Social grant eligibility to be checked

Government has announced plans to review thousands more social grants to confirm the continued eligibility of beneficiaries.

This was revealed by Social Development Minister Dina Pule, who said the review process ensures ‘the right grant is paid to the right person, at the right time’.

She says they are looking to review more than 350 000 social grants with a projected saving of around R1.5bn.

“We must indicate that our grant system has matured over time and integrated with other financial institutions and departments to a point where, through the data verification and validation process, the agency flagged over 420 000 in 2025/26 up for reviews, over 240 000 completed reviews, and about 160 000 failed to review,” said Minister Pule.

She said the process ensures beneficiaries continue to meet the eligibility requirements for grants, and that changes in financial, medical or personal circumstances are reflected in records.

Pule outlined other efforts to improve service delivery at Sassa branches.

“More than 1 000 contract workers are being recruited across the country to provide additional frontline support, assist with beneficiary enquiries, process applications and reviews, and reduce waiting times at service points.

“This will include extending operating hours in Sassa offices to enable more clients to be served.”

She said home visits to those older than 75 years or too frail to visit Sassa offices would ensure dignity and respect to the elderly.

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here:

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page  and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

WhatsApp – 060 784 2695

Instagram – zululand_observer

TikTok – @zululand_observer