0800 60 10 11 (SASSA Toll-Free)
All SASSA logo
All SASSA

Social Security Information Portal

Affordable Funeral Cover for Grant Recipients (2026)

Compare realistic funeral plans designed for SASSA households, with actual premiums, cover amounts, and what to watch before you sign.

Help-first reminder: Never sign up under pressure or from door-to-door agents. Confirm exclusions, waiting periods, and premium escalation before purchasing. If you cannot afford the premium, it is better to have no cover than to lapse after a few months and lose your waiting period.
Disclosure: Premiums are indicative based on publicly available rates as of March 2026 for a single adult. Your actual premium depends on age, number of lives, and plan chosen. Links go to each insurer's official website.

Quick Comparison

ProviderFrom (monthly)CoverWaiting PeriodMedical ExamPayout
AVBOBFrom R44/monthR10,000 to R50,0006 months (natural), immediate (accidental)Not requiredWithin 48 hours of valid claim
AssupolFrom R35/monthR10,000 to R100,0006 months (natural), immediate (accidental)Not requiredSame-day or next business day
iWYZEFrom R59/monthR10,000 to R75,0006 months (natural), immediate (accidental)Not requiredWithin 48 hours of approved claim
1LifeFrom R79/monthR10,000 to R100,0006 months (natural), immediate (accidental)Not requiredWithin 24 to 48 hours of approved claim
HollardFrom R89/monthR10,000 to R150,0006 months (natural), immediate (accidental)Not requiredWithin 48 hours of approved claim
MetropolitanFrom R40/monthR100,0006 months (natural), immediate (accidental)Not requiredWithin 48 hours of approved claim
ClienteleFrom R350/monthR10,000 to R100,0006 months (natural), immediate (accidental)Not requiredWithin 48 to 72 hours of valid claim

AVBOB Mutual Assurance

South Africa's largest funeral assurer

Grant friendlyGrant-friendly plan details

Widely used by SASSA grant recipients. Branches at Post Offices in many areas.

Monthly Premium

From R44/month

(1 adult, R10k cover)

Cover Amount

R10,000 to R50,000

Cover up to Up to 21 family members

Waiting Period

6 months (natural), immediate (accidental)

Payout Speed

Within 48 hours of valid claim

Key Benefits

  • No medical examination required
  • Cover for main member + extended family
  • Grocery benefit (R3,000 food voucher on some plans)
  • Tombstone benefit on higher-tier plans
  • Available at AVBOB branches in most towns
  • Pensioner-specific plans available

Things to Check First

  • Premiums increase as you get older
  • Review exclusions for pre-existing conditions
  • Confirm your province has a nearby branch

Best for: Older Persons Grant and Disability Grant recipients wanting an established provider

Get a Quote from AVBOB

Assupol Life

Reliable cover designed for lower-income households

Grant friendlyGrant-friendly plan details

Budget-tier Cornerstone plan designed with grant income levels in mind.

Monthly Premium

From R35/month

(entry Cornerstone plan)

Cover Amount

R10,000 to R100,000

Cover up to Up to 14 family members

Waiting Period

6 months (natural), immediate (accidental)

Payout Speed

Same-day or next business day

Key Benefits

  • Cornerstone plan with no medicals and no blood tests
  • Cover spouse, children, and parents
  • Guaranteed premiums for first 5 years on some plans
  • Cash-back bonus after 5 years (select plans)
  • Online application available
  • Budget-tier plans aligned to grant income levels

Things to Check First

  • Cash-back bonus only on specific plans, confirm before buying
  • Premium guarantee period, verify what happens after 5 years
  • Check for any income/employment verification requirements

Best for: Families wanting low-entry premium with multi-family cover

Get a Quote from Assupol

Old Mutual iWYZE

Trusted Old Mutual brand, digital application

Monthly Premium

From R59/month

(R10k cover)

Cover Amount

R10,000 to R75,000

Cover up to Up to 14 lives

Waiting Period

6 months (natural), immediate (accidental)

Payout Speed

Within 48 hours of approved claim

Key Benefits

  • Backed by Old Mutual, established since 1845
  • No medical exam for standard cover amounts
  • Cover parents, parents-in-law, and extended family
  • Monthly premium stays fixed for 12 months
  • Apply by phone or online
  • SMS notification when claim is processed

Things to Check First

  • Check annually as premiums may adjust after 12-month period
  • Accidental death vs natural death payout terms differ
  • Some plans require all lives covered to be declared upfront

Best for: Those who value a large, established insurer with digital convenience

Get a Quote from iWYZE

1Life Insurance

Online-first with fast quotes and no paperwork

Monthly Premium

From R79/month

(R10k cover)

