Sassa social grant beneficiaries disclosure of changed financial circumstances, Digi Mart USA News (South Africa): The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has warned social grant beneficiaries to disclose changes in their financial circumstances. Those who do not could risk having to pay back money they were not entitled to receive.
This includes beneficiaries who have found jobs, started earning more or experienced personal or family changes that could affect their grant eligibility.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, 11 November, Sassa commended beneficiaries who voluntarily approached its offices to report changes and request the cancellation of their grants after securing employment or improving their financial situations. The agency said although such cases were still relatively uncommon, those who came forward demonstrated honesty and responsibility.
The agency reminded beneficiaries that informing it about changes in their circumstances was not optional but a legal obligation. Beneficiaries are expected to report changes in employment, income, marital status and other personal or financial circumstances that could affect their eligibility.
Sassa warned that those who continued receiving grants despite no longer meeting the qualifying requirements could face consequences. “Where a beneficiary continues to receive a grant despite no longer meeting the qualifying requirements, and relevant changes were not disclosed to the agency, Sassa may take appropriate action in accordance with applicable legislation, including the recovery of money that was unduly paid,” the agency said.
It urged beneficiaries to remember that social grants were funded by public money and intended for people who met the qualifying requirements. However, Sassa stressed that the warning should not discourage people who genuinely needed financial assistance from applying for or receiving grants.
The agency said it remained committed to ensuring that eligible individuals and households received the support they deserved.
Beneficiaries whose circumstances had changed were encouraged to visit their nearest Sassa offices or use the online services portal at services.sassa.gov.za to update the information or request cancellation of their grants.
