SASSAStep-By-Step Guide to Apply For SASSA Loans Via Cellphone – Apply with...

Step-By-Step Guide to Apply For SASSA Loans Via Cellphone – Apply with Caution

Are you looking to apply for SASSA loans via Cellphone? If yes, then first you need to know that SASSA itself does not offer any loan, they only offer social grants to eligible South African Citizens. The loans are offered by third parties such as Moneyline, Shoprite, Capitec, and some other lenders. These loans are only rewarded if you are an active SASSA grant holder.

SASSA itself urged its beneficiaries not to take any loans as it might result in unnecessary deductions on their social grants. But still, if you want to take a loan, then you must take it all on your own and consult a financial expert before taking any loan.

Step-By-Step Guide to Apply For SASSA Loans Via Cellphone – Apply with Caution

Below, I will discuss the step-by-step procedure which is being used to apply for the SASSA loans.

Note: Please keep in mind that people named it a SASSA loan, but SASSA doesn’t provide loans itself. SASSA Loan word used throughout this article is only to mention the third party loan providers.

Step-By-Step Process to Take SASSA Loans Via Cellphone USSD Method

If you are too old, have any disability, or for some reason unable to visit any loan provider yourself, then there are two methods you can use to apply for the SASSA loan via your cellphone. I explained both methods step-by-step, so you just need to follow them.

1. Apply For Moneyline SASSA Loans

Here are the steps you need to follow to apply for Moneyline SASSA loans:

  • First of all, dial the USSD code *130*3737*1# from your phone.
  • Now, a prompt will ask you to provide your ID number. Provide your ID number in this prompt.
  • After that, you will be asked to press one to let the Moneyline access your credit check and bank statement. Although it’s your sensitive information, you will have to press one to provide them access if you are willing to get a loan.
  • Now, the prompt will ask for your ATM PIN. You will have to provide them with your PIN as well for security reasons. (It means they will have access to your account now; you must think twice before applying for a loan, as they will take all your sensitive information).
  • Finally, you need to wait for an SMS. You will receive an SMS with the loan agreement and repayment details. Please read the terms and conditions carefully and do not sign the agreement before you fully understand it.
  • Sign the loan agreement document and reply with your full name.
  • That’s all! Now, you will have to wait for the Moneyline decision. Most loan applications are approved within 24 hours, but it may take longer if they have many applications pending. 

Once approved, you will receive an SMS with confirmation, and the loan amount will be deposited into your bank account. If rejected, you will receive an SMS with the reason for rejection.

2. Apply For EasyPay Loans SASSA

To apply for Net1 Easy Pay SASSA loan application, follow the below steps:

  • Dial the USSD code *120*3737*1# from your cell phone.
  • Now, select option 5 to provide your ID number. Provide your ID number in this prompt.
  • After providing your ID number, you will be asked to enter the total amount you want.
  • Now, you will be asked to provide your total monthly expense amount.
  • After that, you need to wait for an SMS. You will receive an SMS with the loan agreement and repayment details. Please read the agreement documentation carefully and only sign the documents after you agree.
  • Sign the loan agreement document and reply with your full name.
  • That’s all! Now, you will have to wait for the Easy Pay decision. Most loan applications are approved within 24 hours, but it may take longer if they have many applications pending. 

You can use the above methods to get the SASSA loans for child grants as well.

Eligibility Criteria to Take these SASSA Loans

There are eligibility criteria to qualify for these SASSA loans. You can qualify for the loan if you fulfill the below criteria:

  • You should be at least 18 years old.
  • You must be a South African Citizen and have a valid South African Identity Card Document.
  • You should have a consistent source of income.
  • You must have a bank account in your name.
  • You should have an active cell phone number in your name.
  • You must not have any outstanding loans associated with your SASSA grant.
  • You must be receiving a SASSA grant such as an Old AgeDisabilityChild Support GrantFoster Child GrantSRD grant, or any valid SASSA grant.

SASSA Loan Amount

The amount you can borrow as a SASSA beneficiary varies depending on the private lender you choose. It also depends on your income and credit history. Some lenders may offer loans from R250 to R1000, while others may offer up to R25,000 for borrowers with good credit and stable income.

So, It’s important to compare lenders and review their official websites or resources before applying for any loan.

Please be aware that most of the loans have high monthly fees as well as the highest interest rates, which are 5% to 35%, and in some conditions, they are even 200%. So you must understand the specific terms and conditions, including interest rates and fees, associated with each loan offer to decide if that’s something valuable for you; otherwise, you may be trapped in high debts.

Repayment of Loan

The repayment of the loan will be automatically done from your SASSA grant amount. It will be deducted each month when you receive your social grant payment. Please keep in mind that if you fail to pay a loan, it may have bad consequences, such as affecting your credit score, legal action, and your eligibility for future loans.

So you must decide first if you are able to pay the loan in a timely manner and take it only if you can easily afford to repay the loan amount.

Some Dark Sides of SASSA Loan

As I already discussed, these loans are not provided by SASSA itself but provided by third party lenders who offer you a loan when you have an active SASSA grant. So, while these loans can help you in an emergency, they also have some negative consequences. They charge really high fees and have ridiculously higher interest rates.

According to a study by the Black Sash, borrowing up to R8,000 for 6 months under the National Credit Act (NCR) falls under “short term credit.” According to NCR rules, lenders can charge 5% monthly interest, a one-time R150 initiation fee, and R50 monthly service fees. This translates to R750 in additional charges on top of your original R1,000 loan. In total, you’d repay 75% more than what you borrowed, highlighting the surprisingly high cost of short-term loans despite small loan amounts.

Taking on a high-interest loan can create a snowball effect of debt. Consider the long-term impact on your financial stability before applying.

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