SASSA Uncovers 200k ‘Double-Dipping’ Beneficiaries, Delays Payments

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has delayed social grant payments of thousands of applicants who did not disclose that they have other income.

SASSA said Tuesday, 27 May 2025, that it was assisted by registered Credit Bureaus when it “identified about 210 000 social grant beneficiaries who appear to be receiving income that was not truthfully disclosed to the agency”.

The Social Assistance Act and its regulations say beneficiaries are legally required to fully disclose all sources of income during their initial application.

They are also obligated to inform SASSA of any changes to their financial circumstances after their application has been approved.

“Failure to comply with these requirements constitutes a violation of the Act and may result in corrective action,” explained SASSA Spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi.

“As part of this initiative, social grant payments for the affected beneficiaries will be delayed in the June 2025 payment cycle.

“These individuals are required to present themselves at their nearest SASSA local offices for a grant review within 30 days from this notice date, in line with Regulation 30 of the Social Assistance Act.”

Letsatsi said beneficiaries who fail to comply with this process risk having their grants suspended.

“Continued non-compliance may lead to the permanent lapsing of their grants,” the SASSA spokesperson said.

“This initiative is aimed at ensuring that beneficiaries confirm any changes in the financial circumstances of the beneficiaries and for them to update their personal details.

“It also seeks to address potential inclusion errors in the current social security system.

“A beneficiary may have qualified for a grant at the time of application, but improved material conditions over time may render them ineligible.”

SASSA encourages all beneficiaries to disclose any alternative sources of income and to report any additional bank accounts not previously declared.

Furthermore, beneficiaries still using the green bar-coded ID book are urged to replace it with the smart ID card, due to the increased risk of fraud associated with the older ID format.

SASSA reiterates its zero-tolerance stance on fraud, and should there be evidence of any officials colluding with beneficiaries to defraud the system, immediate disciplinary and legal action will be taken to safeguard the integrity of the Agency and prevent financial losses.

For more information on grant reviews, clients are urged to contact the SASSA toll-free customer care line on 0800 60 1011 or [email protected].