The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has announced a delay in the May 2025 payment schedule for specific beneficiaries.
This delay is due to the agency’s requirement for these individuals to visit SASSA offices for verification of certain personal information.
Reason for Delay in Payments
According to SASSA spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi, the delay is intended to ensure beneficiaries can confirm updates regarding their financial situation and update their personal information.
This initiative is aimed at addressing potential issues in the current social security system, including ensuring that only eligible individuals continue to receive social grants.
Targeted Beneficiaries
The primary focus of this verification process is on beneficiaries who use alternative forms of identification, such as documents other than the standard 13-digit South African Identity number, to receive their social grants.
SASSA has worked with the Department of Home Affairs and found that some individuals who possess valid 13-digit ID numbers in the Home Affairs’ system do not have these numbers recorded in SASSA’s grant system.
As a result, beneficiaries who fall into this category are required to visit the SASSA offices for an update and review of their records.
Consequences for Non-Compliance
Letsatsi further explained that beneficiaries who fail to appear for this review process may face suspension of their social grants. If they continue to ignore the request, more severe actions could be taken, including the permanent cancellation of their grant.
Other targeted groups include individuals identified through the bulk means test process, designed to assess whether recipients have unreported income from other sources, such as bank accounts not previously disclosed to SASSA.
Social Grants Subject to Periodic Review
As per Regulation 30 of the Social Assistance Act, social grants are subject to review at any time when there are indications that a beneficiary’s circumstances have changed.
For example, a person may have qualified for a grant at one point, but their financial situation may have improved, making them ineligible for further support.
SASSA is committed to regularly reviewing the eligibility of all beneficiaries, and starting from the 2025/2026 financial year, they will be intensifying their efforts to identify clients on a monthly basis who need to verify their details.
Internal Measures to Prevent Fraud
In addition to verifying beneficiaries, SASSA will also be investigating potential internal issues, such as possible collusion between SASSA officials and external parties.
This aims to prevent fraud and the diversion of grant funds intended for those in need.
Key Dates and Actions for Beneficiaries
| Action Required | Deadline | Impact of Non-Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Beneficiaries to visit SASSA offices for verification | By May 2025 | Potential suspension or termination of grants |
| Regular verification process (monthly reviews) | Starting 2025/2026 financial year | Ongoing verification for continued eligibility |
| Investigation of possible fraud or collusion | Ongoing | Possible suspension of involved officials |
The delay in May 2025 payments by SASSA is a necessary step to ensure that only eligible beneficiaries continue to receive support.
Through regular verification and reviews, SASSA aims to maintain the integrity of the social security system and prevent fraud. Beneficiaries must comply with these requirements to avoid disruption in their grant payments.
FAQs
Why is there a delay in May 2025 SASSA payments?
The delay is due to the need for targeted beneficiaries to verify their personal information at SASSA offices.
Who is required to visit the SASSA office for verification?
Beneficiaries who use alternative forms of identification and those identified through the means test process must visit SASSA offices.
What happens if I do not comply with the verification request?
If you fail to visit SASSA offices for verification, your social grant may be suspended, and further non-compliance may result in the cancellation of your grant.