The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) says its ongoing social grant reviews are essential to ensuring that social assistance reaches people who genuinely qualify. The agency says the reviews are a legal requirement aimed at protecting the integrity and sustainability of the country’s social grants system.
According to SASSA, more than 19 million beneficiaries receive social grants every month, with approximately R20 billion paid out to support vulnerable South Africans. The agency says regular reviews help verify that beneficiaries still meet the eligibility requirements, especially when personal or financial circumstances change.
SASSA says improved data verification systems identified hundreds of thousands of grants for review during the 2025/26 financial year. The agency estimates that enhanced compliance measures have already saved more than R500 million annually, while projected savings of about R1.5 billion are expected from the 2026/27 review process.
The agency also highlighted the use of biometric enrolment and eLife Certification, which allow some beneficiaries to confirm their eligibility remotely. SASSA says these digital services reduce travel costs, shorten queues and make it easier for elderly people, persons with disabilities and those living in remote areas to access services.
SASSA has urged beneficiaries who receive review notifications to respond promptly by updating their information and completing the required verification process. The agency says this will help protect individual grants while ensuring the long term fairness, credibility and sustainability of South Africa’s social assistance programme
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