How to Claim SASSA Funeral Benefits?
The heart-wrenching passing of a cherished family member can bring about significant financial strain, particularly if the deceased was the primary breadwinner. In a country where unemployment and welfare challenges loom large, many bereaved families in South Africa find themselves grappling with the overwhelming costs of laying their loved ones to rest.
Thankfully, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) extends a much-needed helping hand through its valuable funeral benefits, providing crucial support precisely when it’s needed the most. This comprehensive guide is dedicated to shedding light on everything you need to know about obtaining SASSA funeral payouts during periods of unemployment and hardship.
Understanding SASSA Funeral Benefits
The SASSA Funeral Policy serves as a lifeline for unemployed South Africans and families facing poverty who have lost a beloved member. If the deceased was a recipient of a SASSA social assistance grant, their family is entitled to financial aid that covers the expenses related to the funeral, in accordance with the South African Social Security Agency.
These benefits include :
- a lump sum payout of R9,000 to manage direct funeral and burial costs,
- R2,500 for added financial relief.
For families already struggling financially due to unemployment or low income, these payouts can be the difference between being able to give their departed loved one a dignified send-off.
The R9,000 is intended to cover necessary funeral-related expenses such as,
- Transporting and storing the deceased
- Mortuary and burial plot fees
- Purchasing a coffin
- Tents, catering, refreshments
- Floral arrangements
- Tombstone
- Clergy and officiant fees
The supplementary R2,500 offers immediate financial support during the mourning period and can be utilized at the family’s discretion to address urgent needs that arise.
Who Qualifies for SASSA Funeral Benefits?
For families to avail SASSA funeral benefits, the deceased individual must have been actively receiving one of the following SASSA social grants for unemployed or low-income citizens at the time of their demise:
- Old age pension
- Disability grant
- Child support grant
- Foster child grant
- Care dependency grant
- War veteran’s grant
The family member applying must provide evidence of their relationship to the deceased, along with certified copies of their ID books and the original death certificate. The benefits are disbursed to spouses, children, siblings, or parents of the deceased.
Claiming SASSA Funeral Benefits During Unemployment
To successfully claim SASSA funeral benefits during unemployment, follow these step-by-step guidelines:
1. Report the Death: Inform or visit your nearest SASSA office to report the demise of the grant recipient, providing the date of death.
2. Gather Required Documents: Obtain certified copies of your and the deceased’s IDs, the original death certificate, and proof of relation, such as marriage or birth certificates.
3. Complete the Claim Forms: Accurately fill in the BI-1663 and BI-1680 SASSA claim forms, providing all necessary personal and funeral details.
4. Submit the Funeral Claim: Take the completed forms, documents, and funeral receipts to your nearest SASSA office to file the claim.
5. Await Claim Processing: The processing time can vary from a few days to a few weeks. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information or documentation.
6. Receive the Payout: Once approved, the total funeral benefit amount will be deposited into your bank account or made available for cash collection.
Tips for Efficient Processing of Your Claim
To ensure prompt and smooth disbursement of your SASSA funeral benefits, keep the following tips in mind:
- Act swiftly – report the death and file the claim within 3 months of the passing.
- Retain original receipts of all funeral and burial expenses.
- Obtain multiple certified copies of the necessary documents.
- Familiarize yourself with the deceased’s ID and grant details.
- Follow up if the process is taking longer than expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if the funeral costs exceed the payout amounts?
A: Families are responsible for covering any additional funeral costs beyond the R9,000 and R2,500 benefits. Prioritize the most essential expenses.
Q: Can benefits be claimed if the grant has lapsed?
A: Unfortunately, this is not possible. The deceased must have been an active grant recipient at the time of their passing for benefits to be applicable.
Q: Is the payout calculated per grant or per person?
A: Only a single total funeral benefit amount is paid out for each deceased individual, regardless of the number of grants they were receiving.
Q: How long does it take to receive the payout?
A: The processing time can range from several days to a few weeks, depending on the verification of documents and processing timeframes. Completing all necessary documentation can expedite the process.
Q: What if a family member cannot afford to gather all the documents?
A: In such cases, a social worker can be appointed to assist low-income families in compiling the required documentation to claim the benefits.
The devastating loss of a loved one should not plunge families into financial turmoil. By providing comprehensive information about eligibility, required documents, and a step-by-step claims process, this guide aims to ensure that South Africa’s most vulnerable and unemployed citizens can access the vital funeral benefits they may be entitled to from SASSA.