SASSA has clarified details around its ongoing social grant review process, reassuring beneficiaries that payments remain uninterrupted while the agency works to verify eligibility and prevent fraud.
In a statement, the South African Social Security Agency said it remains committed to its mandate of administering, managing, and paying social grants to eligible citizens, as provided for by the Constitution and the SASSA Act. The agency acknowledged recent public concerns and confusion around social grant payments but confirmed that no grants have been suspended or stopped.
The agency explained that in terms of the Social Assistance Act, beneficiaries are legally required to report any changes in their financial, marital, or personal circumstances. This obligation is also highlighted in the approval letters issued to beneficiaries. In line with these legal requirements, SASSA announced in April 2025 that it would conduct targeted reviews during the 2025/26 financial year. The reviews focus on beneficiaries where updated information suggests their circumstances may have changed, possibly affecting their eligibility.
SASSA clarified that the reviews are part of its standard procedures and are necessary to ensure that grants are paid to those who genuinely qualify. Regular reviews help detect fraud, prevent misuse of public funds, and ensure that deceased persons or those who no longer qualify are removed from the system.
The agency further confirmed that it has not halted any approved payments and has introduced a fourth payment date on the 4th of each month. This new date accommodates beneficiaries undergoing review and ensures that their payments are processed after necessary checks without affecting the regular payment dates for others. Beneficiaries receiving their grants between the 2nd and 5th of the month, who have not received a notification, do not need to contact SASSA.
SASSA also addressed complaints about difficulties in accessing offices. While some offices in KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State experienced an increase in foot traffic during July, the agency said it is monitoring the situation and adjusting resources where necessary, including extending operating hours and adding staff.
The agency explained that the review process also ensures that beneficiary information is updated, which is crucial since many beneficiaries fail to inform SASSA about changes in contact details or residence. Failure to update personal information often results in beneficiaries missing critical notifications.
To further strengthen its review process, SASSA has partnered with registered credit bureaus. This enables the agency to verify employment and income information, addressing instances where beneficiaries may claim to be unemployed to qualify for grants but declare employment when applying for loans or credit. Beneficiaries are legally required to disclose all income and any changes in circumstances, and failure to do so could result in the suspension of grants and recovery of payments received fraudulently.
SASSA is also working to improve communication, having sent over 140,000 SMS notifications and registered letters to affected beneficiaries. However, many have not responded, partly due to outdated contact details. The agency plans to strengthen communication strategies, expand community outreach, and introduce online self-service platforms to make reviews more accessible and reduce queues.
The agency reaffirmed its zero-tolerance approach to fraud and corruption, both within SASSA and among beneficiaries. It is also finalising the implementation of biometric identification to enhance security in grant administration.
SASSA highlighted that its review process also responds to strict budget conditions set by National Treasury. In February 2025, Treasury instructed SASSA to improve verification systems and reporting to ensure better use of public funds. These measures aim to enhance operational efficiency, prevent fraud, and promote transparency in the administration of social grants.
SASSA concluded by assuring beneficiaries that the agency remains dedicated to fairness, accountability, and protecting the rights of the most vulnerable. The review process is intended to strengthen the social grant system without penalising those who qualify for support. Beneficiaries seeking more information are encouraged to visit www.sassa.gov.za or contact SASSA on 0800 60 10 11.
