‘Do they just put the pensioners through review’: SASSA grant fairness questioned

Grant recipients are questioning whether the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) applies its review process fairly across all grant types.

Commenting on The South African’s Facebook page, several South Africans shared strong views on who should face scrutiny as SASSA continues to send review notices to beneficiaries.

PENSIONERS FEEL SINGLED OUT

Petra Etsebeth believes older people carry an unfair share of the checks.

“I hope they do review other grant recipients and the SRD as well, or do they just put the pensioners through review and leave them. How many grant recipients are over the age limit or are already working?” she wrote.

Her comment refers to the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant and SASSA’s eLife Certification, which the agency offers through its WhatsApp service.

SASSA recently said reviews form an essential part of its efforts to safeguard the integrity of the social assistance system. The agency said reviews help ensure that only qualifying individuals receive grants and that they prevent irregular or fraudulent payments.

SASSA also warned that beneficiaries who fail to respond to a review notice may have their grant payments suspended.

CHILD SUPPORT SASSA GRANT DIVIDES OPINION

Other commenters turned their attention to the Child Support Grant.

Mike Smith wrote: “Some of the women who get Children’s Grant don’t deserve it; they just make babies and expect to get this money.”

His view reflects a long-running debate about the grant. However, the Child Support Grant is means-tested, which means caregivers must meet income requirements to qualify. Since April 2026, the grant has paid R580 per child each month, after a R20 increase announced in the Budget Speech.

SASSA said social grants go to eligible individuals in line with the relevant legislation and eligibility requirements.

HOW TO CHECK IF YOUR GRANT IS UNDER REVIEW

SASSA has urged beneficiaries not to wait for an SMS before checking their grant status. Grant recipients can send “Hi” on WhatsApp to 082 601 0111 to check whether their grant is under review.

The agency also reminded beneficiaries to report changes to their marital status, finances, address and cellphone number. It warned that outdated contact details could cause people to miss review notices.

SASSA will pay Older Persons Grants on 2 December, Disability Grants on 3 December and Children’s Grants on 4 December 2026.

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