Cover Amount

R10,000 to R100,000

Cover up to Up to 21 lives

Waiting Period

6 months (natural), immediate (accidental)

Payout Speed

Within 24 to 48 hours of approved claim

Key Benefits

  • Fully online application with no paperwork
  • Instant quote and cover confirmation
  • No medical exam up to R100,000
  • Repatriation benefit included
  • Monthly debit order or pay via app
  • Large family cover (up to 21 lives)

Things to Check First

  • Primarily digital and may not suit those without smartphones
  • Higher entry premium than some competitors
  • Confirm debit order deduction date aligns with your grant payment day

Best for: Younger grant recipients and those with smartphone access who want fast online sign-up

Get a Quote from 1Life

Hollard Funeral Insurance

Flexible plans, not SASSA-specific but with strong benefits

Monthly Premium

From R89/month

(R10k cover)

Cover Amount

R10,000 to R150,000

Cover up to Up to 21 lives

Waiting Period

6 months (natural), immediate (accidental)

Payout Speed

Within 48 hours of approved claim

Key Benefits

  • One of SA's largest insurers with strong claims track record
  • Higher cover limits than some SASSA-focused plans (up to R150k)
  • Cover for extended family including in-laws and parents
  • Grocery and tombstone benefits on select plans
  • Apply by phone or through a broker
  • Plans designed for various income levels

Things to Check First

  • Not specifically designed for grant recipients, so confirm affordability
  • Premiums higher than SASSA-optimised plans at entry level
  • Plans sold through various intermediaries so terms may vary

Best for: People wanting higher cover amounts (above R50,000) or broader benefit options beyond SASSA-specific plans

Get a Quote from Hollard

Metropolitan Funeral Cover

Trusted large insurer that is strong in lower-income markets

Monthly Premium

From R40/month

(R100k cover)

Cover Amount

R100,000

Cover up to Up to 14 lives

Waiting Period

6 months (natural), immediate (accidental)

Payout Speed

Within 48 hours of approved claim

Key Benefits

  • Part of Momentum Metropolitan, one of SA's largest insurers
  • Strong presence in low-income and township communities
  • No medical exam across all standard plans
  • Accessible via branches, agents, and phone
  • Cover for spouse, children, and extended family
  • Strong claims reputation with clear payout process

Things to Check First

  • Sold primarily through agents, so ensure you receive a written policy document
  • Some plans have age restrictions for new members (typically under 65)
  • Confirm what happens if you miss 2 or more consecutive payments

Best for: People in townships and rural areas who want face-to-face service through a local Metropolitan agent

Get a Quote from Metropolitan

Clientele Life

Simple phone application with no paperwork or broker needed

Monthly Premium

From R350/month

(R100k cover)

Cover Amount

R10,000 to R100,000

Cover up to Up to 14 lives

Waiting Period

6 months (natural), immediate (accidental)

Payout Speed

Within 48 to 72 hours of valid claim

Key Benefits

  • Apply by phone in under 10 minutes
  • No forms or paperwork required to start cover
  • Widely advertised and well-known brand in SA
  • Repatriation benefit across all plans
  • Cover multiple family members on one policy
  • SMS payment reminders help avoid lapsing

Things to Check First

  • Not SASSA-specific, so compare premiums carefully
  • Phone sales model means you should ask for all terms in writing
  • Confirm the exact waiting period before signing
  • Premiums may increase annually, ask about escalation rate

Best for: Individuals who prefer a simple over-the-phone application without visiting a branch or using an app

Get a Quote from Clientele

What to Know Before You Buy

Waiting Periods Explained

Most funeral plans have a 6-month waiting period for natural deaths. This means if the insured person dies from illness within 6 months of starting the policy, no payout is made. Accidental death is usually covered immediately. Always ask about this before signing.

Debit Order Timing

Set your debit order date to match your SASSA payment date. For example, if your grant pays on the 3rd, set debit for the 4th or 5th. This avoids missed payments and policy lapsing, which can reset your waiting period.

How Much Cover Do You Need?

A basic funeral in South Africa costs between R12,000 and R25,000. A R10,000 policy covers a simple ceremony. If you want a tombstone, catering, or multiple family members covered, consider a higher plan or provider with added benefits.

Avoid These Mistakes

Never pay in cash to an individual. Never give your SASSA PIN or card to an agent. Always get a policy document in writing. If a premium is more than 5% of your monthly grant, consider a lower cover amount first.

Grant Budgeting Guides

Understand your grant budget before committing to a premium

Compare Banks for Easier Payment

Switch to a bank that makes premium deductions seamless