The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has addressed growing concerns over social grant payments, emphatically stating that no grants have been suspended, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The agency’s clarification comes in response to widespread reports suggesting that payments were halted for beneficiaries who failed to disclose all sources of income.
The agency confirmed that it is currently undertaking a thorough review process aimed at verifying the eligibility of certain beneficiaries, particularly those suspected of having additional undisclosed income.
In a statement released on Monday, Sassa’s CEO Themba Matlou reassured beneficiaries that while grant payments may be temporarily delayed during the review process, there has been no formal suspension of any social grants.
He explained that this review is not a punitive measure designed to exclude deserving beneficiaries; rather, it aims to ensure ongoing eligibility, prevent misuse of public funds, and uphold the integrity of the country’s social welfare system.
‘Our primary goal is to safeguard the government’s fiscal interests while ensuring assistance is directed to those who genuinely need it,’ Matlou stated.
He stressed the importance of beneficiaries being transparent about their financial circumstances, as the Social Assistance legislative framework requires full disclosure of all income sources during the application process. Failure to comply, he warned, can result in corrective action.
According to Matlou, the review process serves multiple functions: it identifies beneficiaries who may no longer qualify due to shifts in their financial, medical, or legal circumstances, ensures that funds are not disbursed to deceased individuals, and detects cases where individuals continue receiving grants while listed on payroll systems of other organisations.
‘This is crucial for preventing fraud and ensuring that our limited resources are used appropriately,’ he emphasised.
In light of the uptick in beneficiaries visiting local offices for assistance and reviews, Sassa is actively enhancing the capacities of its offices nationwide.
Beneficiaries who are subject to the review process are encouraged to visit their nearest Sassa Local Office and bring essential documentation, including a valid South African ID, proof of income, bank statements, and relevant medical or legal documents.
A checklist of necessary documents includes:
- Valid South African ID (13-digit barcoded ID or smart ID card)
- Proof of income (e.g. payslips, pension slips, affidavits if no longer employed)
- Last 3 months of bank statements for all active bank accounts
- Proof of residence (utility bill or letter from a local authority)
- Medical referral report (if applicable, for disability or care dependency grants)
- Marriage certificate or divorce decree (if applicable)
- Death certificate (if applicable)
- Any other supporting documents relevant to your grant type
Also read:
Panic erupts as Sassa suspends grant payouts for pensioners with additional income
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