The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has warned grant beneficiaries that they may have to pay back money if they fail to report changes in their lives.
SASSA said people who keep getting a grant after they stop qualifying could face action. This includes being asked to repay the money they received, the agency said.
“Where a beneficiary continues to receive a grant despite no longer meeting the qualifying requirements, and relevant changes were not disclosed to the Agency, SASSA may take appropriate action in accordance with applicable legislation, including the recovery of money that was unduly paid,” SASSA said.
The agency said telling SASSA about changes is a legal duty. These changes include a new job, more income, a change in marital status and other things that affect whether a person still qualifies.
SASSA said a person’s situation can change months or even years after a grant was first approved. Someone may find work, earn extra money, get married or become better off in other ways.
The agency asked beneficiaries to check that the details used to approve their grant still match their life as it is now.
“Beneficiaries whose circumstances have materially changed should therefore approach SASSA and disclose these changes where they may affect continued eligibility for a social grant,” the agency said.
SASSA said some beneficiaries already visit its offices on their own to report changes. Some of them ask for their grants to be cancelled after they find a job.
The agency said these cases are still fairly rare. It said the people who come forward show honesty and help make sure grants reach those who really need them.
“SASSA commends beneficiaries who come forward, update their information and voluntarily request the cancellation of grants where they no longer qualify,” the agency said.
“We encourage beneficiaries whose circumstances have changed to do the same. Coming forward is the responsible thing to do and allows SASSA to correctly reassess the beneficiary’s circumstances before further payments are made,” SASSA said.
SASSA said the warning was not meant to scare off people who truly depend on grants. It said it remains committed to paying people and households who qualify for support.
The agency said social grants are paid from public money. It said this money must be protected so that it goes to people who meet the set requirements.
SASSA said beneficiaries whose situation has changed can visit their nearest SASSA office. There they can update their details, report changes or ask for a grant to be cancelled.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL. Image: IOL. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice News desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Kgomotso Maake covers news and politics for Tzaneen Voice. Kgomotso reports on government, Parliament, municipalities, courts, crime and service delivery across South Africa, with a close eye on how national decisions reach towns like Tzaneen and the wider Limpopo province. Stories are written in plain English and focus on the facts: who made the decision, what it means, and what happens next.