What Happens If You Don’t Claim Your SASSA Grant?

For individuals in South Africa who rely on social grants from SASSA as their main source of income, it is crucial to regularly collect grant funds. However, various challenges can sometimes hinder immediate withdrawal of the entire grant amount upon payment. So, what happens if you fail to claim your full SASSA grant or part of it within a specific month?

This article will outline the necessary steps, timeframes, and consequences associated with not claiming your SASSA funds regularly, enabling you to anticipate potential outcomes. Moreover, we will provide you with valuable tips to help you avoid the lapse or loss of your grant.

SASSA Grant Payment Cycles

SASSA distributes grant funds monthly, following specific payment cycles on set dates:

  • Older Person’s Grant – 1st of the month
  • Disability Grant – 3rd of the month
  • Child Support Grant – 5th of the month

These cycles occur monthly, ensuring that your grant is recurrent. You do not need to reapply every month; just withdraw the available funds.

Consequences of Not Withdrawing Funds

Here is what typically happens if you do not claim your SASSA grant:

  • Funds remain accessible for 90 days – If left unpaid, the funds will remain accessible in your SASSA account or card for a period of 3 months.
  • No expiration if the account remains active – As long as you make even a small withdrawal, the entire balance remains valid beyond the initial 90-day period.
  • Grant suspension after 90 days – If there are no withdrawals at all for 3 months, your grant will be temporarily suspended.
  • Three-month reinstatement period – You will then have 3 months to contact SASSA to reactivate a suspended grant.
  • Cancellation after the reinstatement period – If the grant is not reinstated within the allocated time frame, it will be permanently canceled, resulting in the forfeiture of funds.

In summary, you have a 90-day window to claim your funds, an additional 90-day period for reinstatement if your grant is suspended, and the possibility of cancellation if the issue remains unaddressed.

Avoiding SASSA Grant Suspension or Cancellation

To prevent the lapse, suspension, or complete cancellation of your SASSA grant, consider the following measures:

  • Withdraw any amount each month, even if it is not the full grant, to keep the account active.
  • If you are unable to withdraw for several months, inform SASSA to explain the situation.
  • Ensure that you withdraw the entire amount before the 90-day limit.
  • If your grant is suspended, apply for reinstatement immediately within the 90-day timeframe.
  • Inform SASSA if your circumstances change, such as securing employment.
  • Adhere to all grant regulations and prerequisites to maintain eligibility.

Can You Reapply After Cancellation?

If your SASSA grant is canceled due to a failure to reinstate it within the designated period, you will be required to reapply from scratch as a new applicant.

There is no guarantee of approval, as you will need to demonstrate that you still meet the eligibility criteria. Unfortunately, any back pay owed prior to the cancellation will be forfeited.

Avoid the inconvenience of reapplying by remaining active in managing your grant and promptly informing SASSA of any issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do the funds in my SASSA account expire?

A: No, the funds do not expire if you make a withdrawal within 90 days to keep the account active.

Q: What if I misplace my SASSA card?

A: Notify SASSA immediately and apply for a new card. In the meantime, use your ID and PIN to withdraw funds until the card replacement arrives.

Q: Can someone else collect my grant?

A: No, only you, as the primary beneficiary, can collect your grant funds. There are exceptions for legal guardians of child grants.

Q: How can I check for unclaimed grants?

A: Call 0800 60 10 11 or log into your SASSA account to check your balance and payment history. Any unclaimed amounts will be displayed.

Conclusion

SASSA aims to offer social assistance to those in need but requires beneficiaries to take responsibility for collecting funds regularly to keep their grants active.

Set reminders to withdraw funds after your payment date each month. If any issues arise that temporarily prevent you from withdrawing, promptly notify SASSA to avoid suspension or cancellation. This will ensure that you continue to receive your grant without interruptions in the future.