The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has confirmed that no social grant payments have been suspended as part of the ongoing grant review process.
Speaking to the media on Monday, 14 July 2025, SASSA CEO Themba Matlou assured grant beneficiaries that all valid and approved grants remain active and payments are continuing as normal.
“Any beneficiary with an active and valid grant remains entitled to receive their payment,” said Matlou.
SASSA’s responsibility, as outlined in the Constitution and the SASSA Act, is to manage and pay social grants to qualifying South Africans. Regular reviews are part of this process, as required by Regulation 30 of the Social Assistance Act, to ensure recipients remain eligible based on their current circumstances.
Matlou explained that beneficiaries are legally required to notify SASSA of any major changes in their financial or personal circumstances, including changes in marital status. This condition is also clearly stated in the approval letters given to all beneficiaries.
In April 2025, SASSA began reviews for the 2025/26 financial year. These reviews are targeted at beneficiaries whose circumstances may have changed in a way that affects their eligibility for a grant.
To accommodate the review process, SASSA has introduced a fourth payment date in its monthly schedule. This additional date is specifically for beneficiaries who are undergoing a review. It ensures they are still paid after the review is completed, without disrupting the general payment cycle.
“We believe this approach is more effective than previous systems, where beneficiaries were only made aware of a review after payments were suspended,” Matlou explained. “Those who continue to receive their grant payments between the 2nd and 5th of the month do not need to contact SASSA.”
Matlou acknowledged that some SASSA offices experienced access issues in June, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State. However, he noted a significant improvement in July. The agency is actively monitoring the situation and adjusting operations to meet the increased demand.
Why SASSA Reviews Are Important
The review process helps SASSA identify beneficiaries who may no longer qualify due to changes in financial, medical, or legal circumstances. It also serves as a “proof of life” check to ensure grants are not paid to deceased individuals or those who have moved without updating their records.
These reviews help prevent fraud and ensure that only eligible South Africans receive support. In some cases, SASSA has found beneficiaries receiving grants while also being listed on payroll systems of private companies or government departments.
“This is being done to safeguard the integrity of the social grant system,” Matlou said. “We want to ensure that public funds are used properly and that grants go to those who truly qualify.”
Brenton Van Vrede, SASSA’s Executive Manager of Grants Administration, added that the agency is not targeting the most vulnerable. Reviews are primarily focused on individuals who may have multiple sources of income.
“For example, if a mother receives child maintenance or an older person gets support from their children, the grant will not automatically be suspended,” Van Vrede explained. “But these changes should be reported to SASSA so they can be properly assessed.”
