Treasury threatens to withhold grants funds if SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) fails to resolve ID verification crisis
In a rapidly escalating social security crisis, South Africa’s National Treasury has warned it may withhold billions in social grants funding if the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) fails to comply with new verification mandates meant to root out fraud.
As nearly 45% of the population depends on these grants, MPs and civil society leaders are sounding the alarm on the real-world impact of the government’s crackdown.
In testimony before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Social Development this week, SASSA CEO Themba Matlou admitted the agency has begun suspending grants flagged for potential income fraud or irregular identity documentation, following Treasury’s budget allocation conditions.
“Throughout customer and beneficiary education, we do emphasise that citizens have a responsibility to assist the government to save money,” said Matlou.
SASSA must now submit quarterly reports—including data on suspended grants, biometric enhancements, and database cross-checks—by July and October, or risk losing a portion of its R285-billion 2025/26 grant allocation. That budget already faces cuts in 2026, especially with the planned discontinuation of the SRD grant.
Vulnerable populations caught in the crossfire
The verification effort includes cross-referencing beneficiaries with SARS, NSFAS, and Home Affairs, as well as deploying biometric tech.
Those flagged must now undergo in-person reviews, a requirement that MPs and rights groups say penalises the poor and rural disproportionately.
“You’re asking them to present themselves, but it costs them at least R150 in urban areas… So what happens if someone says, ‘I actually don’t have money to present myself’? Are you just going to cut their grants?” asked DA MP Alexandra Abrahams.
EFF MP Paulnita Marais called it a “double blow” to rural caregivers who must travel hours to reach a SASSA office.
Civil rights group Black Sash reinforced this concern, warning of the “devastating impact” that grant suspensions can have if not properly communicated. As reported by GroundUp, Evashnee Naidu, regional manager for Black Sash in KwaZulu-Natal, noted that many beneficiaries only discover they’ve been cut off when they attempt to withdraw funds on payday.
“An automatic stop in payment will have a devastating impact on social grant beneficiaries. This is the only lifeline they have to survive,” Naidu said.
SASSA’s tech rollout falls short
Though SASSA claims to be expanding self-service kiosks and remote ID checks, the rollout is slow and inconsistent. Many flagged beneficiaries, particularly elderly and disabled citizens, cannot easily access the required technology or travel to offices.
More than 210,000 grant payments were suddenly suspended in June, affecting child support and disability grants.
What you can do if you haven’t been paid
If your grant hasn’t come through this month:
- ✅ Check your status via:
- WhatsApp: 082 046 8553
- Call Centre: 0800 60 10 11
- Website: www.sassa.gov.za
- ✅ Visit your nearest SASSA office if you’ve been flagged for review.
For more updates and guidance, visit the NOWinSA SASSA Resource Hub.
As the deadline looms and tensions mount, South Africa’s grant lifeline faces one of its greatest challenges yet—balancing accountability with accessibility.
The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the system bends or breaks under pressure.
