The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) says almost 210 000 out of 2 million people tested who are receiving social grants are ineligible to receive the grant in South Africa.
The agency working with registered Credit Bureaus, has discovered that there are social grant beneficiaries who appear to be receiving income that was not truthfully disclosed.
Speaking on YOU FM Newshour, SASSA’s Media Relations Manager Andile Tshona said that beneficiaries are in accordance with the Social Assistance Act and its regulations, legally required to fully disclose all sources of income during their initial application.
“We have discovered through our investigations that some of our beneficiaries would come to us and say, I am banking with bank X and therefore receive my grant there.
But through intense checking, verification and reviewing, we find that that person has another bank account where he/she receives additional financial income.
It could be a salary from an employer, it could be a business that is why we don’t just judge based on the information we received, that’s why we call them to come and clarify to us and give us the relevant documentation such as a bank statement to check exactly what money comes into the account,” said Tshona.
In addition, Tshona said the initiative is aimed at ensuring that beneficiaries confirm any changes in their financial circumstances 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.
They’re 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,” Tshona explained.
The identified recipients have 30 days to present themselves at the nearest SASSA local offices to provide further explanation on the matter or face possible deregistration and cancellation of their grants from the system.
“As part of this initiative, social grant payments for the affected beneficiaries will be delayed in the June 2025 payment cycle.
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,” remarked Tshona.
The agency said it is obligated according to the law to recoup monies lost to ineligible beneficiaries or institute legal steps against the beneficiaries who failed to disclose their other sources of Income.
“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,” warned Tshona.
