The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has delayed May social grant payments for certain beneficiaries to allow time for in-person identity verification and income reviews to prevent fraud and ensure grant eligibility.

According to SASSA National Spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi, this initiative aims to ensure that our beneficiaries can confirm any changes in their financial circumstances and update their personal details. This is set to address any potential inclusion errors in the current social security system.

“The targeted beneficiaries are those who use alternative forms of identification other than the standard 13-digit South African Identity number to receive their social grants.”

Letsatsi furthermore said it has consulted with the Department of Home Affairs about these beneficiaries and discovered that they have valid 13-digit ID numbers in Home Affairs’ system, but these ID numbers do appear in the SASSA grant system.

“Once these clients have presented themselves at various SASSA offices, a review will be done and then their 13-digit ID numbers will be captured in the system.

“Beneficiaries who fail to come forward during this process may have their social grants suspended, and if they continue not to respond, more drastic actions such as lapsing of their grant will be applied.”

Letsatsi said the other beneficiaries that are targeted include those identified through the bulk means test process to check if they have some income that flows into other bank accounts that they did not disclose to SASSA.

“Social grants beneficiaries are reminded that, in line with Regulation 30 of the Social Assistance Act, social grants are subject to reviews at any time when there are reasons to believe that beneficiary circumstance has changed.”

Letsatsi added that a beneficiary may have applied for a grant at a specific period and qualified, but their material conditions could have improved over time and made them not eligible to receive a grant anymore.

“In the 2025/2026 financial year, we will intensify our measures to ensure eligibility by regularly identifying clients on a monthly basis so that they come to our offices to verify their personal details.”

In addition, Letsatsi added that this process will also look inwardly and identify any possible collusion by SASSA officials, working in cahoots with the outside world to cheat system and effectively steal grant money meant for the poor.

“This is parts of concerted efforts and proactive measures implemented by SASSA aimed at enhancing security, improving the integrity of our systems, and preventing potentially fraudulent activities related to identity misrepresentation.”

Also read: SASSA payment dates for May 2025: What you need to know

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