The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has announced that grant payments for approximately 20,000 beneficiaries will be delayed this month due to an ongoing identity verification process.
According to SASSA spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi, the delays affect individuals who registered for grants using temporary IDs but failed to submit permanent identification documents within the required three-month period. Under regulations, beneficiaries must present valid IDs from the Department of Home Affairs to continue receiving payments.
Letsatsi emphasized that the grants have not been canceled but are frozen until recipients verify their identities. He urged affected individuals to visit SASSA offices promptly to avoid permanent cancellation.
The agency also addressed broader fraud concerns, revealing that millions of rands are lost annually due to identity theft and fraudulent applications. Eleven SASSA officials are currently facing over 1,000 fraud charges related to R260 million in misappropriated funds.
To combat fraud, SASSA is implementing stricter measures, including biometric verification for staff access. The agency reassured legitimate beneficiaries using valid IDs that their payments remain unaffected.
Affected recipients have two months to comply before facing permanent grant cancellation. SASSA has pledged to communicate directly with those at risk via SMS and public platforms.
