South Africa's SASSA alerts beneficiaries on grant review and misinformation

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) announced that thousands of beneficiaries flagged for a grant review must submit required documents before the August 2026 payment cycle. Those selected will not receive their grant on the usual three‑day schedule but will be paid on Friday, 7 August 2026, and must report to a SASSA office to complete the review. Required paperwork includes identity documents, proof of income, bank statements, residence verification and, where applicable, marital status and children’s birth certificates.

Separately, SASSA warned that false claims about a large October 2026 increase in grant amounts are circulating on social media. The agency clarified that rumours of Old‑Age Grants rising to R5 000, Disability to R4 800, Child Support to R3 000 and other grants to R1 500 are unfounded. It urged beneficiaries to rely only on official communications, noting that the last year saw an underspend of R4.8 billion on social grants amid rising inflation and financial strain for recipients.