SASSA Tightens Grant Controls — What the 'Integrity' Checks Mean for Your Grant

On 9 October 2026 SASSA issued a statement defending its grant controls after media reports about money paid to beneficiaries who may not have qualified during 2025/26. The agency says its reviews, eLife certification and biometric enrolment are integrity checks — not a programme to cancel grants arbitrarily.

What Prompted It

The issue was raised with the Portfolio Committee on Social Development on 7 October 2026. SASSA acknowledged reports of payments to beneficiaries who may not have been eligible and said it is strengthening controls to protect the integrity of the social assistance system.

What the Checks Actually Are

SASSA listed its main controls:

• Grant reviews / reassessments — periodic checks that you still qualify (see our grant verification guide and review reassessment guide).
• eLife certification — the annual proof-of-life check for beneficiaries paid through a bank, institution or procurator (see life certification).
• Beneficiary biometric enrolment — capturing fingerprints as an identity check (see biometric fixes).

SASSA stressed these are controls to verify identity and eligibility — they are not designed to arbitrarily terminate grants. A review does not automatically mean your grant is cancelled.

What to Do If You're Asked to Verify

1. Respond to the notice — a review usually needs documents or a biometric/eLife step.
2. Make sure your cellphone number is RICA'd in your own name so you receive notifications (see our phone-number guide).
3. Use official channels only. SASSA will never ask you to pay to be verified.
4. Still unsure? Phone the SASSA helpline on 0800 60 10 11.

The spokesperson on the statement is SASSA's Dr Paseka Letsatsi (082 883 9969).