Latest news with #SocialAssistanceAct
IOL News
15-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Black Sash criticises SASSA's review process, jeopardising social grant beneficiaries
Black Sash has slammed the ongoing social grant recipient verification process, which it says has resulted in elderly individuals and people with disabilities having to wait in long queues over unpaid social grants. Image: Supplied Civil society organisation fighting for the rights of social grant recipients, Black Sash, has slammed the South African Social Services Agency (SASSA) for its "unfair" review process, which has resulted in the flagging of more than 200,000 social grant beneficiaries who could lose out on their social grants. On Monday, SASSA CEO Themba Matlou revealed that his department has identified over 200,000 social grant beneficiaries who have failed to disclose their income accurately. SASSA spokesperson, Paseka Letsatsi, stated that some of the recipients have deliberately falsified their documents. Matlou warned grant recipients to come clean about additional income or risk losing their support, saying the ongoing process is part of a legal requirement under Section 14(5) of the Social Assistance Act, which obliges beneficiaries to notify SASSA of any significant changes in their financial or personal circumstances. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading In April 2025, the agency announced scheduled payment delays for targeted social grant beneficiaries who are required to visit local offices to confirm changes in their financial circumstances and update personal details. ''This step was taken following collaboration with registered Credit Bureaus, which flagged approximately 210,000 beneficiaries as receiving income that had not been truthfully disclosed,'' he said. Black Sash accused SASSA of approaching this matter in a manner that lacks transparency and fairness, with Black Sash's advocacy manager, Hoodah Abrahams-Fayker, stating that the organisation has noted the briefing delivered by SASSA's Matlou. "While we appreciate the attempt to explain the legal framework and rationale behind the reviews, the reality for grant recipients on the ground tells a far more troubling story - one that cannot be brushed aside by semantics, administrative language, or internal justifications. We acknowledge that SASSA has a legal obligation to ensure the integrity of the social assistance system and conduct reviews as prescribed by the Social Assistance Act. However, this does not absolve the agency from its constitutional duty to ensure procedural fairness, transparency, and dignity in how these reviews are carried out," said Abrahams-Fayker. Black Sash has indicated that, despite the CEO's claim that no grants have been suspended, the organisation has been inundated with calls from social grant recipients whose grants have been negatively affected by this process. "We are witnessing a surge in complaints from beneficiaries who have been cut off without a clear explanation or notification. Our community monitoring teams, based across the country, and our national helpline have been overwhelmed with distress calls from elderly persons, people with disabilities, and caregivers, many of whom only discovered their grants had been 'flagged' when their money failed to appear. This was further exacerbated by the impact of bank verification checks on Older Persons' grants, which also impacted grant payment delays and added to the fear, confusion, and queues at SASSA local offices," Black Sash said. Black Sash has also indicated that many grant beneficiaries, particularly in rural and peri-urban communities, have limited access to phones, network connectivity, digital platforms, or updated contact details, which SASSA themselves have acknowledged. "Black Sash has consistently called SASSA out on its poor communication strategy, and bulk communication in a short time does not address the issue of beneficiaries not receiving their grants within a reasonable time in a way that SASSA can constitute adequate notice confirming that the beneficiary has been informed. The state has to provide reliable, direct, and accessible communication and not to shift the blame onto those who are most excluded from formal systems," she said.
