SASSA has now created another caveat: Grant recipients who earn R8,070 every month or more will not be paid their social grants beginning 15 September 2025. Incomes should, therefore, be closely monitored for any type of grant affected by this ruling—Old Age Pension, Disability Grant, or Child Support Grant.
Why Have The Income Cutoffs Been Put In Place?
The idea behind enforcing it is to maintain the notion of social welfare being fair. With the income threshold now in place, SASSA hopes to reduce the cases where people able to earn an income continue to claim these grants that should have otherwise been for the poorest among citizens. On the other hand, SASSA argues that this will also enhance the sustainability of the system and make sure that public funds go to those most in need.
Who Is Most Affected?
The R8,070 income cap greatly affects:
- Elderly people who do some part-time work or other earnings aside from their pensions.
- Caregivers or families that rely on more than one grant, while combined income easily exceeds the R8,070 cutoff.
- Critics have argued that, with the rising costs, the cutoff is low, especially when small earnings can push a vulnerable household over the limit.
What Happens When Payments Are Stopped?
Payments are stopped if one receives an income above R8,070 post-September 15. You will be formally notified of the suspension and the reason therefor-no payment shall be made until proof of income dropping below the threshold has been submitted. The process for reinstating the payment can take several weeks.
How To Remain Eligible
To avoid disruption of payment, SASSA advises the following:
- Inspect your income regularly-know all sources, mainly if they vary from month to month.
- Report changes immediately-submit payslips, bank statements, or other relevant evidence of reduced income.
- Seek help at the first opportunity-walk to your nearest SASSA facility or an NGO for guidance about documentation and qualifying procedures.
Those who think their payments have been wrongly stopped may appeal to SASSA for a reversal, but payment will not be resumed until completion of that process.
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