IN SHORT: Some social media posts claim the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) is offering food parcels, vouchers or cash for November and December 2025 and encourage users to apply via the attached link. But this is another scam.
“Do you have SA ID or passport? We are still helping people to apply for Sassa food parcels for November and December 2025,” begins a post circulating on Facebook.
The South African Social Security Agency, or Sassa, is responsible for distributing grants to vulnerable and poor people in South Africa on a monthly basis.
The post lists all nine of the country’s provinces and adds: “Apply before Friday. Apply food parcels, cash and food vouchers. Food parcels are available for anyone who may need them … More than 200,000 people have received their groceries in October.”
It also includes a link where users can supposedly apply, and encourages those who can’t apply online to send a private message.
It has been reposted widely, especially in community Facebook groups where people are looking for food or grant support.
But is Sassa really offering food parcels, vouchers and cash online? We checked.
Sassa food parcels
Sassa’s food parcel and voucher initiative provides temporary assistance to people facing serious hardship, such as unemployment, disasters, or while waiting for a grant to be processed.
According to the agency, applications for food parcels cannot be made via such a link. They can only be submitted in person or via WhatsApp using the agency’s official number – 0600 123 456.
A food parcel typically includes staple foods like maize meal, rice, beans, canned fish, pasta, and cooking oil. The contents may differ by province. Each parcel or voucher is valued at R1,200 (about US$69) and usually lasts for one month. However, assistance can be extended for up to three months in exceptional cases.
Yet another scam
Africa Check has previously debunked several fake Sassa-related scams, including false grant application links promising cash or food assistance. These food parcel posts use many of the same tactics seen in other online scams that spread quickly on Facebook and WhatsApp.
One clear sign that the posts are not legitimate is that they do not direct users to Sassa’s official website or to any of the agency’s verified social media accounts. Instead, the posts link to a Google Sites page, which may look convincing at first glance but is not an official government domain.
A closer look at the message reveals several suspicious details. It lists all nine provinces and makes vague promises about groceries and vouchers being distributed to “anyone who may need them”.
The message includes no information about eligibility criteria, required documents, or how the supposed food parcels will be delivered. It also urges users to “send a private message”, a common tactic that scammers use to collect personal details such as ID numbers, phone numbers and home addresses.
Like many similar scams, the posts exploit public trust in Sassa’s name and capitalise on people’s financial vulnerability.
Sassa debunks similar claim
Sassa has previously issued a warning about similar claims that it is offering food parcels, cash and food vouchers. The agency described these claims as untrue and misleading.
Sassa has appealed to the public to be vigilant and advised that if people are uncertain about information purporting to be from Sassa, they should visit its official website or go to their nearest Sassa office to verify the information.
Still unsure if such an offer is genuine? Africa Check has debunked numerous fake opportunities, ranging from bogus learnership applications to fake job offers. If you come across a possible scam online, let us know, and we may look into it.
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