Latest news with #SASocialSecurityAgency
TimesLIVE
4 days ago
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Grant suspensions leave elderly struggling in eligibility review
One of thousands of social grant beneficiaries who did not receive their July old age grant says her payout was suspended because her daughter sent her R3,200 to buy medication in June. Rudy Leray, 60, said she received her first social grant in April but her profile was blocked and now has to undergo review because she received financial assistance from her daughter. The SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) said at least 210,000 beneficiaries were flagged to be active in the labour market. Spokesperson Andile Tshona said they initiated the delayed payments because they want to root out corruption and ensure that grants are going to the right beneficiaries. 'Sassa has flagged some beneficiaries who could have additional sources of income that were not disclosed. In this case they are working or have businesses while they also receive grants,' said Tshona. 'Beneficiaries are obliged to disclose changes in their financial circumstances at the time of application for grants or if their situation changes afterwards.'
TimesLIVE
27-05-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Double-dipping alert: Sassa delays grants for 210,000 beneficiaries
The SA Social Security Agency (Sassa), in collaboration with registered credit bureaus, says it will delay June payments to more than 210,000 social grant beneficiaries who appear to be receiving income that was not truthfully disclosed to the agency. Sassa spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi spokesperson said: "These individuals are required to present themselves at their nearest Sassa office for a grant review within 30 days from the notice date, in line with regulation 30 of the Social Assistance Act. "Beneficiaries who fail to comply with the process risk having their grants suspended. Continued non-compliance may lead to the permanent lapsing of their grants." According to the Social Assistance Act and its regulations, applicants are legally obligated to declare all sources of income when applying and to inform Sassa of any changes in their financial situation. Letsatsi said: "Failure to comply with the requirements constitutes a violation of the act and may result in corrective action."
TimesLIVE
27-05-2025
- General
- TimesLIVE
From grant recipient to employee: Omphemetse Mohele's journey with Sassa
Omphemetse Mohele, a SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) employee from Moletsamongwe in Mafikeng who is living with a disability, has shared how the Sassa grants have helped her since childhood. Mohele's journey with Sassa began when she received the child support social grant. After her mother's passing in 2003, she transitioned to a foster grant, which supported her until she completed matric. Later, she received a disability grant. Mohele said the grants helped her live like other children despite her disability. 'Sassa has helped me a lot,' she said. 'I was able to live a normal life like other schoolchildren. I was able to travel from my village to my school, and I was able to go to the clinic to get treatment for my hip when it gave me issues and go for X-rays and physiotherapy when I needed it.' Her family and colleagues described her as loving, friendly and resilient. Despite her hip disability, she plays netball and runs, and doesn't let anything limit her. 'As someone living with disability, there are a lot of things people criticise you for, but it doesn't matter how people view me. I'm living a normal life,' she said. Sassa spends about R266bn annually supporting more than 19-million families who rely on social grants. Mohele praised the agency for its life-changing impact. 'Sassa is playing a huge role in our country. It helps to eliminate the worst of poverty. You don't struggle when you have a Sassa grant and I'm talking from experience. The good work they do, even if you're struggling, they'll make sure you don't spend a night without food to eat.' Sassa said it stood by Mohele from childhood to adulthood, 'supporting her through loss and disability and into independence'.
TimesLIVE
06-05-2025
- TimesLIVE
Gautrain launches half-price rides – check here to see if you qualify for this
The Gautrain is offering a 50% discount on train trips - excluding the OR Tambo airport route - to make the rapid rail service more accessible to a bigger share of the population in Gauteng. People living in households with a combined household annual income of R350,000 or less, students under the age of 25, scholars, pensioners and recipients of the SA Social Security Agency's (Sassa) disability grant are eligible for the half-price fares. Passengers with return trips booked may also park at its stations for only R1 a day until the end of July. Gauteng transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela said affordable and accessible public transport is crucial to reduce the cost of living for many South Africans as it significantly impacts household budgets and access to opportunities. 'As a result of SA's historical spatial planning, many people live far from work and opportunities and are faced with high transport costs,' she said. 'KlevaMova forms part of government's efforts to attract a diverse range of passengers across income groups, and ensure cost is not a barrier to accessing an efficient, safe and convenient public transport service.'
