NATIONAL – The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has announced an intensified review process to ensure that social grants reach only those who truly qualify.

The agency is currently targeting beneficiaries suspected of having undeclared sources of income or whose financial circumstances may have changed since their original applications.

SASSA has urged these individuals to report to their nearest SASSA local office for a review of their grant eligibility. Failure to do so may lead to the suspension and eventual cancellation of their grants.

According to SASSA, no grants have yet been suspended as part of the current review process.

However, payment dates have been amended for certain individuals identified for review, serving as an additional notice that their eligibility is under review.

SASSA spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi explained that many beneficiaries fail to keep their contact details up to date, leading to missed notifications and unintended non-compliance.

“While it is a legislative obligation for all beneficiaries to ensure that their contact details are always up to date, they would have little recourse should their grant be suspended due to failure to respond to a notification issued by SASSA,” Letsatsi said.

He added that beneficiaries who fail to respond to a review request within two months risk suspension of their grants.

Once suspended, they have one month to contact SASSA to argue for reinstatement. After that, the grant may be permanently cancelled and, if fraud is suspected, a formal investigation could follow.

SASSA emphasised that beneficiaries are legally required to declare all sources of income during the application process and to notify the agency of any changes thereafter.

A review of SASSA’s grant administration has identified individuals whose income appears to exceed the qualifying threshold, particularly where no updates were made after the grant was awarded.

Beneficiaries have also been urged to report any undeclared bank accounts and to replace old green barcoded ID books with the more secure smart ID cards, which reduce the risk of fraud.

SASSA has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on fraud.

“Should there be evidence of any officials colluding with beneficiaries to defraud the system, immediate disciplinary and legal action will be taken,” Letsatsi concluded.

For more information, beneficiaries can contact the SASSA toll-free number on 0800 60 10 11, email grantenquiries@sassa.gov.za, or visit their nearest SASSA local office.