The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is expanding online applications, WhatsApp support and electronic verification to improve access to social grants and reduce queues at its offices. On Thursday, 17 September 2026, SASSA outlined its modernisation programme, while Social Development Minister Dina Pule disclosed that an estimated R1.28 billion was paid to legally eligible foreign nationals during the 2025/26 financial year. The developments affect grant beneficiaries across South Africa, including Gauteng residents who rely on SASSA services, as the agency works to improve accessibility and strengthen eligibility checks.
The two announcements address different aspects of the social assistance system. The modernisation programme focuses on how beneficiaries access services, while the parliamentary disclosure provides information about grant expenditure and eligibility.
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SASSA introduces more online grant services
SASSA chief executive Themba Matlou outlined the agency’s digital transformation programme during a media engagement in the Eastern Cape on Thursday.
The programme aims to reduce the need for beneficiaries to visit local offices repeatedly, particularly those who live far from service points or experience long queues.
According to SASSA, its expanded digital services include:
- Online applications for social grants.
- Electronic verification of beneficiary information.
- Online changes to payment details.
- Electronic life certification.
- WhatsApp support for grant enquiries.
- Digital access to grant review information.
The agency said these services are intended to improve processing efficiency while making it easier for beneficiaries to manage their applications and existing grants.
SASSA has also been integrating its information systems with other government institutions to strengthen verification and improve the accuracy of beneficiary records.
WhatsApp services to assist grant beneficiaries
SASSA has introduced WhatsApp channels to assist beneficiaries with Social Relief of Distress applications and other grant enquiries.
The agency said the channels allow applicants to request assistance before and after submitting their applications without necessarily visiting an office.
A separate service is available for beneficiaries who need to check their grant review status.
The changes form part of SASSA’s efforts to improve communication and reduce pressure on physical service points.
Beneficiaries should ensure that SASSA has their correct cellphone numbers so they can receive important notifications about their grants.
They should also use verified SASSA communication channels when sharing personal information or checking application details.
Free WiFi and self service kiosks introduced
SASSA has introduced free WiFi at its offices to assist beneficiaries who own smartphones but cannot always afford mobile data.
The connectivity allows visitors to access online applications, WhatsApp support and other digital services while at SASSA facilities.
The agency is also rolling out self service kiosks at its offices.
More advanced kiosks are planned for selected locations across the country by the 2027/28 financial year.
SASSA is developing a mobile application, which it expects to launch during the third quarter of the current financial year.
The agency has not confirmed that all these services are already available at every office in Gauteng.
Beneficiaries should therefore verify which services are available at their nearest branch before travelling.
Face to face assistance will remain available
SASSA has acknowledged that some beneficiaries face difficulties accessing digital services because of limited internet connectivity, a lack of suitable devices or unfamiliarity with online platforms.
The agency said digital services will complement existing assistance rather than replace it.
Beneficiaries who require help in person will still be able to access support at SASSA offices.
This is particularly relevant to older persons, people with disabilities and residents who cannot independently complete online applications.
The Department of Social Development has also outlined plans to strengthen frontline capacity and reduce waiting times at offices.
R1.28 billion paid to eligible foreign nationals
In a separate development, Social Development Minister Dina Pule disclosed that an estimated R1.28 billion in social grants and Social Relief of Distress payments went to legally eligible foreign nationals during the 2025/26 financial year.
The figures were provided in a written parliamentary reply to African Transformation Movement MP Vuyo Zungula, who requested details of grant expenditure involving foreign nationals.
According to the minister, permanent residents received the largest portion of the estimated expenditure.
Approximately R1.12 billion was allocated to social grants for permanent residents.
The expenditure included:
- R931.5 million for the Older Persons Grant.
- R134.5 million for the Child Support Grant.
- R31.7 million for the Disability Grant.
- R8.4 million for the Care Dependency Grant.
- R6.6 million for the Grant in Aid.
- R3.8 million for the Foster Child Grant.
The figures represent estimated expenditure for the financial year and should not be interpreted as monthly payments.