The South African
14-07-2025
- Business
- The South African
SASSA reassures beneficiaries: NO grant payments suspended
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has reassured beneficiaries of social grants that no payments have been suspended or halted due to the ongoing social grant review process. Addressing the media on the current social grant review process on Monday, SASSA CEO, Themba Matlou, emphasised that all valid approved grants remain valid, and payments continue to be processed. 'Any beneficiary with an active and valid grant remains entitled to receive their payment,' Matlou said. Matlou explained that SASSA derives its mandate from the Constitution of the republic of South Africa and SASSA Act, which is to administer, manage and payment of social grants to eligible beneficiaries. He also highlighted that SASSA conducts regular reviews, as required by Regulation 30 of the Social Assistance Act, to ensure that every person receiving a social grant remains eligible based on their current circumstances. 'Section 14(5) of the Social Assistance Act requires beneficiaries to notify SASSA of any material change in their circumstances, including financial, marital as soon as reasonably possible. This obligation is also stated in the approval letter each beneficiary receives,' Matlou said. As a result of this legislation, Matlou said that in April 2025, SASSA announced its plans for reviews for the 2025/26 financial year. The targeted reviews aim to ascertain the eligibility of beneficiaries for whom the agency have obtained information that their circumstances have changed, and as a result, may no longer qualify for a social grant. Matlou also noted that the agency has this year introduced and implemented a fourth payment date to its payment schedule, where beneficiaries targeted for a review are paid on the fourth day of the payment cycle, to ensure that they receive their payment after the necessary review, 'without prejudicing the general payment cycle for others.' 'We believe this strategy is better than previous rounds where beneficiaries who do not receive their notifications only find out that they have been placed on review when they get suspended; at which time it is too late to have their payment for the month re-instated. 'Those beneficiaries who have not received a notification and are getting their payments on the normal pay dates (between the 2nd and 5th of the month), do not have to contact the agency,' Matlou said. On the complaints about access to SASSA offices, the CEO acknowledged the challenges during the month of June, where few beneficiaries came forward, except in some offices in KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State. However, he said the numbers have increased significantly in the month of July. He assured that the agency is constantly monitoring the numbers, and will adjust its operational plans accordingly, to ensure that 'it remains within our capacity.' Matlou stressed that the review of social grants helps identify beneficiaries who may no longer qualify due to changes in their financial, medical, or legal circumstances. The review also serves as a confirmation of life or existence, ensuring that grants are not paid out to deceased individuals or those who have relocated without updating their records. The reviews further allow SASSA to detect and prevent cases where individuals continue receiving grants despite being listed on payroll systems of other entities, including public or private. 'This is being done to safeguard the integrity of the social assistance system [and] to ensure that only eligible beneficiaries receive support, preventing fraud and misuse of public funds. 'SASSA is undertaking the social grants review process for the better good of the government fiscus, thus ensuring that grants are paid to eligible beneficiaries and all the fraudulent elements are rooted out,' Matlou said. SASSA Executive Manager Grants Administration, Brenton Van Vrede, noted that with the reviews, the agency is not targeting the most vulnerable but those that have multiple sources of income. 'If the mother of the child receives child maintenance from the father or an Older Person's Grant beneficiary receives some sort of support from their child/children, it is unlikely to suspend the grant. If so, they will need to alert SASSA for assessment,' Van Vrede said. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
14-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
SASSA reassures beneficiaries amid grant reviews
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has reassured grant recipients that no social grants have been suspended. This follows public concerns regarding the agency's current beneficiary review process. SASSA CEO Themba Matlou said the reviews are routine and legally required, aimed at verifying continued eligibility – particularly in cases where beneficiaries may have additional income sources not previously disclosed. 'This review is not a punitive measure. It is meant to ensure continued eligibility and prevent misuse of public funds. This comes after the agency collaborated with registered credit bureaux and flagged approximately 210 000 social grant beneficiaries for receiving additional incomes not disclosed,' Matlou said. According to him, the Social Assistance Act requires applicants to declare all income streams when applying for grants, and to report any changes in financial circumstances thereafter. ALSO READ: Mpumalanga SASSA warns of scam He emphasised that failure to do so may result in corrective action. 'The review of social grants helps identify beneficiaries who may no longer qualify due to changes in financial, medical or legal circumstances. 'SASSA uses the review process to verify that grants are not paid to deceased individuals or those who have relocated without updating their records. In some cases, reviews uncover individuals listed on other payroll systems – public or private – while still receiving grants.' ALSO READ: All gold Sassa cards to replaced with black Postbank cards Some payments may be temporarily delayed if a beneficiary does not respond to a review request or fails to submit updated documentation in time. 