The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has reminded grant recipients that their payments depend on more than their original approval.

In a media statement released on Friday, 9 October, the agency said that a grant does not automatically continue once someone qualifies. Beneficiaries must continue to meet the requirements for as long as they receive assistance.

Grants are ‘not an unconditional entitlement’

SASSA used strong language to make its point to South Africans who receive social assistance.

“A social grant is not an unconditional entitlement that continues irrespective of changes in a beneficiary’s circumstances,” the statement reads.

The agency added that beneficiaries carry a responsibility to inform SASSA when their circumstances change in ways that may affect their eligibility.

The changes SASSA wants you to report

SASSA listed several changes that grant recipients should report. These include changes in:

  • income
  • employment
  • marital status
  • banking details
  • residential circumstances
  • other material personal circumstances

A recipient who finds a job, gets married, moves house or switches bank accounts may therefore need to update SASSA. The agency’s eligibility checks depend on accurate and current information.

Why SASSA keeps reviewing grants

The reminder comes as SASSA defends its intensified grant reviews, which some groups have criticised. The issue gained attention after the Portfolio Committee on Social Development discussed reports of payments to allegedly ineligible beneficiaries on Wednesday, 7 October.

SASSA described reviews as “an important administrative and control mechanism” that helps it confirm whether beneficiaries still qualify for the grants they receive.

The agency rejected suggestions that reviews exist to cut people off.

“Social grants reviews and eLife certification are therefore not designed to terminate grants arbitrarily,” SASSA said.

The agency also said it cannot depend on old records indefinitely, because personal circumstances and payment arrangements change over time.

For grant recipients, keeping SASSA informed is the safest way to avoid problems during a review. Beneficiaries who are unsure whether a change affects their grant can contact the agency through its official channels or visit their nearest local office.

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