How much was paid to recognised refugees?
The minister’s parliamentary reply also detailed expenditure involving recognised refugees.
An estimated R150.8 million was allocated to social grants for this category during the 2025/26 financial year.
Of that amount, R105.8 million went towards Child Support Grants, while R32.7 million was allocated to Older Persons Grants.
The remaining expenditure covered other qualifying grant categories.
Recognised refugees and permanent residents fall within legally recognised categories under South Africa’s social assistance framework, subject to the eligibility requirements applicable to individual grants.
The disclosure does not mean that every foreign national living in South Africa qualifies for a social grant.
SRD payments to qualifying foreign nationals
The parliamentary reply also provided a breakdown of Social Relief of Distress payments made to qualifying foreign nationals.
An estimated R10.6 million was allocated to the following categories:
| Category | Estimated expenditure |
|---|---|
| Lesotho Exemption Permit holders | R9.18 million |
| Zimbabwe Exemption Permit holders | R448,810 |
| Asylum seekers | R962,370 |
| Special Angolan Dispensation Permit holders | R24,420 |
The combined estimated expenditure across permanent residents, recognised refugees and qualifying SRD recipients amounted to approximately R1.278 billion.
Pule said the amount represented less than 1% of South Africa’s social assistance budget.
Does SASSA pay grants to undocumented foreign nationals?
The Department of Social Development said SASSA does not provide social grants or SRD benefits to people who are unlawfully present in South Africa.
According to Pule, eligibility verification includes checks against Department of Home Affairs records.
These checks are intended to confirm whether applicants meet the legal requirements for social assistance.
SASSA’s broader modernisation programme includes electronic identity verification and stronger information sharing with government institutions.
The agency has said these measures are intended to prevent identity theft, duplicate claims and other forms of fraud.
Eligibility depends on the relevant grant’s requirements, including immigration status where applicable. Nationality alone does not determine whether an applicant qualifies.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
The expansion of SASSA’s digital services could reduce the need for Gauteng beneficiaries to travel to local offices for routine enquiries, applications and updates.
Residents who have access to smartphones may be able to complete more administrative tasks online, while free WiFi at SASSA offices is intended to assist those with limited data.
However, beneficiaries should confirm which digital services are operational before relying on them.
Those who need personal assistance can continue using physical service points.
The parliamentary expenditure figures also clarify that certain foreign nationals may qualify for social assistance under South African law.
They do not establish that undocumented foreign nationals are eligible for grants or that payments to legally eligible foreign nationals are fraudulent.
For all applicants, the relevant grant requirements and verification processes remain central to determining eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a SASSA grant online?
Yes. SASSA offers online application services and is expanding its digital platforms to make applications and other administrative processes more accessible.
Does SASSA have WhatsApp services?
Yes. The agency has introduced WhatsApp channels for SRD and social grant enquiries, including assistance with grant review information.
Is free WiFi available at SASSA offices?
SASSA has introduced free WiFi at its offices to help beneficiaries access digital services. Residents should confirm availability at their nearest branch.
Can foreign nationals receive SASSA grants?
Certain legally eligible categories, including permanent residents and recognised refugees, may qualify for social grants if they meet the applicable requirements. Some other legally recognised categories may qualify for SRD assistance.
How much did SASSA pay eligible foreign nationals in 2025/26?
The minister disclosed estimated expenditure of approximately R1.278 billion, commonly rounded to R1.28 billion, across qualifying social grant and SRD categories.
SASSA Focuses on Access and Verification
SASSA’s latest developments place attention on two aspects of social assistance: improving access to services and ensuring that payments meet legal eligibility requirements.
The agency is expanding online applications, WhatsApp support, free WiFi and electronic verification while retaining assistance for beneficiaries who need to visit offices.
The parliamentary disclosure provides a breakdown of estimated payments to legally eligible foreign nationals during the 2025/26 financial year.
For Gauteng beneficiaries, the immediate practical development is the expansion of service channels intended to make grant administration more accessible while strengthening verification across the system.
