SASSA Halts Payments for Over 210,000 Grant Beneficiaries Over Income Irregularities

By Rodger Mandhlazi

More than 210,000 social grant recipients will not receive their June payments after being flagged for potentially undeclared income, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) announced this week.

According to SASSA spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi, the affected beneficiaries were identified in collaboration with registered credit bureaus. They are now required to present themselves in person at their nearest SASSA office within 30 days for a grant review.

“These individuals must undergo a review within 30 days from the notice date, in line with Regulation 30 of the Social Assistance Act,” said Letsatsi.

He warned that failure to comply could lead to suspension of grants, with continued non-compliance possibly resulting in permanent cancellation.

“The aim is to ensure that beneficiaries update their information and report any changes to their financial status,” said Letsatsi. “Some individuals may have qualified for a grant initially but may now be ineligible due to improved material conditions.”

The agency emphasised that the review process is also part of broader efforts to reduce inclusion errors and fight fraud within the social security system.

“SASSA has a zero-tolerance stance on fraud,” Letsatsi said. “If any officials are found colluding with beneficiaries to defraud the system, disciplinary and legal action will follow.”

He urged grant recipients to cooperate fully with the review process to avoid disruptions in their payments.

“Non-compliance constitutes a violation of the Act and may lead to corrective action,” he said.