Sassa: being selected for a grant review does not mean automatic cancellation

The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has moved to correct misconceptions about social grant reviews, stressing that being selected for a review is not the same as losing a grant.

What a review means

Sassa said a social grant review is a process that takes place after a grant has already been approved and is intended to determine whether a beneficiary still meets the qualifying requirements. “A social grant review, on the other hand, is a process undertaken after a grant has already been approved,” the agency said.

The agency listed factors that can change over time and be relevant to reviews, including income, financial situation, marital status, residential circumstances, care arrangements and, for certain grants, medical circumstances. Sassa emphasised that “a review is therefore not a punishment, nor should it automatically be interpreted as a decision to terminate a grant.”

Bank deposits, verification and automatic cancellation

Sassa addressed claims circulating on social media that any money deposited into a beneficiary’s bank account would lead to grant cancellation, calling those claims incorrect. The agency said it uses information from relevant institutions and databases as part of verification processes, and that its consent documentation allows verification of financial status, income and bank account details when assessing eligibility.

Sassa warned that identifying a transaction, deposit or income record does not automatically mean a beneficiary no longer qualifies: “For example, the existence of money in a bank account does not mean that every amount reflected in that account is automatically treated as a permanent monthly income that disqualifies a person from receiving a grant.”

What beneficiaries must do

The agency reminded beneficiaries that they are responsible for informing Sassa of changes that could affect their grant, including changes to income, employment, marital status, residential address, contact details, children, care arrangements and relevant medical circumstances.

Sassa urged beneficiaries to keep their cellphone numbers and other contact information up to date because the agency uses these details to send review notices and other grant-related notifications. It said beneficiaries who receive a review notification should not ignore it, calling a review “an opportunity for a beneficiary to confirm their circumstances and provide the information required to establish continued eligibility.”

The agency warned that failure to cooperate with a review can result in a grant being suspended and advised beneficiaries to respond within the stipulated period and provide the requested information or documentation rather than waiting until payments are interrupted.

October 2026 payment dates

Sassa also reminded beneficiaries of the October 2026 payment schedule:

• Older Persons Grant: 2 October 2026
• Disability Grant: 5 October 2026
• Children’s Grants: 6 October 2026
• Fourth-day payment: 7 October 2026

Sassa said beneficiaries identified for a review or certification process may receive payment on the additional payment day once the required process has been completed, and cautioned that missing a normal grant-category payment date should not be taken as confirmation that a grant has been cancelled.

Purpose of reviews

According to Sassa, its verification and review processes are intended to ensure that social assistance reaches people who continue to meet the legal requirements while protecting public resources and the integrity of the social security system.