Work and Money

WHAT happens to your SASSA grant if you move?

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We’re asked regularly, what happens to a SASSA grant if you move? To answer that question accurately you’ve got to appreciate what challenges the South African Social Security Agency is facing right now. The new Minister of Social Development seems unable to contain stories of fraud, corruption and data breaches of the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant. Â

Likewise, you have the CEO of SASSA revealing in parliament a R1.5-billion underspend and SASSA employees taking grants for themselves and payments to dead people. What this amounts to practically is a need for the department to tighten its verification process and eliminate system inefficiencies. To that end, to avoid being struck off the system, this is how to handle your SASSA grant if you move …

CHANGES TO A SASSA GRANT IF YOU MOVE

The agency must be kept abridged of any and all changes to your circumstances or your grant may be compromised. Image: File

The good news is you don’t have to re-register for a SASSA grant if you move. In fact, besides SASSA SRD with requires you check your status each month, none of the ‘core’ SASSA grants require you to ever reapply for social support.

However, if you do move, whether it’s within the province or to another part of the country, SASSA asks that you please inform them immediately about your change of address. You can do so via the following means:

  • SASSA toll-free line: 0800 601 011
  • Head Office of SASSA: 012 400 2322
  • Email SASSA: grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za
  • Or email: president@presidency.gov.za

Likewise, if you can’t hold of them, you may want to brave the queues and visit a SASSA branch in-person. You can find offices/branches from all nine provinces below:

ALWAYS KEEP SASSA UPDATED

SASSA grant if you move
Communication with the agency can be difficult, but you don’t want to lose your monthly stipend either. Image: File

While you’ll never have to reapply for a SASSA grant, the agency does have the right to regularly review your grant. There are more than 28-million grant recipients currently in South Africa, which equates to 45% of the population. As a result, SASSA grants cost the country R250 billion per month. And they’re on a mission to ensure they’re not overpaying to those who have sufficient means.

If you are selected for a SASSA grant review, you must be given written notice within three months of the review date. This will allow you to prepare yourself and ensure your finances are in order. Besides keeping within the various asset and means test thresholds, which differ between Older Persons and Child Support, there are some hard and fast rules that will see your SASSA grant revoked. Â

WHY YOUR GRANT CAN BE CANCELLED

SASSA grant if you move
Grant reviews must be communicated to your three months ahead of time. Image: File
  • If you misrepresented yourself/your finances in your grant application.
  • If it comes to light that you’re earning more than the monthly income threshold.
  • If you acquire assets that put you beyond the asset limit.
  • If you haven’t claimed your grant for three consecutive months.
  • If you’ve left the country and no longer permanently reside in South Africa.
  • If you move to and are cared for in a state-funded facility.
  • If you’ve passed away.

ALL REMAINING GRANT PAY DATES

SASSA grant if you move
Don’t be caught out at the end of the year. Diarise the remaining SASSA grant dates. Image: File

SASSA grants are expected to be extended and increased in April 2025. We’re awaiting confirmation from Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana on how much this will be. Nevertheless, you can take note of the remaining payment dates for SASSA grants till March 2025:

NOVEMBER 2024

  • Older Persons Grants: Tuesday 5 November 2024.
  • Disability Grants: Wednesday 6 November 2024.
  • Children’s Grants: Thursday 7 November 2024.

DECEMBER 2024

  • Older Persons Grants: Tuesday 3 December 2024.
  • Disability Grants: Wednesday 4 December 2024.
  • Children’s Grants: Thursday 5 December 2024.

JANUARY 2025

  • Older Persons Grants: Friday 3 January 2025.
  • Disability Grants: Monday 6 January 2025.
  • Children’s Grants: Tuesday 7 January 2025.

FEBRUARY 2025

  • Older Persons Grants: Tuesday 4 February 2025.
  • Disability Grants: Wednesday 5 February 2025.
  • Children’s Grants: Thursday 6 February 2025.

MARCH 2025

  • Older Persons Grants: Tuesday 4 March 2025.
  • Disability Grants: Wednesday 5 March 2025.
  • Children’s Grants: Thursday 6 March 2025.

*The agency reminds beneficiaries that payments may take 2-3 days to reflect in your bank account.

ASK US ANYTHING ABOUT SASSA AND WE’LL TRY TO HELP

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below or by emailinginfo@thesouthafrican.com. Or WhatsApp your thoughts on this article to 060 011 0211. Don’t forget to follow The South African for the latest updates.

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