Latest news with #Sassa
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Sassa grant recipients forced to repay thousands after income threshold breaches
One Sassa child grant recipient was told her income had pushed her above the qualifying threshold. Grant recipients who are working while receiving social assistance payments are being forced to repay thousands of rands after exceeding income thresholds, with some facing demands exceeding R3 000. The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has implemented strict repayment policies that are leaving beneficiaries financially strained and questioning its communication practices. Some Sassa grant recipients hit with massive bills Quincie Gama — whose name has been changed — is a working mother who has been receiving the Child Support Grant since January. However, she discovered she owed Sassa a substantial amount when her payments suddenly stopped in May and June. After being called in for verification, she was informed that her employment income had pushed her above the qualifying threshold. 'They said when I come I should have my bank statement, my ID copy and the baby's certificate. They also said if I'm working, I should bring my payslip. 'I recently went to their offices and they verified my information. When they were done, they said because I've been working since January and I still got the Sassa grant, they're going to stop the grant because my stipend is way above the Sassa grant means threshold,' Gama explained. The financial impact was immediate and severe. Sassa told Gama that she could make repayments of R560 per month as she had received grant amounts from January, totalling approximately R3 360. The agency offered her two options: pay the full amount immediately before the end of June, or spread the payment over six months at R560 per month. However, Gama said she was informed that choosing the installment option would incur interest charges. 'I don't know which option to choose, because I definitely don't have R3 000, I didn't budget for it. But also paying in installments sounds draining and will cost more,' said Gama. ALSO READ: Sassa grants out next week: Here are the payment dates for July Income thresholds vary by Sassa grant type Sassa spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi explained that income thresholds differ depending on the specific grant and the applicant's marital status. For the Child Support Grant, single applicants must earn less than R5 600 per month or R67 200 annually, while married applicants face a threshold of R11 200 monthly or R134 400 annually. 'The income threshold varies according to the grant in question as well as the marital status of an applicant,' Letsatsi told The Citizen. Sassa grant values and thresholds. Image: Screenshot/Supplied Repayment process and policies When repayment is necessary, Sassa provides several options for beneficiaries. Letsatsi outlined the available methods: recipients can approach any Sassa local, district, or head office to make arrangements. Payment can be made at Sassa cash offices where available, through bank transfers to Sassa's regional accounts, or via stop orders arranged directly through the beneficiaries' banks. 'An individual can approach the Sassa local, district and head office to make an arrangement. The individual can pay at the Sassa cash office, however these are not available in all regions. He or she can also pay at the bank and in this case all Sassa regions have bank accounts. Lastly an individual can make a stop order by going to his or her bank and pay Sassa direct,' she explained. Letsatsi explained that the agency operates under the Department of Social Development's social assistance debtors policy that allows varying repayment periods. When beneficiaries cannot afford to pay within the standard timeframe, extensions can be approved by delegated authority. 'Sassa has an approved social assistance debtors policy where it allows different periods to repay and where an individual cannot afford to pay within that period, a decision to allow more time can be approved by the delegated authority,' Letsatsi said. ALSO READ: Are Sassa payments in the Eastern Cape at risk due to floods and a looming cold front? Interest and enforcement Interest charges on outstanding amounts depend on the type of debt, with some not accruing interest at all. When interest does apply, the rate follows National Treasury guidelines and fluctuates accordingly. Beneficiaries who fail to meet repayment deadlines receive statements and reminder letters, after which they must approach the agency to rearrange their payment plans. ALSO READ: Ten of 11 accused in Sassa R260 million fraud case granted bail Personal impact and communication concerns For Gama, who visited the Pretoria local office, the repayment demand created significant financial strain. Her experience highlighted concerns about Sassa's communication with beneficiaries regarding income changes and grant eligibility. 'I feel upset because I feel like it's something they should've communicated when you applied. They also could have included this fine line in the statement that they recently released regarding verification to warn beneficiaries.' If you are not paid your social grant for the month of May 2025 please visit your nearest SASSA office, you may be required to complete a verification process if affected. #SASSAVerification#SASSACARES #ProtectYourGrant — SASSA (@OfficialSASSA) May 2, 2025 Gama said she wasn't earning enough to be able to pull R3 000 from her own pocket. She added that the grant money being taken away from her was devastating and would set her back on her monthly budget. 