The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has launched an identity verification drive to ensure that only qualifying individuals living in South Africa receive social grants. This initiative has resulted in the suspension of Sassa grant payments for some beneficiaries in May 2025.
Sassa is targeting several groups during this verification process. These include:
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Beneficiaries whose ID numbers do not appear in the Sassa system,
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Individuals who have multiple bank accounts,
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Beneficiaries flagged during a recent bulk means test.
As a result, affected individuals will not receive their May 2025 social grant payments.
What To Do If You Didn't Receive Your May 2025 Sassa Grant Payment
Sassa has urged beneficiaries who did not receive their May 2025 grant payment to visit their nearest Sassa office to verify their identity. Officials will then conduct a review and capture the beneficiary’s 13-digit ID number on the system.
“Beneficiaries who fail to come forward during this process may have their social grants suspended, and if they continue not to respond, more drastic actions, such as the lapsing of their grant, will be applied.”
Sassa reiterated that social grants are subject to review at any time if there is reason to believe a beneficiary's circumstances have changed. Grants are awarded based on financial need and other eligibility criteria. A change in marital status or income could result in disqualification.
Strengthening the System Against Fraud
Sassa said these measures are part of broader efforts to enhance system integrity, prevent identity-related fraud, and ensure that only eligible individuals benefit from government support.
