DA Demands Answers as SASSA’s Broken Payment Date Leaves Thousands Without Grants

SASSA’s Broken Payment Date Leaves Thousands Without Grants: When the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) introduced its new “fourth payment date” system in July 2025, the goal was to tighten the verification process for social grants. But what was meant to be a proactive step to reduce fraud has become a disaster, leaving thousands of South Africans — many elderly, disabled, or unemployed — in limbo without their much-needed monthly support.

Now, the Democratic Alliance (DA) is raising the alarm. Their oversight visits, particularly to a Benoni SASSA office, revealed chaotic scenes of long lines, under-resourced offices, and confused citizens. The DA is demanding urgent action and accountability from SASSA and the Department of Social Development. This article breaks everything down — what’s happening, why it matters, what you should do if you’re affected, and what needs to change. Whether you’re a grant recipient, policy professional, or just want to stay informed, we’ve got you covered.

SASSA’s Broken Payment Date Leaves Thousands Without Grants

The launch of the fourth payment date system by SASSA may have had the right intention — accountability and fraud prevention — but its chaotic execution has done more harm than good. Thousands of vulnerable South Africans have been left confused, without guidance, and without money. While SASSA claims improvements are on the way, the DA’s push for accountability is necessary to make sure promises turn into progress. Until then, staying informed, supporting one another, and holding the government accountable are the best tools we have. Let’s make sure no one’s left behind — not now, not ever.

Topic	Details
Issue	SASSA’s new fourth payment date causes delays in grant payments
Impact	Thousands of elderly, disabled, and low-income citizens affected
Response	DA demands answers and proposes parliamentary action
Date Introduced	July 2025
Target Audience	Social grant beneficiaries flagged for verification
Official Statement	SASSA Statement
DA Report	DA’s Official Response
Estimated People Affected	Over 180,000 citizens in July 2025 alone
Main Concerns	Lack of communication, understaffed offices, verification confusion

What Is the Fourth Payment Date?

Let’s break this down with a simple comparison: imagine you always get paid on the 1st of every month. Then, out of nowhere, you’re told you’ll be paid on the 4th — no explanation, no letter, no heads-up. That’s essentially what’s happening to thousands of SASSA beneficiaries.

The fourth payment date is a new classification introduced by SASSA to flag accounts needing manual or additional verification. It doesn’t mean your grant has been cancelled — but it does mean you must provide updated information or documents before receiving payment.

The problem? Most people had no idea this change was even coming. There was no broad announcement campaign or proper explanation, especially to vulnerable groups like the elderly, people with disabilities, and rural residents.

Why the System Failed?

At its core, the fourth payment date idea isn’t inherently flawed — ensuring grants go to the right people is essential. But the rollout was rushed, confusing, and poorly supported.

Here are the key issues:

• No proactive communication to beneficiaries.
• No document checklist made available in advance.
• SASSA offices are drastically understaffed — one branch in Benoni had 21 staff helping over 1,300 people in one day.
• No mobile-friendly or digital-first options for those unable to physically go to offices.
• Lack of signage, customer service training, and accessible facilities (e.g., ramps or waiting areas).

As DA Shadow Minister of Social Development Bridget Masango stated, “We saw elderly folks in wheelchairs, mothers with babies, and disabled residents waiting in scorching sun without help or answers. This is not dignity — it’s dysfunction.”

Who Is Affected?

The “fourth payment date” mainly affects grant recipients who:

• Haven’t updated their personal or income details in the past 12 months.
• Show discrepancies in their financial records (e.g., recent deposits in bank accounts).
• Have expired documentation on file.
• Receive the R350 SRD grant, which requires more frequent reviews.
• Have had recent changes in residency or household status.

SASSA processes over 18 million grants monthly, and around 2.4 million of those undergo annual reviews. Based on DA estimates, at least 180,000 people were affected by this verification delay in just the first month.

What You Need to Do If You’re Affected By SASSA’s Broken Payment Date Leaves Thousands Without Grants?

Step 1: Confirm Your Payment Date

Visit sassa.gov.za or check your status using the GovChat app or SASSA’s SMS tools. If your payment date falls after the regular cycle — typically called the “fourth date” — your profile is flagged for review.

Step 2: Collect the Required Documents

Here’s a typical checklist of what SASSA may require:

• Valid South African ID or child’s birth certificate.
• Three months of bank statements.
• Proof of address (municipal bill or letter from ward councillor).
• Proof of income or unemployment.
• Medical report or disability assessment form (if applicable).
• Affidavit explaining any changes in status.

Step 3: Visit the Nearest SASSA Office

Arrive early — some offices open by 7:30 AM and stop handing out queue tickets before noon. Bring water, snacks, and a chair if you have mobility issues.

Step 4: Ask for Proof of Submission

Don’t leave without getting a stamped slip or case number. This proves you complied with the verification process.

What Is SASSA Doing About It?

In an official statement dated July 7, 2025, SASSA insisted that “no grants have been suspended” and that affected individuals would receive their payments once verification is complete. However, they acknowledged the delay and inconvenience.

SASSA’s action plan reportedly includes:

• Hiring additional frontline staff to ease long queues.
• Extending office hours at high-traffic locations.
• Introducing mobile verification kiosks.
• Launching a WhatsApp notification system (pilot underway in Gauteng and KZN).
• Partnering with local NGOs to help communicate documentation requirements.

Still, the DA remains skeptical and is pushing for a full parliamentary inquiry into the payment disruption.

What the DA Is Demanding?

The DA submitted several formal questions to the Department of Social Development, including:

• Why was the fourth payment date introduced with no warning?
• How many beneficiaries have missed payments because of this?
• What steps are being taken to ensure all affected individuals are assisted?
• What is the budget and timeline for improving SASSA office capacity?

They’re also urging for:

• A national SMS and radio campaign to inform rural and elderly beneficiaries.
• Creation of a real-time digital tracking tool so users can monitor their review status.
• Temporary payment relief for beneficiaries still awaiting clearance.

Practical Tips for Social Workers and NGOs

If you’re a professional working in community support, here’s how you can help:

• Create easy-to-read flyers in local languages with document checklists.
• Host workshops at churches or community centers explaining the new payment dates.
• Coordinate group transportation for elderly or disabled clients.
• Advocate for pop-up SASSA service points in high-need areas.
• Report poor service delivery to regional SASSA managers.

Data and Statistics to Know

• 18 million South Africans receive grants through SASSA monthly.
• About 44% of grant recipients are over 60 years old.
• More than 9 million citizens depend on the R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant.
• The average turnaround time for verification is 10 working days, but some delays now exceed 21 days.
• In 2024, SASSA reported losing R1.6 billion to fraud — driving the urgency behind stricter verification.

SASSA CEO Addresses Concerns Around Social Grant Reviews

SASSA Slammed Over Grant Reviews — Angry Beneficiaries Speak Out

SASSA Begins Social Grant Review Process for Upcoming Cycles

How Communities Can Step Up?

Fixing SASSA’s system isn’t just a government job — we all have a role. Communities can help spread accurate information and ensure the most vulnerable don’t fall through the cracks.

• Teachers and youth leaders can educate families on documentation.
• Local businesses can print and display info posters.
• Volunteers can assist elderly neighbors in accessing digital tools or transport.