NO SOCIAL GRANTS SUSPENDED SAYS SASSA

• Responding to commentary about the social grants review process, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has assured beneficiaries that no grants have been suspended.
• SASSA is currently conducting a review looking at the eligibility of identified beneficiaries suspected of having additional, undisclosed, income.
• ⁠SASSA is also working to automate the review process by introducing self-service options using online platforms to make it easier for beneficiaries and to reduce queues in local offices.

No social grants have been suspended, despite certain commentary to the contrary.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has issued a statement taking note of the commentary surrounding the social grants review process currently underway. The review is looking at the eligibility of identified beneficiaries suspected of having additional, undisclosed, income.

There has been no suspension of social grants, SASSA said, adding that during the review process, grants may be delayed momentarily until a beneficiary has successfully completed the review process.

This review is not a punitive measure to deliberately exclude any deserving beneficiary, but it is intended to ensure continued eligibility and prevent misuse of public funds.

SASSA CEO Themba Matlou has assured grant beneficiaries and the public that SASSA is undertaking the social grants review process for the betterment of the government fiscus, ensuring that grants are paid to eligible beneficiaries and all the fraudulent elements are rooted out.

Matlou stressed that in terms of the social assistance legislative framework, beneficiaries are legally required to fully disclose all sources of income during their initial application.

In addition, Matlou said, beneficiaries are obliged to inform SASSA of any changes to their financial circumstances after their application has been approved, and failure to do so constitutes a violation of the social assistance legislation and may result in corrective action.

“The review of social grants helps identify beneficiaries who may no longer qualify due to changes in financial, medical, or legal circumstances and serves as a confirmation of life or existence, ensuring that grants are not paid out to deceased individuals or those who have relocated without updating their records,” Matlou said.

“More importantly, reviews allow SASSA to detect and prevent cases where individuals continue receiving grants despite being listed on payroll systems of other entities (public or private),” he added.

All SASSA local offices have been capacitated to ensure they can manage the large volumes of people flocking to the offices for various services including those coming in for a review.

Beneficiaries who have been affected by the grants review are encouraged to visit their nearest SASSA office, with the following documents:
•⁠ ⁠A valid South African ID (13-digit barcoded ID or smart ID card);
•⁠ ⁠Proof of income, such as payslips, pension slips, or affidavits if no longer employed or employment discharge confirmations;
•⁠ ⁠Bank statements from the last three months for all active bank accounts;
•⁠ ⁠Proof of residence (e.g. utility bill or letter from a local authority)
•⁠ ⁠A medical referral report, if applicable, for disability or care dependency grants to confirm disability status;
•⁠ ⁠A marriage certificate or divorce decree, if applicable;
•⁠ ⁠A death certificate where necessary; and
•⁠ ⁠Any other supporting documents relevant to the type of grant, such as a birth certificate for a Child Support Grant or proof of school attendance for Foster Care Grants.

If a beneficiary is bedridden or unable to visit a SASSA office, a procurator may be appointed to represent the beneficiary. To complete this, beneficiaries are encouraged to contact their local office for assistance in appointing a procurator.

Beneficiaries are urged to comply with the SASSA review request and failure to respond to any official communication from the agency requesting them to come forward may result in delays in future payments, leading to a suspension or lapsing of the beneficiary’s grant, and legal proceedings may be instituted.

While the review of social grants in an ongoing process, SASSA is working hard to automate the review process by introducing self-service options using online platforms to make it easier for beneficiaries and to reduce queues in local offices.