SASSA payment: Delay fears mount as Black Sash receives spike in complaints

Surge in Complaints From Grant Recipients

According to Black Sash, hundreds of beneficiaries — including elderly citizens, persons with disabilities, and unemployed youth — have contacted their offices, citing incomplete payments, failed bank transactions, and missing SRD grants.

While SASSA has yet to formally confirm any widespread issue affecting the August payment cycle, Black Sash’s national director, Rachel Bukasa, stated that their organisation has seen “a significant rise in complaints,” particularly from those reliant on the R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant.

SASSA Payment System Under Scrutiny

Many of the current challenges appear linked to systemic flaws in SASSA’s payment infrastructure. These include delayed fund transfers from the Postbank system, verification bottlenecks, and inconsistent communication from regional SASSA offices.

Bukasa emphasized the emotional and financial distress this causes, saying:
“People rely on these grants for their most basic needs — food, transport, rent. Any delay, even by a few days, is devastating.”

Vulnerable Groups Most Affected

Beneficiaries in rural and township areas , often with limited access to banking services or SASSA offices, are bearing the brunt of the problem. Some recipients have reported standing in queues for hours without receiving clarity on payment dates or issues.

Older persons and caregivers, who are typically among the first to receive monthly grants, have also raised concerns over not receiving SMS payment confirmations or seeing money reflect in their accounts.

SASSA Urged to Improve Transparency and Access

Black Sash has urged SASSA to improve its communication strategy by issuing clearer updates through official channels and SMS alerts, especially for those without internet access.

They are also calling for a simplified complaints process and faster resolution times, noting that SASSA’s call centre is often overwhelmed or unreachable during peak concern periods.

What Beneficiaries Can Do

• Check SASSA status online via the official website
• Visit the nearest SASSA office if safe and accessible
• Call the toll-free number (0800 60 10 11) for updates
• Use Black Sash helpline for unresolved issues

Calls for Government Accountability

With over 18 million South Africans relying on social grants, stakeholders are urging the Department of Social Development and SASSA to act swiftly.
The issue is not just administrative, it’s about restoring trust and ensuring millions do not fall deeper into poverty due to preventable delays.

As August approaches, all eyes will be on SASSA’s ability to fulfil its constitutional obligation. Grant recipients and civil society alike await decisive action to restore stability to a system many depend on for survival.