SASSA Grant Review SMS: What Beneficiaries Should Do
Learn why SASSA may send a grant-review notice, how to verify that the SMS is genuine, and what documents may be required.
7/20/20264 min read
If you receive an SMS saying that your SASSA grant must be reviewed, do not ignore it—but do not immediately click a link or send personal documents either.
SASSA conducts reviews to confirm that beneficiaries continue to meet the requirements for their grants. A genuine review notice may require you to visit a designated SASSA office and provide updated information.
Because scammers also send fake SASSA messages, verify the notice through an official channel before taking action.
What Is a SASSA Grant Review?
A grant review is a process used to confirm that a beneficiary still qualifies for social assistance.
SASSA may review changes involving:
Income or financial circumstances.
Employment or pension information.
Medical circumstances for disability-related grants.
Marital or household information.
Contact and residential details.
Whether the beneficiary is still alive.
Information that was not disclosed previously.
Possible duplicate or fraudulent payments.
A review does not automatically mean that a beneficiary has done something wrong. It is an eligibility and verification process.
Why Did I Receive a Review SMS?
You may receive a review notice when:
SASSA requires updated eligibility information.
A means-test process identifies income that may need explanation.
Your contact or personal information needs confirmation.
A grant has not been reviewed for some time.
Your circumstances may have changed.
Information from another database requires clarification.
SASSA needs to complete a life or identity confirmation.
Your grant type requires a medical or eligibility reassessment.
The notice should explain what action is required or where you must report.
How to Check Whether the SMS Is Genuine
Before responding:
Do not use the link contained in the message.
Do not reply with your ID number, bank details, PIN or OTP.
Call SASSA on 0800 60 10 11 using a number you obtained independently.
Visit an official SASSA office if confirmation is needed.
Check announcements on official SASSA platforms.
Ask SASSA to confirm whether your grant has been selected for review.
Confirm the correct office, date and documents required.
An SMS can use SASSA’s name or logo and still be fraudulent. Scammers can also make a message appear urgent.
Warning Signs of a Fake Review Message
Be suspicious if a message:
Requests payment to prevent suspension.
Promises to complete the review remotely for a fee.
Asks for your bank PIN, card number, password or OTP.
Directs you to an unfamiliar website.
Comes from a person claiming to be a private SASSA agent.
Asks you to send identity documents through WhatsApp.
Threatens immediate cancellation unless money is paid.
Promises a larger or double grant payment.
Requests personal information in a public social-media comment.
SASSA does not require beneficiaries to pay an unofficial person to complete a grant review.
What Documents May Be Required?
The documents depend on the grant type and reason for the review. SASSA’s published guidance has included:
A valid South African ID.
Proof of income, such as payslips or pension information.
Confirmation that employment has ended, where applicable.
Recent bank statements for active bank accounts.
Proof of residential address.
A medical referral report for applicable disability or care-dependency grants.
A marriage certificate or divorce decree, where relevant.
A death certificate, where relevant.
Birth certificates or other documents connected to the grant type.
Any additional document specifically requested by SASSA.
Confirm the exact requirements before travelling. Do not hand original documents to an unofficial person or send them to an unverified email address.
What to Do After Confirming the Notice
Record the office, appointment date and instructions.
Gather the documents confirmed by SASSA.
Keep copies for your own records.
Take your valid identity document.
Arrive at the official location specified.
Ask for confirmation that the review was completed.
Record any reference number supplied.
Follow up through official channels if further information is required.
Tell the SASSA official if you changed your cellphone number or residential address, as outdated details may prevent you from receiving future notices.
What If You Cannot Visit the Office?
Contact the SASSA office or toll-free line before the deadline in the notice.
Explain if you are bedridden, have a disability affecting travel, live far from the office or have another serious barrier. Ask what official assistance or representation process is available for your circumstances.
Do not appoint an unknown person from social media. SASSA has stated that a formal representative or procurator may be arranged in certain circumstances, subject to its requirements.
What Happens If You Ignore a Genuine Review?
Ignoring a legitimate review request can result in:
Delayed payments.
Suspension of the grant.
The grant eventually lapsing.
Recovery action if SASSA determines that payments were received when the beneficiary was not eligible.
Contact SASSA promptly if you missed the appointment or did not receive the notice in time. Do not assume that the issue will resolve automatically.
Review SMS Versus SRD Verification
These processes are not always the same:
A social-grant review reassesses continued eligibility for grants such as Older Persons, Disability or Child Support grants.
SRD identity verification confirms an SRD applicant’s identity and may involve biometric verification.
An SRD monthly assessment checks eligibility for the R370 grant for a particular month.
An SRD appeal challenges a declined monthly decision.
Follow the instructions relevant to the exact grant and status shown. Do not use an SRD appeal to respond to a review notice for a different social grant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a review SMS mean my grant has been cancelled?
No. A review notice normally means that SASSA requires updated information. However, ignoring a genuine notice may affect future payments.
Must I pay for a grant review?
No. Do not pay an unofficial person to complete or prevent a review.
Can SASSA ask for bank statements?
Yes. Bank statements may be requested to assess income or financial circumstances. Confirm the request directly with SASSA before providing sensitive documents.
What if I did not receive an SMS but my payment stopped?
Contact SASSA or visit an official office. Your contact information may be outdated, or another issue may require attention.
Can someone attend the review for me?
SASSA may permit an authorised representative or procurator in certain circumstances. Contact the relevant office for the official requirements.
Should I click a link in the SMS?
Do not rely on the link alone. Verify the notice independently through SASSA before entering personal information.
Official Help and Sources
Official SASSA website: https://www.sassa.gov.za
Official SRD website: https://srd.sassa.gov.za
SASSA toll-free number: 0800 60 10 11
SASSA enquiries: GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za
Last reviewed: 20 July 2026
SASSA advised beneficiaries in February 2026 not to ignore genuine review notifications, as reviews confirm continued eligibility and help prevent improper payments. South African Government statement
SASSA’s published review guidance lists possible supporting documents and warns that failing to respond may lead to payment delays, suspension or lapsing of a grant. South African Government review guidance
SA Grant Guide is an independent information website and is not affiliated with SASSA. We cannot verify whether an SMS is genuine, perform grant reviews or receive supporting documents. Confirm all review instructions directly with SASSA before sharing personal or financial information.
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