SASSA warns beneficiaries not to ignore grant review notices

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has warned social grant beneficiaries that failing to respond to grant review notices could result in their payments being suspended.

In a statement on Wednesday, SASSA urged beneficiaries to comply with review requests and submit the required information and supporting documents within the specified period.

The agency said reviews were necessary to ensure that grants continued to be paid to qualifying individuals and to prevent irregular or fraudulent payments.

Beneficiaries who receive notifications requesting them to attend a review have been advised not to ignore them.

SASSA also encouraged beneficiaries to check their grant status proactively instead of waiting for an SMS or other notification.

They can do so by sending a “Hi” WhatsApp message to 082 601 0111. The service allows beneficiaries to check whether their grants are under review and access other services, including eLife Certification and social grant applications.

The agency said beneficiaries were also responsible for informing it of changes in their circumstances, including marital status, financial situation, residential address and cellphone number.

Keeping contact details up to date is important because beneficiaries risk missing review notices, requests for supporting documents and other communications if they change their cellphone numbers without updating their records.

SASSA said beneficiaries must maintain accurate information and respond to official requests to ensure their continued eligibility for social assistance.

November grant payment dates

The warning comes as SASSA clarifies changes to the November 2026 social grant payment schedule, saying the revised dates are a once-off arrangement linked to operational requirements associated with the upcoming local government elections.

Under the adjusted schedule, Older Persons Grants will be paid on October 30, Disability Grants on November 2 and Children's Grants on November 3.

Beneficiaries whose grants are under review are scheduled to receive payments on November 5, subject to the outcome of the review and confirmation that they remain eligible.

SASSA stressed that the adjusted dates apply only to November and do not represent a permanent change to the payment schedule.

Payment dates from December 2026 to March 2027 remain as previously announced. Any changes to the schedule for the 2027/2028 financial year will be communicated through the agency's official platforms.

The agency has urged beneficiaries to rely on verified SASSA communication channels for information about payment dates and grant reviews, warning against unverified messages and speculation.

SASSA said it remained committed to improving access to social assistance while strengthening grant administration and ensuring that eligible beneficiaries continued to receive the support to which they were entitled.