The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) provides social assistance in the form of grants to people living in South Africa. Social grants are distributed for several reasons including the care of children.
In 2022, there were approximately 13.2 million beneficiaries of the Child Support Grant (CSG). The purpose of the grant is to assist families with money to support childcare.
It was revealed that Sassa suspended more than 80,000 child support grants between 1 April 2023 and 31 January 2024. This meant that thousands of individuals who relied on the grant to take care of their children did not receive CSG grant payments.
SASSA suspended 81 687 Child Support Grants from 1 April 2023 up to 31 January 2024.
A member of parliament asked the minister of social development why these grants were suspended. The minister revealed that the more than 80,000 grant that was suspended over ten months was due to banking details discrepancies.
These grants were suspended because the banking details of grant recipients captured on the SASSA database did not correspond with details captured by their respective banks, indicating possible changes in the client’s records.
Sassa explained that a clause in the legislation of the Social Assistance Act requires beneficiaries of grants to ensure that their information is always up to date. Failure to do this could result in the suspension of grants.
The suspension was implemented as per the provision of Section 14(5) of the Social Assistance Act (Act No. 13 of 2004), which requires clients/beneficiaries to ensure that their records are accurate and updated with the Agency.
Why Does Sassa Suspend Social Grants?
Sassa can suspend a social grant for several reasons.
Reasons for Grant Suspension
- If your financial situation or health changes, you must inform Sassa.
- If a review of your grant reveals discrepancies, it may be suspended.
- Failure to cooperate during a review of your grant can lead to suspension.
- Grant applications obtained through fraud or false information will be suspended.
- If a grant was mistakenly approved for you, it will be suspended.
- Not providing the required documents can also lead to suspension.
It's important to note that Beneficiaries have a responsibility to keep Sassa updated on any changes in their circumstances, such as a new address, marital status, or financial situation.
This also applies to grants received for child care, where the child is no longer in the beneficiary's care.
Restoring a Suspended Grant
If your grant is suspended due to inactivity (not collecting for 3 months) or failing a review, you can apply for the restoration of your grant within 30 days of its suspension.
