Collecting a grant for someone else: the lawful route
On this page (6 sections)
Someone who cannot collect their own grant — through age, illness or disability — can appoint a procurator to collect it for them. Both people sign a power of attorney provided by SASSA, in front of a Commissioner of Oaths. The procurator must be 18 or older, a permanent resident, not an unrehabilitated insolvent, and may act for no more than five beneficiaries. Doing it informally instead — simply handing over the card and PIN — leaves the beneficiary with no protection and exposes both people to a fraud finding.
Who may be a procurator
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 or older |
| Residence | A permanent resident of South Africa |
| Insolvency | Must not be an unrehabilitated insolvent |
| Limit | May act for no more than five beneficiaries |
| Undertaking | Must swear an affidavit that all money collected goes to the beneficiary |
| Relationship | No relationship requirement — but it must be someone trusted |
How to appoint one
- Tell the SASSA office you want to appoint a procurator
The beneficiary should raise it, or a family member can report the situation on the beneficiary's behalf. SASSA provides the power of attorney form — do not use a form from anywhere else.
- Both parties complete and sign it before a Commissioner of Oaths
The beneficiary and the procurator sign, with a thumbprint where needed. Commissioners of Oaths are available free at any police station, and at many SASSA offices.
- The procurator swears the undertaking
An affidavit confirming that everything stated is true and that all money collected will be given to the beneficiary.
- Submit both IDs
The beneficiary's and the procurator's identity documents are both required.
- SASSA records the appointment
From then on the procurator may lawfully collect on the beneficiary's behalf.
The alternatives worth considering first
| Situation | Better option |
|---|---|
| The beneficiary can bank but not queue | Have the grant paid into their own bank account, so no collection trip is needed |
| They need help with daily life, not just collection | Also claim Grant-in-Aid — R580 a month more |
| They cannot get to an office to apply at all | Request a home visit for the application itself |
| They cannot manage their affairs at all | Procuration covers collection only. Broader incapacity may need a curator appointed by a court — get legal advice |
| The beneficiary has died | Procuration ends at death. What families must do |
Protecting the beneficiary
- The appointment can be cancelled at any time by the beneficiary, at a SASSA office.
- The card and PIN stay with the beneficiary where possible — procuration is not a transfer of the account.
- Keep a simple record of each collection: date and amount handed over. It protects the procurator as much as the beneficiary.
- Report suspected abuse on 0800 60 10 11. Financial abuse of an older person is a criminal offence, not a family matter.
- Procuration ends when the beneficiary dies. Drawing money afterwards is fraud, whatever the intention.
Frequently asked questions
Can my mother's grant be collected by me?
Yes, if you are appointed as her procurator through SASSA. Both of you sign a power of attorney before a Commissioner of Oaths.
How many people can one procurator collect for?
No more than five beneficiaries.
Does it cost anything?
No. The form, the commissioning of the affidavit and the SASSA process are all free.
What if my relative cannot leave the house to sign?
Two people who know them well can make an affidavit confirming the condition, or you can ask SASSA to send an official to the home to complete the form there.
Can I keep collecting after the beneficiary dies?
No. Procuration ends at death, and any money drawn afterwards must be returned. What to do instead.
Can the beneficiary cancel it?
Yes, at any time, at a SASSA office.
Verified information
- Responsible body
- South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)
- Official source
- sassa.gov.za
- Status
- Officially confirmed
- Date verified
- Confidence
- High confidence
Procurator requirements — the age and residence conditions, the five-beneficiary limit, the Commissioner of Oaths requirement and the home-visit alternative — are confirmed against SASSA's published procuration guidance.
SA Benefits is independent and not affiliated with SASSA or government. Editorial guidance on this page is clearly separated from official information — see how we verify.
What's changed on this page (1)
Published covering appointment as a procurator, the alternatives where the beneficiary cannot travel, and why the informal 'just take my card' arrangement is dangerous for both people.
Site-wide corrections are logged publicly in the corrections register.
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