SASSA has revealed that 98% of people who misuse social grants aimed for the elderly and people with disabilities are their families.
Sassa spokesman Senzeni Ngubeni urged beneficiaries to report such relatives to its offices.
“Relatives who are trusted are often guilty of misusing the grant money,” said Ngubeni.
“If an older person or someone with a disability is too weak or sick to go to a paypoint to collect their social grant payment, they are allowed to choose someone (a procurator) to receive the money on their behalf.
“The beneficiary has the right to change the procurator if they feel the grant is being spent without their permission. The ID document of the beneficiary and of the new procurator must be produced at the Sassa office.
“Beneficiaries are welcome to report any complaint regarding their social grants.
“They must use their grants responsibly for basic needs to avoid poverty. Family members are encouraged to assist beneficiaries instead of intimidating them and misusing the money,” said Ngubeni.