The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) says its intensified social grant review process has saved government approximately R44 million per month, translating to about R0.5 billion annually, as it tightens controls to ensure that social assistance reaches only eligible beneficiaries.
SASSA CEO Themba Matlou was speaking at a media briefing in Cape Town on Thursday
Matlou said the review process, introduced at the start of the 2025/2026 financial year, is aimed at strengthening the effectiveness, reliability and integrity of the social assistance system, while guarding against wasteful expenditure.
“The social grant review process is an important step not only to safeguard the integrity of the social assistance programme but to also ensure that public funds are directed to those who need them most, including reducing level of fraud and misuse of public funds,” Matlou said.
The agency emphasised that the review process is conducted in line with Regulation 30 and Section 14(5) of the Social Assistance Act, 2004, which requires SASSA to regularly review social grants to confirm beneficiaries’ continued eligibility, while beneficiaries are legally obliged to report any material changes in their circumstances, including financial or marital status.
“Failure to comply may result in the suspension of grants, and continued non-compliance could lead to the eventual lapse of the grant,” he said.
SASSA’s reviews and life certification processes are crucial for confirming beneficiaries’ continued eligibility, preventing payments to deceased individuals, and identifying fraud.
BMatlou said those who fail to comply with the review requirements risk having their grants suspended or lapsed.
As part of efforts to modernise the system and ease pressure at local offices, SASSA has rolled out compulsory biometric enrolment for all new grant applications, implemented life certification for identified beneficiaries, and introduced a self-service portal that allows beneficiaries to complete life certification remotely through e-Life Certification.
“Going forward, SASSA will progressively make the social grant review process available through self-service platforms to improve accessibility, efficiency, and convenience for beneficiaries,” Matlou said.
Through data matching with SARS, the agency identified 495 296 clients who appear not eligible to receive grants, with verification already underway. A further 162 574 clients were identified through income verification testing involving NSFAS and other entities, while 291 581 individuals were flagged across various government payroll systems.
“Beneficiaries identified through this process are required to present themselves for review and disclosure. Failure to comply may result in grant suspension,” Matlou cautioned.
SASSA also acknowledged challenges linked to beneficiaries not updating contact details, which can result in missed review notifications. To address this, the agency introduced a fourth payment date in the social grants’ payment cycle as a signal for beneficiaries to contact SASSA if payment is not received during the normal first three payment days.
The agency stressed that grant reviews and life certification are critical to preventing payments to deceased individuals or ineligible beneficiaries, detecting fraud, protecting public funds and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the social assistance system.
SASSA reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of beneficiaries, noting that grants are not cancelled solely on the basis of checks.
“SASSA remains committed to protecting the rights and dignity of all beneficiaries by ensuring that no person who qualifies for social assistance is unfairly disadvantaged. However, it is important to note that SASSA does not cancel any grant on the basis of these checks.
“The beneficiary is notified that they are under review, and it is only if they fail to conduct the review within the legislated time period that their grant will be suspended and eventually lapsed if they do not come forward for a review after suspension,” the CEO said.
No tags for this post.
