The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) will continue reviewing the grants of targeted beneficiaries suspected of having undisclosed alternative sources of income, as part of its efforts to ensure that the right grant reaches the right person.
Beneficiaries identified for review are required to present themselves at their nearest SASSA local office to confirm whether they still qualify for the social grants they currently receive.
According to the Social Assistance legislative framework, grant recipients are legally required to fully disclose all sources of income when applying for assistance.
Beneficiaries are also obligated to report any changes in their financial circumstances to SASSA. Failing to do so is a violation of the legislation and may lead to corrective action.
SASSA has undertaken a review of its database and grant administration processes to root out fraud and ensure that financial assistance reaches those who are eligible.
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These reviews target individuals who appear to be active in the labour market, have incomes close to or above the means threshold, and have not disclosed such income or reported changes in their circumstances.
“It is important to note that no grants have been suspended yet. SASSA has only amended the payment schedule for beneficiaries who have been requested to come in for a review,” explained SASSA national spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi.
Letsatsi highlighted that many beneficiaries fail to update their contact details with SASSA, resulting in missed notifications.
It remains the beneficiary’s legal obligation to keep their contact information current, and those who do not respond to SASSA’s notifications risk suspension with limited recourse.
To assist affected beneficiaries, SASSA has provided an additional payment date specifically for those placed under review.
Should there be no contact from the beneficiary within two months, grants will be suspended in line with legislative requirements.
During the suspension period, beneficiaries have one month to approach SASSA if they believe they still qualify.
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If there is no response after this period, the grant will be permanently cancelled, and a fraud investigation may be initiated if necessary.
SASSA encourages all beneficiaries to report any alternative sources of income or additional bank accounts not previously declared.
Beneficiaries still using the green bar-coded ID book are urged to replace it with the smart ID card to reduce the risk of fraud.
“SASSA maintains a zero-tolerance approach to fraud, and any officials found colluding with beneficiaries to defraud the system will face disciplinary and legal action,” said Letsatsi.
For more information on grant reviews, beneficiaries can contact SASSA’s toll-free customer care line on 0800 60 10 11, email [email protected], or visit their nearest SASSA local office.
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