SASSA: Most grants non-payments due to legitimate review process

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The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in the Gauteng Region said it recognized the concerns expressed by beneficiaries who visited the Soweto local office located at Maponya Mall.

These concerns pertain to claims of non-payment of social grants, which were brought to light during their visit.

The agency has reassured affected beneficiaries and the public by clarifying that the majority of cases are closely associated with the ongoing review process of social grants.

This review is a mandated obligation under the Social Assistance Act, which is designed to ensure that social assistance is appropriately targeted, reaching only those individuals who genuinely meet the eligibility criteria.

According to Lungelo Mkamba, senior manager of communication & marketing for SASSA Gauteng Region, the agency is engaged in a process aimed at maintaining the integrity of the social assistance system.

This initiative is designed to ensure that resources are effectively allocated to genuinely assist those in need. The emphasis is on safeguarding the system while validating that support reaches individuals who truly require it.

“The review process is not punitive. It is a legal mechanism to verify that beneficiaries continue to meet the qualifying criteria for the grants they receive. Importantly, grants are not automatically cancelled.

“Every beneficiary selected for review is formally notified and given a reasonable opportunity to present themselves, confirm their circumstances, and submit supporting information before any decision is made. 

“Beneficiaries are equally obligated by law to inform SASSA of any changes in their financial, personal, medical or marital circumstances that may affect their eligibility,” he explained.

Mkamba reported that during the 2026/27 financial year, the Soweto local office has effectively completed a total of 432 grant reviews. This achievement reflects the office’s operational capacity and efficiency in managing grant applications and assessments.

Many of those who came forward today were identified as beneficiaries who had been notified for a review but had not yet responded. SASSA officials attended to beneficiaries and guided them on the review process.

SASSA achieves major savings

He continued, “The agency conducts reviews nationally through multiple verification methods, including income verification, medical assessments, and systematic data matching with the South African revenue service, credit bureaus, and relevant government departments. 

“Where discrepancies are found, beneficiaries are contacted and invited to engage with the agency before any action is taken. In cases where a beneficiary fails to respond within stipulated timeframes, a grant may be temporarily suspended.

“However, once the review is completed and eligibility confirmed, the grant is reinstated and payment resumes. South Africa’s social assistance programme currently supports more than 19 million beneficiaries at a cost of approximately R22 billion per month.

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“Therefore, maintaining the integrity of this system is not only a legal obligation but also a moral one, ensuring that scarce public resources reach those who need them most. Through the review process, SASSA has already realised significant savings by identifying and removing grants that no longer meet qualifying criteria.”

Mkamba urged beneficiaries who believe their grant may be due for a review to visit their nearest SASSA office without delay, bringing their South African identity document and any relevant supporting documentation.

He also encouraged them to keep their contact details current and to respond promptly to any communication from SASSA regarding reviews, adding that they recognises that any disruption to grant payments causes real anxiety and hardship.