SASSA says it is strengthening grant reviews, eLife certification and biometric enrolment to prevent fraud and ensure payments reach eligible beneficiaries, amid criticism that the measures could exclude vulnerable people from social assistance.

Thembelihle Mabanga

Content Head

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is strengthening its social grant verification measures to protect public funds and ensure that assistance reaches people who continue to meet the eligibility requirements.

In a statement on Friday, 9 October, the agency responded to media reports about payments made to people who were allegedly ineligible to receive social grants during the 2025/2026 financial year.

SASSA also acknowledged issues raised before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Social Development on Wednesday, 7 October, saying it welcomed scrutiny of the administration of public funds.

The agency stressed that social assistance remains a constitutional obligation and an essential safety net for millions of vulnerable South Africans. However, it said the system must be protected against fraud, abuse, errors, misrepresentation and payments to people who no longer qualify for assistance.

The agency’s intensified grant reviews and eLife certification measures have drawn criticism from some members of the public and interest groups, who fear the interventions could result in legitimate beneficiaries losing their grants.

SASSA rejected these concerns, saying the purpose of the measures is to verify continued eligibility rather than arbitrarily terminate social assistance.

The agency said beneficiaries are responsible for informing it about changes in their circumstances that could affect their eligibility. These include changes in income, employment, marital status, banking details, residential circumstances and other relevant personal information.

It explained that grant reviews are necessary to establish whether recipients continue to meet the requirements for the assistance they receive.

SASSA also defended its intensified eLife certification process, which is intended to confirm that beneficiaries are still alive and are the legitimate recipients of their grants.

The agency said the process helps prevent payments from continuing after a beneficiary’s death, where their continued existence cannot be confirmed, or where another person may be accessing the grant unlawfully.

Another measure being implemented is beneficiary biometric enrolment, which SASSA said would strengthen identity verification and improve the security of social grant transactions.

The system is intended to reduce impersonation and fraudulent transactions while ensuring that payments reach the rightful beneficiaries.

SASSA said it could not rely indefinitely on historical information because identities, personal circumstances and payment arrangements change over time.

The agency maintained that its verification measures are necessary to safeguard the social assistance system and ensure public funds are used for their intended purpose.

It added that beneficiaries who continue to meet the prescribed requirements should not fear processes designed to confirm their eligibility.