SASSA is rolling out its 2026 online self-service system to simplify social grant reviews. Learn how the system works and who may be affected.
SASSA confirms rollout of new 2026 online Self-service system for grant reviews
As SASSA modernises its grant verification process with e-Life Certification and digital reviews, beneficiaries are warned that non-compliance could lead to suspension or lapsing of grants.
The new 2026 system aims to make social grant verification faster, more secure, and accessible from smartphones, reducing the need to visit offices.
Why SASSA is reviewing grants now
During a media briefing in Cape Town, SASSA CEO Themba Matlou explained that the self-service rollout is part of a broader effort to protect public funds and ensure that grants are paid only to eligible recipients. “Social grant reviews and life certification are critical in confirming continued eligibility, preventing payments to deceased individuals or ineligible beneficiaries, and detecting fraud,” Matlou said.
Beneficiaries are reminded that failure to act on SASSA notices can result in payment delays; learn how to avoid payment delays.
SASSA has already reviewed more than 240,000 social grants, saving the government approximately R44 million per month. These reviews leverage cross-checks with SARS, credit bureaus, and NSFAS to verify income, employment, and marital status.
Learn more about how SASSA’s new verification system is expected to save South Africa hundreds of millions.
Beneficiaries are also reminded that failure to act on SASSA notices can result in payment delays — see how to avoid payment delays.
Who is most at risk of grant suspension or lapsing?
You may be at risk if you:
- Do not respond to a grant review request
- Fail to complete life certification
- Do not report changes in income
- Do not disclose marriage or changes in household financial support
- Provided incomplete or false information during application
“Beneficiaries who fail to comply with review or life certification requirements may have their grants suspended, with continued non-compliance potentially resulting in the lapsing of grants,” Matlou said.
Once a grant lapses, beneficiaries may need to reapply, which can take weeks or months.
What is life certification?
Life certification confirms that a beneficiary is still alive and eligible to receive a grant — particularly for older persons and disability grants.
Traditionally, this required in-person verification at SASSA offices or partner institutions, but the new system introduces e-Life Certification via a self-service portal.
How to check your SASSA grant status
SASSA urges beneficiaries to check their status and respond to any review requests. There are several official ways to verify your SASSA grant status.
- SRD grant beneficiaries: check online at https://srd.sassa.gov.za
- Other grants: dial 1203210#
For grant customer support requests, follow the instructions at SASSA Grant Enquiries.
For official grant forms and supplier registration, visit SASSA Supplier Registration Forms.
Public concerns over access and fairness
Some users on social media raised concerns about rural beneficiaries who must travel long distances to SASSA offices, often borrowing money for transport, because document requirements are only revealed in-person.
Others noted pension calculations for beneficiaries married to government employees may be unfair, since spouses are not legally obliged to provide financial support.
There are also challenges when beneficiaries cannot produce divorce decrees because partners have disappeared.
Clearing up SRD Grant fears
SASSA has addressed anxiety around the future of the SRD grant following rumours online.
ALSO READ: SRD grant ending rumours spark fear — what SASSA says
What beneficiaries should do now
SASSA reminds all beneficiaries to keep personal and financial details updated. Legally required changes include:
- Income
- Employment or financial support
- Marriage or marital status
Failing to report changes could lead to suspension or lapsing of grants.
What comes next
SASSA says the review process will continue throughout the 2026 financial year as part of broader efforts to modernize social assistance and reduce fraud.
Beneficiaries and advocacy groups continue to call for:
- Clearer communication
- Faster digital rollout
- Greater access for vulnerable communities
The message is clear: check your status, respond to reviews, and report changes — or risk losing your grant.
