Worried about your SASSA grant being stopped without warning? If your income, family status, or other details have changed, you could be flagged for review. Missing the process may lead to losing your grant.
Here’s everything you need to know to avoid suspension and stay compliant with SASSA rules.
What Is the SASSA Review Process?
The SASSA review process is an official check done by the South African Social Security Agency to make sure your information is still correct and that you still qualify for a grant. It helps stop fraud and ensures that only people who meet the rules keep receiving payments.
This review looks at:
- Your current income and job status
- Family changes, like marriage or divorce
- The number of people in your household
- Whether you still meet the grant’s requirements
It’s not a random check it’s part of how SASSA manages the system fairly for everyone.
Who Must Go Through a Review?
Not every beneficiary is reviewed at the same time, but you are likely to be reviewed if:
- You didn’t give full income details when applying
- You recently got married, divorced, or had other family changes
- You started earning money or your financial situation improved
- SASSA finds any difference in your paperwork or gets alerts from other departments
People receiving Old Age Grants, Child Support Grants, Disability Grants, and Care Dependency Grants can all be called for review.
When Are Reviews Done?
SASSA usually does reviews once a year, but they can happen at any time if something changes or seems wrong in your file.
They also run checks with other government departments and banks. If they find new information like new income or marriage registration you may be called in earlier.
How Will You Be Notified?
SASSA can send notifications through:
- SMS messages
- Letters by post or hand delivery
- Notes added to your last payment slip
They may also visit your home or make public notices at pay points. If you receive any of these, take it seriously. Not responding may lead to your grant being suspended.
What Happens at the Review?
At your review appointment, SASSA staff will ask questions and check your documents. They want to see if your situation has changed and whether you still meet the rules.
You must:
- Confirm your income or explain job changes
- Provide recent bank statements and other financial proof
- Update personal and household details
- Share information about your partner or dependents, if relevant
SASSA compares this new info to your existing file. If anything doesn’t match, they may ask for more documents or start a deeper investigation.
What Documents Must You Bring for SASSA Review?
Make sure to take the following with you:
- Your original South African ID or valid refugee documents
- Your partner’s ID if you’re married or living together
- Proof of income, like payslips or affidavits
- 3 months of bank statements for all your bank accounts
- Proof of employment or a letter of dismissal if you recently stopped working
- Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or sworn statement about your relationship
- Birth certificates of your children or dependents
- Proof of where you live, like a utility bill or letter from a ward councillor
- Any documents from Home Affairs if your ID is delayed or under review
Bring original documents or certified copies. Incomplete files cause delays or rejection.
Can Someone Else Attend the Review for You?
Yes, but only if you’ve legally appointed them to act for you. This is called a Power of Attorney or Procuratorship.
They must bring:
- A copy of your ID
- Their own ID
- A signed legal letter proving they can represent you
- All your documents listed above
Where Must You Go?
Reviews are done in person at your local SASSA office or regional office. They will include the location and date in your notification.
You cannot do a review online yet. However, SASSA may add this option in the future to help people who live far from offices or have transport issues.
How Long Does a SASSA Review Take?
Reviews don’t take long if your documents are complete. Most are done within:
- 15 to 30 minutes for straightforward cases
- 1 to 2 hours if more questions are asked or paperwork is missing
Go early to avoid long queues and delays. If your documents are not in order, you may need to come back another day.
What If You Miss the Review?
Missing a review has serious consequences. If you ignore the notice:
- Your grant may be suspended without warning
- You will not receive back pay for the missed period
- You might need to start a brand-new application
- In cases of suspected fraud, police may get involved
Once suspended, getting your grant back can take weeks or even months, depending on how quickly you respond and correct your documents.
What If You’re Unsure About Your Income?
SASSA understands that not everyone has stable income. If you earn money now and then, or from different sources, declare everything clearly. Let the officer decide what matters for your grant.
Do not hide income or assets. That could be seen as fraud and may lead to charges.
Are SASSA Reviews Free?
Yes. All SASSA services, including reviews, are 100% free. No one has the right to charge you.
If anyone asks for money, report them immediately to your nearest SASSA office. It could be a scam or corruption.
Why Reviews Matter?
The review process keeps the system fair. It helps SASSA:
- Remove people who no longer qualify
- Stop double payments and fraud
- Make sure help reaches the right people
Over 18 million South Africans depend on social grants. By completing your review on time, you help keep the system strong and working for those who need it most.
Final Tip
Keep your contact details up to date with SASSA. If your phone number or address changes, let them know immediately. That way, you won’t miss important messages or review appointments.
Contents
- 1 What Is the SASSA Review Process?
- 2 Who Must Go Through a Review?
- 3 When Are Reviews Done?
- 4 How Will You Be Notified?
- 5 What Happens at the Review?
- 6 What Documents Must You Bring for SASSA Review?
- 7 Can Someone Else Attend the Review for You?
- 8 Where Must You Go?
- 9 How Long Does a SASSA Review Take?
- 10 What If You Miss the Review?
- 11 What If You’re Unsure About Your Income?
- 12 Are SASSA Reviews Free?
- 13 Why Reviews Matter?
- 14 Final Tip