply for a loan, you must have a bank account where you deposit your monthly income, be a South African citizen over 21, and be over 21. Additionally, the following documents must be submitted:
- Certified ID (Identity document)
- 3 months of payslips
- 3 months of the latest bank statements
- Certified proof of address
- Contact details (Cell phone number and email address)
- Monthly expenses
Applying for a Finbond Loan:
Fill out the application form on Finbondmutualbank.co.za to apply for a Finbond loan.
Contact Information:
You can get in touch with us via the following channels if you have questions about your loan application:
Website: finbondmutualbank.co.za
Telephone: 086 0004249 / 012 460 7288
Email: [email protected]
Physical Address: Rigel Office Park, 446 Rigel Ave (South), Erasmusrand Pretoria 0181
Capitec Loan: Flexible Options with Affordable Credit Insurance
The Capitec loan can be obtained for up to R250 000 with flexible repayment options and low-interest rates. Moreover, customers can purchase affordable credit insurance that covers retrenchments, temporary and permanent disabilities, unemployment, and death. Capitec’s app makes it easy to manage credit and track payments.
Applicants must ensure that their businesses are registered as an Association, not for gain, Close Corporation (CC), Incorporated (Inc), Public Company (Ltd), Private Company (Pty Ltd), or a Trust. Sole traders, freelancers, and self-employed individuals are not eligible for Capitec loans.
When applying for a Capitec loan
The application process requires applicants to submit personal information, including their ID, names, surnames, marriage certificates (if they are married), and divorce orders (if they are separated). Additionally, they must submit a bank statement showing three consecutive months of salary deposits (the statement must be stamped).
Applying for a Capitec Bank Loan: Options and Contact Information
Online, through the Capitec app, in a branch office, or by phone are all ways to apply for a loan at Capitec Bank.
Visit the Capitec Bank website at capita bank.co.za/global-one/credit/term-loan/ and click on “Online” under “ways to apply.” Fill out the form with the required information.
Alternatively, you can apply through the Capitec app by following the steps provided.
Visit capita bank.co.za/branch-locator and locate the closest Capitec branch to complete your application in person.
Finally, you can apply for a loan over the phone by calling 0860 66 77 89 and following the instructions.
For any questions or assistance, you can contact the Capitec team via phone, WhatsApp, email, or fax. Contact details are as follows:
- WhatsApp: 067 418 9565 (Monday – Friday; 8 am-5 pm)
- Telephone: 021 941 1377 (Available 24hrs a day)
- Fax: +27 21 941 0770
Conclusion
The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) provides grants to its citizens, but it does not offer loans. Thus, lenders must display their NCR certificates if they wish to offer debt to individuals. To avoid potential issues, it is important to check for this certificate. The National Debt Advisors (NDA) in South Africa offer comprehensive debt solutions to clients. Debt management, counseling, and advice are all solutions that can help individuals manage their debts successfully.
