Buy lottery with SASSA grant legally? 

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides financial assistance to students in South Africa.

However, for those receiving SASSA grants, understanding the rules and regulations surrounding their use is crucial.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides various grants, including the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grants, to support underprivileged citizens in the country.

Buy Lottery with SASSA Grant Legally?

Social grants from SASSA are meant to provide care and resources to citizens who need it.

But is it illegal to buy a LOTTO ticket with your grant, or are you free to spend the social grant payment on what you wish?

National LOTTO Rules

  • The National Lottery rules stipulates that LOTTO players must be 18 or older to play.
  • Players must buy their own ticket, and be able to legally sign a contract.
  • Without these conditions met, someone cannot legally play the lottery (or claim their win from Ithuba).

SASSA Grant Payments

  • Social grant payments are allocated to the person who receives the grant.
  • The only person who legally may spend the grant is the person in whose name the grant is received.
  • According to the SASSA rules, a social grant must be:
    • Spent only by the person the grant is legally issued to, and
    • Used for the person’s care, such as groceries or transport

Technically, No… But There’s a Catch!

  • It is completely legal to buy a LOTTO entry with your SASSA grant, when:
    • The social grant is your own, and
    • You meet the legal conditions to play.
  • There’s one catch: if you win the lottery jackpot, you might no longer be eligible for your SASSA grant – and will automatically fail the means test if your LOTTO payment(s) exceed allowed earnings

Can I Change My SASSA Card to the Bank Account?

To change your SASSA card to a bank account, you can contact SASSA or visit their website for more information.

Where Can I Draw SASSA Money?

You can draw SASSA money from various outlets, including:

  • SASSA paypoints
  • ATMs
  • Net1 branches

Are SASSA Grant Cards Still Valid?

SASSA grant cards are still valid, but it’s essential to check with SASSA for any updates or changes.

Which Bank I Can Use for SASSA?

You can use various banks for SASSA, including:

  • Nedbank
  • ABSA
  • FNB
  • Standard Bank

SASSA Contact

For more information about SASSA grants or to inquire about your application status, you can contact SASSA at:

  • Phone: 0800 60 10 11
  • Email: info@sassa.gov.za