'However, no grants have been suspended. Efforts are also under way to improve capacity at SASSA offices to manage the high volumes of in-person visits,' Matlou added. Beneficiaries contacted for a review are encouraged to visit their nearest SASSA office with the following documents: • Valid South African ID (13-digit barcoded ID or smart card) • Proof of income (payslips, pension slips, or affidavit if unemployed) • Bank statements for the last three months (for all active accounts) • Proof of residence (utility bill or letter from a local authority) • Medical referral report (for disability or care-dependency grants) • Marriage certificate or divorce decree, if applicable • Death certificate for a spouse or dependant, if applicable • Any relevant supporting documents, including birth certificates and school attendance records for child-related grants If a beneficiary is bedridden or immobile, a procurator can be appointed to assist. SASSA encourages beneficiaries in such circumstances to contact their local office to arrange this. The agency is working towards automating the review process to reduce queues and improve convenience. Plans are under way to launch online self-service options, which would allow beneficiaries to digitally update their information and submit supporting documents. SASSA urges all affected individuals to respond promptly to any official communication. Failure to comply may result in delays to future payments and, in some cases, suspension or legal action. Matlou reiterated that the process is about protecting public funds and ensuring that support reaches those who truly need it. For any queries or to confirm their review status, beneficiaries should visit or contact their nearest SASSA office. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
14-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Social grants safe during review, maintains SASSA
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has assured beneficiaries that no social grant payments have been suspended as the agency undertakes its annual review process to verify eligibility. The reviews, which are a legal requirement under the Social Assistance Act, help ensure that grants are paid only to those who qualify, preventing fraud and protecting public funds. Beneficiaries are notified if their grants are due for review, and SASSA encourages cooperation to avoid disruptions. 'All approved grants remain valid, and payments continue to be processed,' SASSA confirmed in a statement. Why reviews are happening Reviews help identify changes in beneficiaries' financial, medical, or legal status, confirm life status to prevent payouts to deceased individuals, and detect cases where individuals receive grants while earning income elsewhere. This aligns with National Treasury's directive to improve oversight, protect funds, and ensure fiscal accountability. To improve the process, SASSA has introduced a fourth payment date for those under review, allowing them to receive payment after completing their review without impacting the broader payment cycle. Also read: Comply with grant reviews or risk suspension – SASSA What beneficiaries should know ✅ No action needed if you receive your grant as usual. ✅ Notify SASSA if your financial or personal circumstances change. ✅ Respond promptly if you receive a review notice to avoid disruptions. Beneficiaries who fail to comply may face suspension or lapsing of grants and may be required to repay funds if found ineligible. Addressing challenges SASSA acknowledges that some beneficiaries face difficulties accessing local offices and has committed to increasing operating hours, adding staff, and exploring online self-service options to reduce queues and improve access. To date, over 140,000 SMS notifications have been sent to beneficiaries selected for review. Beneficiaries are reminded to update their contact details with SASSA to ensure they receive notifications. Strengthening fraud prevention SASSA enforces a zero-tolerance policy on fraud and is implementing biometric identification systems and partnerships with credit bureaus to verify income and identity. 'SASSA remains committed to transparency and protecting the dignity of every beneficiary while ensuring the sustainability of the social grants system,' the agency stated. Need help? Beneficiaries who have not received payment or are uncertain about their status should contact SASSA toll-free on 0800 60 10 11 or visit At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
14-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
SASSA clarifies social grant review process: No payments suspended, CEO says
SASSA CEO Themba Motlou says no social grant payments have been suspended amid ongoing reviews, urging beneficiaries to update their details to ensure continued support and prevent fraud. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) CEO Themba Motlou, says the agency is undertaking an important review process of social grants to ensure that only eligible beneficiaries continue to receive support. This comes after growing public concern and confusion over grant payments. Motlou emphasised that SASSA's mandate, derived from the South African Constitution and the SASSA Act, is to administer and manage social grants to those who qualify. Motlou was briefing the media on Monday to address the recent public outcry, clarifying that no social grant payments have been suspended or halted, and all approved grants remain valid. He explained that the reviews are a legal requirement under Section 14(5) of the Social Assistance Act, which obliges beneficiaries to notify SASSA of any significant changes in their financial or personal circumstances. ''In April 2025, the agency announced scheduled payment delays for targeted social grant beneficiaries who are required to visit local offices to confirm changes in their financial circumstances and update personal details. ''This step was taken following collaboration with registered Credit Bureaus, which flagged approximately 210,000 beneficiaries as receiving income that had not been truthfully disclosed,'' said Sassa in a statement. The agency added that this initiative had attracted public commentary and misrepresentation from various groups, but it is aimed at curbing fraud and ensuring eligibility. "Beneficiaries are notified when their grants are due for review, and we encourage full cooperation to avoid any disruptions," Motlou said. He added that targeted reviews have been introduced for those whose circumstances may have changed, ensuring that grants are paid only to those still eligible. He also stressed that the review process is crucial for protecting the integrity of the social assistance program and public funds.