'It is sad, you know, the money really helped a lot with the baby stuff, it really helped me push through the month, especially with covering things like baby porridge and purity and the likes.' The situation was further complicated by administrative issues. Despite not receiving payments for May and June, Gama was initially told she would need to pay for June as well, with a refund only possible after her bank statements confirmed non-receipt of those payments. ALSO READ: Bank surveillance and poverty risk: UBIC warns of devastating impact on Sassa beneficiaries Sassa grant eligibility requirements According to Sassa, the Child Support Grant requires that primary caregivers be South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees permanently residing in the country. Both applicant and child must reside in South Africa, with the child being under 18 years of age. Documentation requirements include birth certificates for children and 13-digit barcoded identity documents for applicants and spouses. Applicants must serve as primary caregivers and cannot apply for more than six non-biological children. Furthermore, Sassa states that the child cannot be cared for in a state institution, and school-age children must attend school and provide proof of attendance, though failure to do so will not result in grant refusal. The means test, implemented in line with the Social Assistance Act of 2004, ensures grants reach eligible beneficiaries by examining income sources and assets. All grants, except foster care, undergo means testing, with requirements varying by grant type. 'The means test looks into sources of income and assets of the applicant,' Letsatsi confirmed. READ NEXT: Pensioners desperate for clarity after not receiving Sassa grants in June
News24
4 days ago
- Business
- News24
Treasury's Sassa corruption prevention steps come ‘at the cost of humanity'
Parliamentarians have been inundated with frantic messages from social grant beneficiaries who cannot verify their grant status – a new requirement imposed by National Treasury to root out corruption. The corruption-busting steps imposed on the SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) have a negative impact on many grant recipients, most of whom are elderly citizens living in rural areas. Of significant concern is the in-person verification process of recipients. Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development Bridget Masango said the Treasury has attached strict new conditions to the allocation of funds to Sassa. 'National Treasury has attached strict new conditions to the allocation of funds to Sassa. These include quarterly reporting on suspended, cancelled or reviewed grants, income verification, including database cross-checks with the SA Revenue Services, National Student Financial Aid Scheme, the Unemployment Insurance Fund and Home Affairs as well as biometric authentication for beneficiaries flagged as suspicious. 'Treasury argues these steps are essential to combat fraud and ensure value for money and failure to comply by Sassa may result in grant funding being withheld, a deeply concerning possibility for millions who rely on this support,' Masango said. She said the concern is not because they oppose fraud prevention, but because the current implementation is causing delays, confusion and deep distress among beneficiaries. Masango said: 'The requirement for in-person verification is disproportionately impacting rural communities and elderly caregivers who simply cannot afford to travel. Transport costs can reach up to R150 or more, an unaffordable amount for some beneficiaries. 'We are being flooded with WhatsApp messages, SMSs, and emails from desperate individuals who are unable to verify themselves. People are being excluded from the system and all of this in the name of saving money. Sassa has defended the verification process as necessary,' Masango said. Furthermore, Masango said, Sassa argues the requirements prevent fraud and ensures 'accurate targeting'. 'They have reminded beneficiaries of their duty to report changes in financial circumstances. That may be valid, but it must be balanced with accessibility and fairness. To ensure accountability, Sassa will now submit quarterly reports directly to the parliamentary committee, in addition to National Treasury. This will allow Parliament to play a proactive oversight role, especially after lessons learned during the card replacement crisis,' she said. According to Masango, no cost-saving measure should come at the expense of basic dignity or leave the poor out in the cold. 'The committee acknowledges the R1.6 billion increase in the 2025/26 grant allocation, intended to fund above-inflation increases. We also note Sassa's intensifying efforts to fight fraud, such as the rollout of biometric systems, a new tender to assist with identity verification and digital upgrades, including office WiFi, self-service kiosks, and action against fake Sassa websites. We are of the view, National Treasury must balance fiscal prudence with social justice,' Masango said. READ | Second income trouble: SASSA identifies 210 000 possible 'double-dippers' She also said the social grant system is not just a financial mechanism, but a lifeline for many poor families. 'Let us not forget the people behind the statistics, the grandmother raising orphans, the young person living with a disability, the unemployed breadwinner trying to survive. We must protect the integrity of the system, yes, but never at the cost of humanity,' she said. Meanwhile, Masango also expressed deep concern at South Africa's drug and substance abuse problem. 'Our children are drinking liquor. Our schools are not safe. Our rural communities are forgotten. Institutions such as the Central Drug Authority (CDA), meant to fight this crisis are underfunded and unsupported. 'It is thus gravely concerning to the committee that the CDA remains dependent on the Department of Social Development for finances, undermining its ability to operate independently across government,' she said.
