In 2025, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) will be taking a closer look at the monthly income of people who receive grants. These stricter checks could lead to some negative consequences for beneficiaries.
Increased instances of SASSA income review in 2025 show how serious the agency is about tightening its belt. As we’ve already reported, all new SASSA applicants must undergo biometric identity enrolment from this month onwards.
The revised SASSA income review process, implemented since May 2025, follows these biometric requirements. Additionally, the agency has raised both income and asset eligibility limits in 2025. Understanding these procedural updates is essential for beneficiaries to maintain access to social welfare benefits.
SASSA GRANTS INCOME REVIEW IN 2025
New applicants for SASSA Old Persons Grants starting from September 2025 have undergone stricter biometric enrollment to curb fraudulent payments. Currently, 28 million residents, accounting for 45% of the population, receive SASSA grants amounting to a staggering R260 Billion annually, making it the second-largest budget allocation after debt repayments.
source: TheSouthAfrican.com
SASSA's NEW DIGITAL APPROACH
SASSA GRANTS INCOME REVIEW IN 2025 |
Beneficiaries of the grants have 3 months to respond to a SASSA income review, but their funds will be suspended during this period. For this reason, the agency needs to digitise the SASSA income review process to minimise waste and ensure social welfare reaches those who truly need it.
This is the purpose of biometric enrollment for all new SASSA grant applicants, and any recipient under review must also complete biometric enrollment. However, all SASSA clients should familiarise themselves and understand the updated annual SASSA income review limits, outlined per 'core' grant (divided by 12 for the monthly amount):
- Old Age (pensioners), Disability & War Veterans grant: R107800 (if single) and R215760 (if married)
- Child Support grant: R67200 (if single) and R134300 (married)
- Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant: R7704
If you earn more than the above figure annually, you will not be eligible for the SASSA grant in question.
AN SMS FROM SASSA PUTS YOU UNDER THE INCOME REVIEW
You'll be sent an SMS to your phone from the agency notifying you to validate your profile in person at a SASSA office, so it’s crucial to keep your contact details updated. Additionally, a fourth payment date has been added to the monthly schedule, usually the first Friday after payday, for clients under review.
You’re correct that, previously, the agency was mandated to serve a written notice. This gave recipients at least 3 months to rectify their finances. However, the precedent has clearly been set by SASSA that this is no longer the case. Your grant will be withheld immediately until you rectify the review.
PAY BACK THE CASH
SASSA GRANTS INCOME REVIEW IN 2025 |
What Happens If SASSA Finds That I'm not Eligible But Have Been Earning
In June 2025, there was a report on a SASSA Child Support grant beneficiary who got caught in an income review. With their income-cross-referencing superpowers, SASSA demanded she repay five months of welfare, R560 a month, totalling R3360, when it turned out she had a job all along. Oops!
The agency asks that you report to an agency office in person with an up-to-date & valid bank statement, payslips and a copy of your child’s ID document or birth certificate. If your finances don’t comply with SASSA’s information, and it’s proven, you have additional income, you must pay all the money back.
HOW CAN ONE REPAY SASSA
SASSA provides three repayment options for the money. You can either pay the full amount by the end of the month or make monthly payments over the same period you received the funds, even if obtained unlawfully. Alternatively, you can set up a debit order through your bank for monthly deductions, though this option incurs interest and will cost more overall. The agency insists there are no exceptions for beneficiaries unable to repay the stolen money.
If you have experienced a SASSA income review, share your thoughts or story by commenting.
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