SASSA suspends 70,000 grants in major crackdown as 400,000 beneficiaries face review
SASSA grants payment date
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has suspended 70,000 social grant payments following an intensified nationwide eligibility review, marking one of the most aggressive compliance crackdowns in the agency’s history.
The move comes as nearly 400,000 beneficiaries have been notified that their grants are under review, with government authorities citing growing concerns over fraud, undeclared income, and ineligible recipients draining public funds meant for the country’s most vulnerable citizens.
Government Saves R44 Million a Month Through Tighter Grant Checks
Briefing Parliament on Thursday, SASSA CEO Themba Matlou confirmed that the agency has reviewed approximately 240,000 grants so far, resulting in the suspension of about 70,000 payments for non-compliance.
According to Matlou, the intensified verification process is already saving the state around R44 million per month, translating to nearly R500 million annually, a significant relief for a fiscally strained government.
“These reviews are necessary to safeguard the system and ensure grants reach only those who qualify,” Matlou said.
Who Is Being Flagged and Why?
SASSA revealed that about 495,000 beneficiaries were flagged through income verification exercises as potentially ineligible. Of those, nearly 400,000 people have been formally notified that their grants are under review.
Key red flags include:
- Undeclared income
- Employment in government departments
- Duplicate or fraudulent identities
- Alternative financial support not reported
In the third quarter alone, 162,000 beneficiaries were selected for deeper verification, while 201,000 individuals were identified via government payroll data as possibly receiving grants while employed by the state.
Expanded Data-Matching With Banks, SARS, NSFAS and Credit Bureaus
As part of the crackdown, SASSA has significantly expanded its data-matching partnerships, working closely with:
- Commercial banks
- Credit bureaus
- SARS
- NSFAS
- Government payroll systems
- Correctional Services
These partnerships allow SASSA to cross-check income, employment status, and financial activity in real time, a shift driven by stricter National Treasury conditions attached to the agency’s budget.
Last year, the Department of Social Development confirmed that Treasury now requires monthly income checks, expanded verification, and regular reporting as part of its oversight framework.
Grants Not Cancelled Immediately, Beneficiaries Given Time to Respond
Despite fears among recipients, SASSA has stressed that grants are not cancelled automatically.
According to Brenton van Vrede, SASSA’s executive manager for grant operations, beneficiaries are given one month to complete a review after receiving notification. If they fail to respond, additional notices are issued before suspension, followed by a final notice before cancellation.
Importantly, suspended grants can still be reinstated if beneficiaries complete their reviews within the final grace period.
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New “Fourth Payment Date” Introduced to Alert Beneficiaries
SASSA has also introduced a “fourth payment date”, allowing beneficiaries under review to receive their grants later than usual. This serves as a warning signal that the recipient must contact SASSA urgently.
“This is not a suspension,” Matlou clarified. “It’s an alert mechanism.”
The agency has expanded office capacity, rolled out biometric enrolment, and increased self-service options to reduce queues and improve access during the review process.
Fraud Concerns Drive Reform After Years of System Abuse
The crackdown follows years of mounting fraud concerns. In 2024, SASSA acknowledged widespread identity theft within the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant system. Eight SASSA employees were among 12 people arrested last year in a R260-million fraud case.
A cryptographic breach at Postbank in 2021 further exposed vulnerabilities in the old SASSA gold card system, prompting the rollout of new secure black cards and biometric verification.
Millions Still Depend on Grants as Reviews Continue
Despite the crackdown, government insists social assistance remains a cornerstone of poverty relief. Nearly 45% of South Africa’s population depends on grants.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has confirmed that the Social Relief of Distress grant will run until March 2027, with R260 billion allocated for 2026/27 and R271 billion for 2027/28.
SASSA plans to review 420,000 beneficiaries during the current financial year as oversight intensifies.
FAQ
Why are SASSA grants being suspended?
Grants are being suspended due to non-compliance, undeclared income, employment conflicts, or changes in beneficiaries’ financial circumstances.
How many SASSA grants have been suspended?
About 70,000 grants have been suspended after reviewing roughly 240,000 cases.
Does suspension mean my grant is cancelled?
No. Suspension is temporary. Beneficiaries can reinstate payments by completing the required review within the allowed time.
How do I know if my SASSA grant is under review?
SASSA notifies beneficiaries via letters, SMS, or delayed payment cycles, including the new fourth payment date.
What documents are needed for a SASSA review?
Typically proof of income, bank statements, ID documents, and confirmation of employment status.
Is SASSA stopping social grants permanently?
No. Grants continue, but eligibility checks are being tightened to reduce fraud and protect public funds.
Will SRD grants continue?
Yes. The SRD grant has been extended until March 2027.