The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has intensified efforts to ensure that only qualifying beneficiaries receive social grants, warning that failure to comply with review processes could lead to suspensions or the lapsing of payments.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the agency said it is continuing with its nationwide social grant reviews and life certification initiatives aimed at verifying eligibility and preventing fraud.
“Social grant reviews and life certification are critical in confirming continued eligibility, preventing payments to deceased individuals or ineligible beneficiaries, and detecting fraud,” SASSA said.
The agency added that the measures are designed to safeguard public funds while ensuring that assistance reaches those who genuinely qualify.
“These processes help protect public funds, maintain the integrity of the social assistance system, and ensure that support is directed to those who genuinely qualify,” the statement read.
The renewed push comes as SASSA begins its payment cycle for the 2026/2027 financial year, with Older Persons’ Grants scheduled for April 2, followed by Disability and Children’s Grants on April 7 and 8, respectively.
SASSA urged beneficiaries who do not receive their payments on the scheduled dates to report to their nearest offices without delay.
“Beneficiaries whose grants are not paid on these dates [are urged] to visit their nearest office immediately,” the agency said.
The agency also reminded beneficiaries of their legal obligations under the Social Assistance Act of 2004, which requires full disclosure of income and personal circumstances at the time of application and mandates that any changes be reported.
“While a beneficiary may have qualified at the time of application, changes in circumstances must be reported to SASSA to ensure continued eligibility,” it said.
SASSA warned that failure to comply with review or life certification requirements could have serious consequences.
“Beneficiaries who fail to comply with review or life certification requirements may have their grants suspended, with continued non-compliance potentially resulting in the lapsing of grants,” the agency said.
The agency emphasised that the initiative forms part of broader efforts to preserve the sustainability of the country’s social assistance system.
“These efforts are aimed at preserving the sustainability of the social assistance system and ensuring that support reaches those who need it most,” SASSA said.
It reiterated its commitment to fairness, adding: “SASSA remains committed to protecting the rights and dignity of all beneficiaries by ensuring that no person who qualifies for social assistance is unfairly disadvantaged.”
IOL News
Get your news on the go. Download the latest IOL App for Android and IOS now.
