For thousands of South Africans relying on social grants, the past few weeks have been stressful.
Many beneficiaries were surprised when their monthly payments didn’t come through as expected.
Instead, they received messages telling them to head to their local South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office—sparking widespread concern that grants were being unfairly cancelled without proper review.
What’s Behind the Payment Delays?
Back in May, SASSA introduced a new system to review beneficiaries’ identity and income details.
The agency said the move was necessary to ensure people receiving grants were still eligible and to help root out fraud.
But for those affected, it felt sudden and poorly communicated.
Many grant recipients—particularly pensioners and people with disabilities—were caught off guard when payments didn’t arrive and were told to visit SASSA branches to “argue their case.”
This led to worries that the agency was bypassing the mandatory three-month review window.
SASSA CEO Speaks Out Amid Criticism
In response to growing media reports and public outcry, SASSA CEO Temba Matlou took to social media to clear the air.
According to Matlou, “there have been no grant cancellations.
What’s happening is a temporary delay while we verify the information of those under review.”
He emphasized that the new review process isn’t designed to punish anyone.
Instead, it aims to confirm that beneficiaries still qualify for assistance and that public funds are used responsibly.
Long Lines and Overwhelmed Branches
Despite the reassurances, the changes have overwhelmed SASSA branches.
With only around 500 cases processed per day at most offices, many people are left waiting in long lines—often for hours—only to be told to come back another day.
The sudden spike in walk-ins has caused a severe backlog, especially in densely populated areas.
Matlou acknowledged that the system needs improvement and said the agency is looking at expanding capacity across the country.
Here’s What You Need if Your Grant Is Under Review
If you’ve received a message that your grant is under review, don’t panic—but do be prepared.
To avoid delays, make sure you bring all the necessary documentation when visiting a SASSA office:
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Your green barcoded ID or smart ID card
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Documents showing your marital status (if applicable)
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A utility bill or document confirming your residential address
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Proof of income or dividends (income test varies by grant)
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Any documents related to assets or property you own
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Proof of private pension (if relevant)
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A recent bank statement—certified and not older than three months
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UIF documentation or proof of previous employment
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If your spouse passed away recently, a copy of their will and final estate paperwork
Being well-prepared with these documents can help speed up the verification process and ensure your payments resume with minimal delay.
Is SASSA Cutting Corners or Just Trying to Catch Up?
While SASSA insists that no grants have been outright cancelled, some civil justice groups remain uneasy.
They argue that skipping the usual three-month buffer and pushing beneficiaries to prove their eligibility on short notice is unfair—especially for the elderly or vulnerable who struggle to get to branch offices.
What Do You Think About the Changes?
Are these sudden reviews necessary to protect public funds, or are they just adding pressure to already struggling communities? SASSA says it’s all part of ensuring fairness—but many grant holders feel caught off guard.
