Approximately 20,000 social grant recipients will experience a delay in receiving their payments this week due to a new verification process introduced by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).
The agency announced that the delay primarily affects those who use forms of identification other than the standard 13-digit South African ID number. The verification initiative is part of a broader effort to combat fraud within the social security system.
Affected Social Grants and Verification Process
Grants Affected
The verification process impacts all types of social grants. Payments were scheduled to begin on Tuesday, 6 May, but beneficiaries in question will need to complete the verification process before receiving their funds.
Verification Procedure
Once a beneficiary’s identity has been successfully verified, SASSA expects that they will receive their payment within one week. Paseka Letsatsi, a SASSA spokesperson, assured that the verification process is efficient and should not delay payments for more than a few days after verification.
Communication with Beneficiaries
SASSA has sent out SMS notifications to inform those affected by the verification process. However, the agency acknowledges that not all beneficiaries may receive these messages, as some have outdated contact details on file.
| Verification Details | Action Required by Beneficiaries |
|---|---|
| Beneficiaries without 13-digit ID numbers | Visit SASSA offices for verification |
| Beneficiaries with undisclosed income | Submit information about additional income |
Identification and Verification of Beneficiaries
Non-Standard Identification Numbers
The verification process specifically targets beneficiaries who do not use the standard 13-digit South African ID number. A recent check by SASSA in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs revealed that many of these individuals hold valid ID numbers.
These individuals will need to visit SASSA offices, where a review will be conducted, and the correct ID numbers will be updated in the system.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
If affected beneficiaries fail to comply with the verification requirements, they may face serious consequences, including the suspension of their grants. SASSA warned that failure to respond could result in further actions, such as grant termination.
Reducing Errors and Ensuring Eligibility
Objective of Verification
The primary goal of the verification drive is to eliminate errors and ensure that only eligible beneficiaries continue to receive social assistance. SASSA is committed to maintaining the integrity of the system, which currently supports about 28 million beneficiaries monthly.
Tackling Fraud and Ensuring Transparency
Income Disclosure Verification
Another key focus of this verification process is identifying unreported income. Beneficiaries who receive income through bank accounts that were not disclosed to SASSA are flagged. These individuals are subject to a means test, which identifies any additional income that could potentially affect their eligibility.
Future Measures to Ensure Eligibility
Starting from the 2025/2026 financial year, SASSA plans to intensify its verification efforts by conducting monthly checks to ensure that beneficiaries remain eligible. This will involve requesting beneficiaries to verify their details regularly.
Internal Security and Fraud Prevention
Fraudulent Activities by SASSA Officials
SASSA is also looking inwardly to ensure that its own officials are not complicit in any fraudulent activities. At present, 11 SASSA officials are facing over 1,000 charges in court for their alleged involvement in fraudulent activities, amounting to more than R260 million.
Letsatsi emphasized that these actions are part of a broader strategy to combat internal corruption and protect the system’s integrity.
Lifestyle Audits and Employee Monitoring
While SASSA does not conduct regular lifestyle audits on its employees, Letsatsi confirmed that efforts are underway to improve internal monitoring processes, including the possibility of more frequent audits in the future.
SASSA’s ongoing verification efforts are a necessary step toward ensuring that social grants are distributed fairly and securely. While the verification process may cause temporary delays, it is vital in reducing fraud and ensuring that those in need receive the assistance they deserve.
The focus on both external and internal fraud prevention reflects SASSA’s commitment to improving its operations and maintaining public trust in the social security system.
FAQs
How long will it take for beneficiaries to receive their grants after verification?
Once verified, SASSA expects beneficiaries to receive their payments within a week.
What happens if a beneficiary does not respond to the verification request?
If a beneficiary fails to respond, their grant may be suspended, and more severe actions could be taken.
How does SASSA detect unreported income?
SASSA uses a means test to identify any undisclosed income from beneficiaries, ensuring they remain eligible for grants.