SASSA breaks its silence on grants paid to people who should not have received them

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has responded to reports that grant money was paid to people who were allegedly ineligible to receive it during the 2025/2026 financial year.

In a media statement issued on Friday, 9 October, the agency said it welcomed “the continued scrutiny of the administration of public funds.” The matter came before the Portfolio Committee on Social Development on Wednesday, 7 October.

SASSA says the grant system must be protected

SASSA said social assistance remains a constitutional obligation and a critical safety net for millions of vulnerable South Africans. However, the agency stressed that it must also shield the system from abuse.

“It is therefore equally important that the social grants system is protected against fraud, abuse, error, misrepresentation and payments to people who no longer meet the requirements for social assistance,” the statement reads.

The agency argued that the public should view the reported payments against the broader measures it has intensified to strengthen the integrity of the grant system.

Agency rejects claims that reviews target legitimate beneficiaries

SASSA acknowledged that its intensified grant reviews and eLife certification measures have drawn criticism from some sections of society and from interest groups.

Critics have raised concerns that these interventions aim to push legitimate beneficiaries out of the system. SASSA called that view “outrightly incorrect.”

“The integrity of the social grants system cannot be protected by avoiding reviews simply because reviews may be uncomfortable or inconvenient,” the agency said.

According to SASSA, its job is to make sure grants reach people who meet the eligibility requirements and who continue to meet them for as long as they receive assistance.

‘Controls must therefore evolve’

The agency said these interventions matter because the social assistance system manages substantial public resources and serves millions of beneficiaries.

SASSA added that it cannot rely on old records forever, because identities, personal circumstances and payment arrangements change over time.

“Controls must therefore evolve accordingly,” the statement concludes.

For grant recipients, the message is clear. SASSA will continue with reviews, eLife certification and biometric enrolment. The agency maintains that people who qualify have nothing to fear.

“Where beneficiaries are legitimately entitled to social assistance, they should not fear a process designed to verify that they remain eligible,” SASSA said.

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