The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has stepped up its efforts to make sure that only eligible beneficiaries get social grants. It has also warned that not following review procedures could lead to suspensions or the end of payments.
The agency said in a statement on Wednesday that it is still working on its nationwide social grant reviews and life certification projects, which are meant to make sure people are eligible and stop fraud activities.
SASSA said, “Social grant reviews and life certification are important for making sure that people are still eligible, stopping payments to dead people or people who aren’t eligible, and finding fraud cases.”
The agency also said that the steps are meant to protect public money and make sure that help goes to people who really need it.
“The purpose of these steps is to protect public funds, keep the social assistance system honest and transparent, and make sure that support goes to the people who really need it,” the statement said.
As SASSA starts its payment cycle for the 2026/2027 financial year, the renewed push comes. Older Persons’ Grants are due on April 2, followed by Disability and Children’s Grants on April 7 and 8, respectively.
SASSA told people who don’t get their payments on time to go to their nearest office right away.
The agency said, “Beneficiaries whose grants are not paid on these dates should go to their nearest office right away.”
The agency also reminded beneficiaries of their legal duties under the Social Assistance Act of 2004, which says that they must fully disclose their income and personal situation when they apply and report any changes.
It said, “While a beneficiary may have qualified when they applied, they must report any changes in their situation to SASSA to stay eligible continuously.”
SASSA said that not following the rules for review or life certification could have serious negative effects.
The agency said, “Beneficiaries who do not follow the rules for review or life certification may have their grants put on hold. If they do not follow the rules, their grants may end completely.”
The agency stressed that this project is part of a larger effort to keep the country’s social assistance system going.
SASSA said, “These efforts are meant to keep the social assistance system going and make sure that help gets to the people who need it most.”
It said again that it was committed to fairness, saying, “SASSA remains committed to protecting the rights and dignity of all beneficiaries by making sure that no one who qualifies for social assistance is unfairly disadvantaged ever.”
