Finance · South Africa
Sassa Halts 70,000 Social Grant Payments Amid Review
Moneyweb · 2026/02/07
Summary
South Africa's Social Security Agency (Sassa) has paused payments to about 70,000 grant recipients as part of a larger review involving nearly 400,000 people. The government is increasing checks to make sure only eligible individuals receive social grants. This move aims to prevent fraud and misuse of funds by verifying beneficiaries more strictly. While these checks are necessary to protect government resources, some people who depend on these grants might face delays or temporary loss of income during the review process. The review affects different types of social grants, including old age pensions and child support grants. Sassa has urged those affected to respond quickly to requests for information to avoid longer disruptions. This crackdown is part of a broader effort to improve the social grants system and ensure funds go to those who truly need help.
OnABudget takeaway: For individuals relying on social grants, it's important to keep your details up to date and respond promptly to any Sassa requests to avoid payment delays. Small business owners should also be aware that a delay in grant payments might affect local spending patterns.