Situations that can lead to your SASSA grant being suspended, rejected or terminated

There are certain circumstances that could result in a grant being suspended, rejected or terminated. A SASSA spokesperson explains what beneficiaries need to know.

Social grants continue to play an important role in supporting millions of South African households.

For many beneficiaries, the money helps them buy essential items and cover some of their most important expenses.

However, there are certain circumstances that could lead to someone losing their SASSA grant.

SASSA spokesperson Dr Paseka Letsatsi spoke to us about some of the reasons a grant may be suspended, rejected or terminated.

When your income exceeds the qualifying criteria

Letsatsi explains that one of the reasons a beneficiary may lose their grant is when their income exceeds the applicable means test threshold.

"Apart from income exceeding the applicable means test threshold, a grant may be suspended, rejected, or terminated if a beneficiary no longer meets the qualifying criteria for the grant concerned," Letsatsi explains.

The spokesperson encourages beneficiaries to regularly visit the SASSA website to familiarise themselves with the qualifying criteria, review requirements and other conditions applicable to the different social grants.

Failing to submit the required information

When applying for a social grant, applicants are required to provide certain information and supporting documents.

However, "when a beneficiary fails to provide required information or supporting documents", it could lead to a grant being affected.

Failing to attend or respond to a scheduled review

Beneficiaries may also risk having their grants affected if they fail to respond to or attend a scheduled review.

Providing false or misleading information

According to Letsatsi, providing "false, misleading or incomplete information" is another reason a grant may be suspended, rejected or terminated.

Being admitted to a state-funded institution

Letsatsi says another reason that can affect a person receiving a social grant is when he/she is "admitted to a state-funded institution where applicable."

This also applies when someone is found to be receiving a grant for which they do not qualify.

Letsatsi says grants may also be affected when there are changes in a beneficiary’s circumstances.

These include changes in marital status, residency status, financial position or any other factor that has a bearing on their eligibility for social assistance.

A social grant is awarded to a qualifying individual and does not automatically get transferred to another family member when the beneficiary passes away.

Lastly, Letsatsi emphasises that it is important for beneficiaries to understand that "each case is assessed on its own merits and in accordance with the applicable legislative requirements, eligibility criteria, verification outcomes, and review processes administered by SASSA."

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