By Karabo Matalajoe and Asemahle Vumsindo
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has strengthened its beneficiary review process to ensure that social grants reach only those who qualify for them. With more than 18 million South Africans depending on social grants each month, SASSA says the review system is part of a nationwide effort to prevent fraud, improve accountability, and safeguard public funds.
Grocott’s Mail recently learned that the review process focuses on assessing whether beneficiaries meet the eligibility criteria of the grants for which they apply. This includes checking for changes in income, employment and household circumstances which may affect qualification.
Notifications are being sent to inform people if their accounts are undergoing a review. This is either done through an SMS or a letter to their home.
Who gets reviewed
Contrary to popular belief, reviews are not random. There is a specific criteria trigger for reviews.
“SASSA triangulates its payment database with different internal and external databases such as UIF, CIPC, Credit Bureau and employer payment systems to determine if there are beneficiaries with income,” the SASSA Eastern Cape Spokesperson stated. “The most common reason for selection for review is the suspicion that the beneficiary may have income.”
This means that if a beneficiary starts earning an income, or fails to declare existing an income, their grant may be flagged for review. Beneficiaries are reminded that when they first apply for a grant, they are informed that any change in their financial or household situation must be reported to their local offices to avoid cases which can lead to fraud.
Documents required
Beneficiaries must take specific documents when attending a review. These include:
- A valid South African ID
- Proof of income or an affidavit if unemployed
- Three months’ bank statements
- Proof of residence
- Marriage or divorce certificate (if applicable)
- Death certificate of a spouse or dependent (if applicable)
- Medical referral report for disability-related grants
Bank statements and affidavits are accepted for those who work informally. “The bank statements as well as affidavits detailing the income one receives can serve as proof of income for beneficiaries that are working informally,” SASSA confirmed.
System cross-checks and fraud prevention
To tighten security, SASSA has linked its systems with other government departments to detect irregular activity. These include the Department of Home Affairs for ID and death verification, SARS for income tracking, and major banks. Fraud is taken seriously.
Grant suspensions and appeals
While reviews may temporarily disrupt grant payments, SASSA says reinstatement can be fast if documents are complete. “The grant review process may take a few minutes to two hours. If the beneficiary is still eligible, the grant may be reinstated within seven days.”
If a beneficiary believes their grant has been unfairly stopped, they have the right to appeal through the Department of Social Development’s Appeals Tribunal.
Local outreach programmes are being held to support communities. A SASSA official told Grocott’s Mail, “There have been multiple outreaches in communities, the latest one being in Extension 9, to make people aware of these changes and what they mean. An official will assist them in completing a review.”