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Sassa grants out next week: Here are the payment dates for July
Sassa has released its payment schedule for July 2025, with payments set to begin on 2 July. The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) will disburse July social grants to beneficiaries next week. The agency will commence grant distributions on Wednesday, 2 July, starting with the Older Persons Grant. Sassa grant payment dates: Older Persons Grant – Wednesday, 2 July 2025 Disability Grant – Thursday, 3 July 2025 Children's Grants – Friday, 4 July 2025 The agency administers more than 19 million grant payments, including the Older Persons pension grant, Disability grant, War Veterans grant, Care Dependency grant, Foster Child grant, Child Support grant, Child Support grant Top-Up and Grant-in-aid. Sassa grant amounts: Old Age (60-74 years) and Disability grants – R2 315; Old Age (75+ years) Grant increased – R2 335; War Veterans Grant increased – R2 315; Care Dependency Grant increased – R2 315; Child Support Grant increased – R560; Foster Care Grant increased – R1 250; SRD Grant – R370 ALSO READ: Bank surveillance and poverty risk: UBIC warns of devastating impact on Sassa beneficiaries Postbank warns of scammers Last month, Postbank warned Sassa beneficiaries against fraudsters impersonating its officials, targeting those who use Postbank black cards and Sassa gold cards. According to the bank, the scam reportedly involves criminals pretending to be Postbank employees, sometimes wearing branded clothing or arriving in marked vehicles, to deceive beneficiaries. Victims are reportedly told their cards need to be 'fixed' or risk losing future grant payments if they do not comply. 'Beneficiaries are then duped into handing over their Postbank grant cards and PIN information,' Postbank said. Postbank reminded beneficiaries that it does not conduct unsolicited home visits. 'Postbank will never visit your home unless you have requested that through the necessary home visits channels,' it said. It also stressed that 'Postbank will never ask you for your card PIN as that is against banking rules.' Beneficiaries are urged never to share their PINs, even with someone claiming to be a Postbank official. NOW READ: Ten of 11 accused in Sassa R260 million fraud case granted bail
The Herald
17-06-2025
- The Herald
Fraud totalling R4.3m uncovered by Sassa in East Cape
News Premium By Nomazima Nkosi - 17 June 2025 The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has uncovered widespread corruption in its Eastern Cape offices involving thousands of missing files, fictitious children and fake pensioners, resulting in a loss of R4.3m. Officials have also received death threats, including bullets sent in envelopes...
The Citizen
16-06-2025
- The Citizen
Suurman CPF tackles crime-infested streets with nothing but whistles and torches
Suurman CPF tackles crime-infested streets with nothing but whistles and torches A group of dedicated community members are adamant about keeping their streets safe and crime-free. They do this by patrolling the streets of Temba in Hammanskraal with nothing but whistles, torches, and a deep sense of commitment to keeping their neighbourhood safe. This is the reality of the Suurman Community Policing Forum (CPF) led by founder and chairperson, Shadrack Skhosana. Operating under the Temba Police Station, Suurman CPF has been recognised as one of the most effective CPFs in the area, despite struggling with limited resources and minimal police support. The team conducts daily patrols, especially after 18:00, focusing on high-crime zones such as bus stops where streetlights are not functioning. 'We receive a lot of tips from our community WhatsApp group, and we respond as best we can with the little we have,' said Skhosana. The CPF faces an array of challenges. Common crimes in the area include cable theft, house break-ins, robberies, vehicle battery thefts, smash-and-grabs, and cases of gender-based violence, rape, and murder. While crime initially decreased after the CPF was formed, Skhosana noted that it is rising again due to the lack of police backup. Despite these obstacles, the CPF continues to make significant contributions. Skhosana said one of their most notable successes was tracing suspects in the rape and murder case of Nthabiseng Mabuso, who was killed on November 3, 2023. He said the forum alerted police, who arrested the suspects. 'The case is still ongoing at Temba Magistrate's Court, but sadly, the main suspect, with three other murder cases against him, was granted bail and is now missing,' he said. Beyond crime prevention, the CPF extended its support to broader community needs. 'We helped an 18-year-old who couldn't get an ID because her birth certificate said she was born in Namibia. Within two months, we helped her get a South African ID. We also assist children without birth certificates and pensioners struggling with their Sassa documents,' he added. The CPF also works hand-in-hand with the organisation Change With Elevation. They support school safety by positioning Sector 3 patrollers at school gates and running awareness campaigns and imbizos. Skhosana said community participation remains low due to past incidents where residents were arrested for mob justice. 'Our biggest challenges are transport and infrastructure. We need a 15-seater minibus, a few cars, and an empty stand to use as an office. 'It's not easy, but you have to love your community. With or without a budget, you have to be strong and carry on.' Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
