The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has confirmed that around 210,000 social grant beneficiaries will experience payment delays in June 2025. This follows a joint investigation with registered credit bureaus which uncovered undisclosed income among some beneficiaries.
Sassa stresses that grant recipients are legally required to disclose all sources of income during the application process — and to update the agency if their financial circumstances change after approval.
Why Are Payments Being Delayed?
According to Sassa, the affected individuals appear to be receiving income that was not declared when they applied for the grant. This is a violation of the Social Assistance Act, which requires transparency from beneficiaries.
Spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi warned that failure to comply could result in corrective action, including suspension or cancellation of the grant.
What Must Affected Beneficiaries Do?
If you are among the 210,000 affected:
- Your grant payment for June 2025 is currently withheld.
- You must visit your nearest Sassa office within 30 days of being notified.
- This is part of a mandatory grant review under Regulation 30 of the Social Assistance Act.
- The review will confirm whether your financial status has changed and update your personal details.
If you fail to complete this review:
- Your grant may be suspended
- Continued non-compliance could result in permanent lapsing of your social assistance
Sassa Calls for Transparency
Sassa is calling on all beneficiaries to:
- Disclose all sources of income, including additional bank accounts.
- Report any financial changes immediately to avoid issues in future grant cycles.
Switch to Smart ID Cards
To improve security, Sassa is also urging beneficiaries still using the old green barcoded ID books to switch to the smart ID card. The older format poses a higher risk for fraud and identity theft.
Fighting Fraud in the Grant System
Sassa has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on fraud. The agency warns that any collusion between officials and beneficiaries to defraud the system will result in disciplinary action and criminal prosecution.
Need Help?
If you’re unsure whether you’re affected or need help with the review process, contact Sassa via:
- Toll-Free Number: 0800 60 1011
- Email: GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za
Sassa says it remains committed to ensuring grants reach those who truly qualify and need support the most. Stay informed, act early, and make sure your details are always up to date.