A Comprehensive Guide to Claiming SASSA Funeral Payouts
Losing a loved one to COVID-19 can be an emotionally taxing experience, and it often brings significant financial burdens to families. A surviving spouse or an appointed individual is eligible to claim these financial benefits for deceased’s burial. It is essential for nominated person to initiate claim at a local office.
The procedure for claiming funeral grants varies based on the benefits available. Initially, if deceased did not leave a will, living partner should apply for Fixed Funeral Grant. The registered spouse must claim death benefit, while Social Relief of Distress benefit can be accessed at designated service points. This assistance is specifically for funeral arrangements of individuals who cannot afford them, typically facilitated by relevant office. We will provide a detailed overview of each claim process.
Who can claim funeral benfits for grant?
SASSA provides social assistance programs to indigent and vulnerable individuals and groups. A primary function of SASSA grants department is to help applicants with lump sum funeral benefits of death. The function is undertaken in order to meet urgent needs of deceased’s dependents. However, burial expenses caused by epidemics are only subject to payment after an investigation is conducted by department of Chief Justice through Department of Home Affairs.
For applicants to qualify for assistance from Funeral Benefits Scheme, they must meet requirements
- Applicant must be above age of 18, except you can claim benefits of a stillborn child.
- They must also be dependent on deceased at time of death.
- Full-time or part-time learners, orphans, or disabled individuals can request.
- Applicant should not be entitled to claim benefits from any other account.
- For stillborn cases, Insurance claim for death must have been domiciled in Republic of South Africa at time of death.
Application process for SASSSA funeral benefits
Funeral service providers that are not authorized by South African Social Security Agency are prohibited from conducting transactions related to Scheme on behalf of agency. There is no specific application form required for Funeral Benefits. Individuals applying for Disability and Aged Grants have option to request Funeral Benefits at same time. The recipient is required to engage an accredited Funeral Undertaker who has a service agreement with agency. After Department of Social Development approves grant, it is forwarded to agency for processing, and staff is responsible for notifying grantee about eligiblity.
Documents required to claim Aid
The “DOCUMENTS” that you need to submit:
| Submit these Documents |
|---|
| Attach your ID as proof that you are a South African citizen. |
| Also provide proof you are legal guadian who has passed on. |
| Proof that grant holder was deceased before he or she dies. |
| It is also important that you should enclose death certificate of holder of aid program. |
| Attach invoice of funerals incurred in a company. |
Make sure that you get all these documents and attach them to the report before submittance. Once you make your report to officials, kindly wait for response from SASSA to your report.
Understand SASSA Funeral Policy
Here are several important considerations regarding SASSA funeral policies that you should be aware:
Only individuals who are blood relatives are eligible to claim benefits.
It should be claim within one month following the burial for funeral benefits.
It is necessary to provide an expense report to SASSA.
All expenses must be supported by receipts.
You will not receive any additional funds if actual burial costs exceed amount documented in receipt submitted to SA.