More than 38 000 social handouts have been flagged for assessment by the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa). A spokesman for Sassa, Sandy Godlwana, stated that in January of this year, their KZN regional offices designated 78 811 social grants for assessment.
Sassa then informed these affected beneficiaries and primary caregivers to present themselves for a review in line with the Social Assistance Act (2004) Regulations. As of July 2022, 38 622 beneficiaries did not heed the call to provide the requested information and documentation, thus compelling the agency to suspend the payment of these 38 622 grants at the end of July.
According to Godlwana, Sassa manages social grants in compliance with the guidelines outlined in the Social Assistance Act of 2004.
This, she continued, means that each beneficiary must notify Sassa of any changes to their circumstances, such as changes to their marital status, income, employment status, medical condition, and ability to demonstrate their continued existence
She also encouraged impacted beneficiaries to appear for a review by going to the nearest Sassa local office and bringing the required supporting documents listed below:
- Identity document of the beneficiary
- Birth certificate of children for Child Support Grants
- Three-month bank statement of beneficiary and spouse if married
- Payslip of beneficiary and spouse if married
- Proof of residence
- For disability and care dependency grants beneficiary to undergo a medical assessment
- Court order in respect of Foster Child Grants
After submitting all the required documents within 30 days of suspension of the grant, Sassa may restore the grant from the date on which it was suspended.
Sassa also informed affected beneficiaries that they can also appeal the results of the review if they find them unsatisfactory and urged affected grant recipients to contact them on their KZN Customer Care Line on 033 846 3400 or Sassa National Toll-Free number on 0800 601011 for additional details.
