Some social grant recipients will experience delays in May as the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) moves to tighten controls on identity verification and combat fraud. The agency announced that the pause targets beneficiaries registered with alternative identification methods rather than standard 13-digit South African ID numbers.
Following consultations with the Department of Home Affairs, SASSA discovered inconsistencies in its records. Although some beneficiaries possess valid 13-digit IDs in the national database, these are not reflected in SASSA’s system.
Beneficiaries urged to report to SASSA Offices
Affected individuals must visit their nearest SASSA office to update personal information and confirm financial circumstances.
“Once these clients have presented themselves at various SASSA offices, a review will be done and then their 13-digit ID numbers will be captured in the system,” said SASSA national spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi.
Letsatsi warned that failure to comply could result in consequences.
“Beneficiaries who fail to come forward during this process may have their social grants suspended, and if they continue not to respond, more drastic actions such as lapsing of their grant will be applied,” he said.
Undeclared Income and Means Testing Under Scrutiny
In addition to ID verification, SASSA is targeting individuals flagged through a bulk means test process. This includes grant recipients who have undeclared income flowing into bank accounts not reported to the agency.
Letsatsi confirmed that stricter checks will be conducted: “In the 2025/2026 financial year, we will intensify our measures to ensure eligibility by regularly identifying clients on a monthly basis.”
He added that internal systems would be under review to expose any staff collusion with external parties attempting to defraud the system.
Eleven Officials Face Charges in R4 Million Scam
The announcement follows the arrest of eleven SASSA officials who are now appearing before the Lenasia Magistrates Court. They face charges of cybercrime, fraud, and theft linked to a scam involving fake profiles that siphoned off more than R4 million in grants.
“This is part of concerted efforts and proactive measures implemented by SASSA aimed at enhancing security, improving the integrity of our systems, and preventing potentially fraudulent activities related to identity misrepresentation,” Letsatsi emphasised.
Are these delays a reasonable step to protect the grant system, or do they risk unfairly penalising vulnerable recipients?
Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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