There has been an increasing discourse on social media lately, with some posts suggesting that SASSA grants are now exempt from all tax or that beneficiaries would no longer have to declare them as income. These posts often go so far as to claim that recipients of grants (Old Age Grant, Disability Grant, Child Support Grant, etc.) can expect taxation rules to be changed. They claim that according to some so-called “new 2025 regulations,” the government will officially declare SASSA grants as tax-free.
What the Government Has Clarified
SASSA and various government departments have issued several statements in the media clarifying the matter:
- No formal policy announcement: Up until the latest media statements, the Government had not confirmed in any declaration that any SASSA grants have henceforth been reclassified as completely tax-free or that beneficiaries were now exempt from any disclosure requirements.
- Ongoing reviews: There are processes to regularly review grant eligibility and ascertain that recipients notify when they acquire further income or have a change in their circumstances.
- False or misleading rumors: SASSA has issued repeated cautions to beneficiaries regarding false and misleading information circulating in social media about suspension or increase of grants or double payments, or their being “tax-free.”
What “Tax-Free” Could, but Probably Does Not, Mean
Since the term “tax-free SASSA grants” has no clear definition, some possibilities within the current legal and policy framework are as follows:
Likely:
- Generally, the grants themselves have never been taxed as income, at least in a normal sense of personal income tax – these are social assistance.
- The government may be emphasizing that recipients should ensure that their records are updated and that they avoid undeclared income, but this is a different matter from “taxation” in the usual sense.
Unlikely:
- That there is a new law making all SASSA grants completely exempt from any financial disclosure.
- That beneficiaries will receive refunds or adjustments because of “tax previously withheld” from grants-grants are not usually subject to such withholding.
What Beneficiaries Should Do
If you are receiving the key SASSA grant, here are some practical steps:
- Check information via official SASSA channels — the SASSA website, or official government statements (such as media statements) as opposed to social media.
- Keep information about your income and your address updated — particularly your income, because if you are receiving money from some other source, SASSA might require a disclosure to determine eligibility (means testing).
- Do not give heed to rumors about changes in tax status unless and until official sources have so stated.
- Keep the eyes and ears open for anything which SASSA communicates regarding possible legislative changes but treat anything else with caution.
Also Read: SASSA Payment Dates September & October 2025: Complete Grant Schedule Released