SASSA tightens grant reviews and biometric checks, insists it is not about cutting grants

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is tightening its controls on social grants to stop fraud and make sure only eligible people are paid.

The agency said it has stepped up grant reviews and eLife certification in a statement issued on Friday, 9 October 2026.

The move follows recent media reports about money paid to people who allegedly did not qualify for grants in the 2025/26 financial year.

Those issues were raised before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Social Development on Wednesday, 7 October.

SASSA said it welcomes scrutiny of how public money is spent.

Some interest groups have criticised the measures, fearing that genuine beneficiaries could lose their grants.

SASSA dismissed those fears and said cutting off grants is not the purpose of reviews or certification.

The agency said its job is to make sure grants reach people who meet the requirements and still qualify.

It added that reviews cannot be avoided just because they may be uncomfortable or inconvenient.

Beneficiaries are reminded to tell SASSA when their circumstances change.

That includes changes in income, employment, marital status, banking details and living arrangements.

eLife certification is also being stepped up to confirm that beneficiaries are still alive and are the rightful recipients.

The aim is to stop payments continuing after a beneficiary has died, or someone else unlawfully using a grant.

SASSA is also introducing biometric enrolment to strengthen identity checks and secure grant transactions.

The agency says this will help reduce impersonation and fraudulent payments.

It said it cannot keep relying on old information, because identities, circumstances and payment arrangements change over time.

For beneficiaries, the practical message is to keep personal details up to date.

They should also respond when SASSA asks for a review or certification.

As a general precaution, beneficiaries should never share their card or PIN with anyone.

Anyone unsure about their status can visit their nearest SASSA office or contact the agency directly.

The report does not say when biometric enrolment will begin or how many beneficiaries will be affected.

How the reviews are rolled out, and whether Parliament follows up, are the next things to watch.

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