WHY you have to let SASSA know if you move in 2025

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Here’s why you absolutely have to let SASSA know if you move. As of last month, the agency was empowered by government to stop paying any questionable grant beneficiaries without review. As such, SASSA started with anyone not using a 13-digit SA ID number on their profile. Likewise, if you do not let SASSA know if you move, or have an incomplete profile, you also run the risk of non-payment.

It’s been a forgettable year for the agency, that’s battled with budget unknowns, Postbank failures, and ongoing fraud and corruption problems. Nevertheless, it says this tougher verification initiative is working in the fight against fraud. So, here’s why you absolutely have to let SASSA know if you move, or risk non-payment of your grant without review …

LET SASSA KNOW IF YOU MOVE

Be sure to alert SASSA know if you move so they don’t suspect anything untoward with your grant. Image: File

The South African Social Security Agency pays grants to 45% of the population, with a budget of more than R260 billionannually. That’s a lot of money, data and addresses it needs to keep track of. Therefore, to eliminate any system inefficiencies the agency will flag any untoward accounts with immediate effect.

The agency cross references all major beneficiary information with the Department of Home Affairs, South African Revenue Service and your bank. This includes, but is not limited to, your listed address and monthly income. Of course, if you misrepresent yourself and/or your financial means, you risk being removed from the SASSA grant list, without review.

WHAT DOES SASSA NEED TO KNOW?

SASSA grants make up the second highest portion of the national budget. As such, it’s important the government safeguards its investment. Image: File

Thankfully, to let SASSA know if you move, you do not need to re-register as a ‘core’ beneficiary. However, if and when you do move – whether it’s just down the street or to another part of the country – you must let SASSA know if you move. You can do so via the following official SASSA channels:

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

The agency is pretty poor at answering its phone, so you may want to visit a SASSA branch in-person. Just be ready to wait a longtime in the queue.

THREE-MONTH NOTICE PERIOD

let SASSA know if you move — Take note of the payment dates for the rest of 2025 and into 2026. Image: SASSA

Moreover, if the agency suspects something untoward and does select you for a SASSA grant review, it must do so with three-monthswritten notice ahead of the review date. This will allow you to prepare yourself and ensure your finances and personal information are in order. As always, here are some hard and fast rules that will see your SASSA grant overturned:

You misrepresented yourself/your finances in your grant application.
If it comes to light that you’re earning more than the monthly income threshold.
You acquire new assets that put you beyond the asset limit.
If you haven’t claimed your grant for three consecutive months.
You have left the country and no longer permanently reside in South Africa.
If you move to and are cared for in a state-funded facility.
You passed away.