Overview
- Sassa states no policies or regulations have been amended and dismisses social media posts as false and misleading.
- The agency says only National Treasury and the Department of Social Development can change social assistance policy, and no recent budget speeches announced amendments.
- Eligibility continues to cover citizens, permanent residents, refugees, valid asylum seekers, and holders of recognised special permits who meet age, residency, income, and other conditions.
- As of 1 January 2026, Sassa reports 14,135 SRD applications from permanent residents, refugees, and special-permit holders, with 8,368 approvals and 2,690 payments.
- Officials urge the public to verify claims via official channels and caution that misinformation can create unnecessary social tension.