South Africa’s grant system faces a major audit phase, and honesty from beneficiaries is under the spotlight. The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) is in the middle of a phased income verification review for millions of social grant recipients. The agency is urging beneficiaries to be truthful and cooperative to ensure accurate assessments.
This review follows several reported disruptions where pensioners didn’t receive their July payments after “additional income” was found in their bank accounts. Sassa says it’s not just about the money in the bank—it’s about understanding where the money comes from and how regularly it’s received.
“We are encouraging disclosure,” said Brenton van Vrede, Sassa’s executive manager for grants administration. “We want to know the source of income to determine whether a person qualifies for a full, partial, or no grant.”
Sassa Says ‘Income Source’ Matters More Than Amount
Van Vrede clarified that income like maintenance payments is considered during the review but assessed on a case-by-case basis. He added that three months’ bank statements and honest explanations of income sources are essential to fair outcomes.
Even small financial help from family members isn’t likely to disqualify beneficiaries. “The income threshold for the older person’s grant is above R8,900,” said van Vrede. “If someone receives R2,000 from their children, that alone won’t disqualify them unless there’s other consistent income.”
Sassa is actively reviewing the financial status of about 210,000 out of its 19 million grant recipients. These reviews were triggered after red flags pointed to potential ineligibility—often linked to jobs or income sources not declared during application.
No Suspensions Yet, But Reviews Are Ongoing
Sassa CEO Themba Matlou assured the public that no grants have been suspended yet. “If someone is found ineligible based on the review, only then will suspension follow. But for now, all are still under review,” he said.
For the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, stricter bank verification applies. Here, consistent deposits can flag possible disqualification. However, for standard grants like child support, the review focuses on the income of the primary caregiver—not the child.
Matlou also revealed plans for an online self-review portal to avoid chaos at Sassa offices. This platform would allow grant recipients to verify and update their financial information remotely. Offices in high-volume areas are being reinforced with extra staff.
“We only started sending review notices in June,” said Matlou. “If people don’t respond, suspension may follow—not due to disqualification, but due to non-participation.”
Sassa will release an updated review report by the end of July, revealing how many grants have been reviewed, continued, or cancelled.
