Pensioners: Understanding your grant calculations
Many pensioners have raised concerns about how their grants are calculated, especially if they are married to government employees.SASSA continues to modernize social grant services, helping pensioners, married beneficiaries, and SRD recipients access support digitally while safeguarding public funds.
SASSA uses household income to assess eligibility for social grants. Pensioners married to a government employee may see a reduction in their grant if spousal income is declared, even though there is no legal obligation for the spouse to contribute financially.
Beneficiaries facing this situation should check their status and ensure all personal and spousal details are accurate. Learn more about SASSA’s new self-service system, which streamlines verification and reduces the need for office visits.
Married beneficiaries: Reporting changes and appeals
SASSA requires beneficiaries to report changes in marital status, income, or household support. This ensures grants are directed to those eligible and prevents suspension or lapsing.
Some beneficiaries have encountered difficulties when appealing decisions, such as in cases where divorce decrees cannot be provided because a spouse is missing. In such cases, SASSA encourages beneficiaries to use official support channels to lodge their queries: Grant Enquiries.
SRD Grant holders: Clarifying rumours
Following widespread rumours online, SASSA confirmed that the SRD grant is not ending in 2026. Beneficiaries should verify their status regularly to ensure uninterrupted payments.
ALSO READ: SRD grant ending rumours spark fear — what SASSA says
SRD recipients can check their grant status online at https://srd.sassa.gov.za or by dialing 1203210# for other grants.
How to verify your status and complete life certification
SASSA’s 2026 online self-service system allows beneficiaries to complete life certification digitally, reducing the need to travel to offices.
There are official ways to verify your status and avoid grant suspension:
- Complete e-Life Certification through the portal
- Ensure all income, employment, and marital details are accurate
- Respond promptly to review requests
For official forms and supplier registration, visit SASSA Supplier Registration Forms.
Why the 2026 System Matters
The rollout of SASSA’s 2026 online self-service system is designed to:
- Simplify grant verification for all beneficiaries
- Reduce queues and office visits
- Increase accuracy and prevent fraud
- Improve access for vulnerable groups including pensioners and rural residents
SASSA emphasises that staying proactive — checking status, reporting changes, and completing life certification — is the best way to safeguard your grant.
Tips for pensioners and vulnerable beneficiaries
- Check your grant status regularly to prevent delays
- Report any changes in income, household support, or marital status immediately
- Use the self-service portal when possible to avoid travel costs
- Contact SASSA Grant Enquiries if you face challenges
