Sassa warns ignoring review SMS could lead to grant suspension

The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has urged beneficiaries not to ignore SMS notifications calling them in for social grant reviews, warning that failure to respond could result in suspended payments. The agency said beneficiaries who receive an SMS must act immediately. “Upon receipt of the SMS the beneficiary must utilise the opportunity to visit Sassa offices to avoid the lapsing of the social grant and non-payment,” Sassa said.

Sassa said social grant reviews are legislated in terms of the Social Assistance Act to ensure that the correct grants are paid to a deserving and eligible beneficiary. “Social grant review [is] legislated … to ensure that Sassa is still paying the right social grant to a deserving and eligible beneficiary,” the agency said. Beneficiaries are required to undergo the review process to verify their continued eligibility for social assistance and the process also seeks to prevent fraud and duplicate claims.

Sassa warned that fraudulent or duplicate claims could result in the misuse of public funds, which “is an offence”. Grant reviews are conducted at designated Sassa offices or service centres. However, the agency indicated that changes may be on the horizon.

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“In future, the agency may introduce online review options to help reduce congestion at physical offices and minimise travel costs for beneficiaries,” it said. Sassa also called on beneficiaries to ensure that their contact details are up to date on its system.

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