Key takeaways
Understanding SASSA funeral support
Many families in Soweto and surrounding areas have elderly relatives who receive SASSA social grants. When these grant recipients pass away, families often don't know that they may be entitled to claim the deceased's unpaid grant to assist with funeral costs.
The important thing to understand is that SASSA does not offer a separate funeral grant. Instead, families can claim the deceased's last unpaid grant payment. This typically includes approximately R9,000 in unpaid grant money plus a R2,500 death award, totalling approximately R11,500.
This money goes to the person who paid for the funeral, not to the family in general.
Ubuntu Memorial Services cannot promise a guaranteed government funeral payout. We help families understand which documents to prepare and where to submit them. Always confirm current amounts and rules with SASSA directly.
Who qualifies for SASSA funeral benefits?
Not everyone can claim. To qualify, you must meet all of these conditions.
SASSA does not pay funeral parlours directly. The payment goes to the claimant who handled the funeral expenses.
What SASSA support can be used for
The funds can be used for funeral-related expenses including the coffin or casket, transport of the deceased, burial or cremation costs, catering for the funeral, grave fees, and other funeral-related costs.
How to claim: step by step
Follow these steps at your nearest SASSA office. Bring all documents with you.
1
Gather your documents
You will need the death certificate of the deceased grant recipient, your own ID as the claimant, proof of relationship to the deceased such as a birth or marriage certificate, the SASSA grant card or confirmation of grant status, a funeral invoice or receipt showing you paid for the funeral, and your bank account details for payment.
2
Visit your nearest SASSA office
Take all documents with you. Complete the required claim forms at the office. The SASSA officer will guide you through the process.
3
Wait for processing
Processing time varies but can take up to 30 days. Maintain follow-up communication with the SASSA office. Keep a copy of everything you submitted.
4
Payment received
Payment is made to your bank account. The amount is typically the deceased's last 1 to 2 monthly grant payments (approximately R2,050 to R4,100 depending on grant type) plus the R2,500 death award.
Other government and community support options
If SASSA funds are not enough or the deceased was not a grant recipient, there are other support channels families can explore.
- Municipal funeral assistance: some municipalities offer burial assistance for indigent families. Check with your local municipal office.
- Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant: eligible families can apply via the SASSA SRD website. This is temporary assistance for families in dire need.
- Private funeral insurance: if the deceased had funeral cover, claim the payout from the insurer. This is separate from any SASSA support.
- Religious and community organisations: churches, mosques, temples and community NGOs often have funeral assistance programmes.
- Stokvel groups: burial society payouts can supplement other funds. If the deceased was a member, the family should contact the society.
Use this support as one part of your plan
Government and community support can help, but families should not depend on it as the only funeral plan. Processing times can be slow, amounts can change, and eligibility depends on specific circumstances.
The strongest position for a family is to have a clear funeral package, a consistent payment record, and a written quote. Government and community support can then supplement what the family has already planned rather than being the only resource during a crisis.