SASSA Account Inactive – If your SASSA grant account has been inactive for the past 90 days, you could be facing an automatic deregistration after August 15, 2025. Thousands of South Africans are now at risk of losing their SASSA benefits due to inactivity, and many are unaware of this crucial update. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has confirmed that it will begin enforcing stricter verification and activity requirements for grant recipients to ensure the integrity of the social welfare system. This development is particularly concerning for vulnerable groups like the elderly, disabled individuals, and unemployed beneficiaries who may not have realized the implications of not using their SASSA card or updating their information. The August 15 deadline has created a surge in inquiries and panic among recipients, especially those living in rural or underbanked areas. The new regulation means that if your SASSA card or account has shown no transaction—no withdrawal, no deposit, and no update—for three continuous months, your grant will be flagged and subsequently suspended or deregistered. Fortunately, SASSA has also outlined some steps to avoid deregistration and regain access to the grant. This article breaks down the warning, eligibility risks, verification options, and how to get reinstated if your account has already been deactivated.
What Does SASSA Account Inactive for 90 Days Mean According to SASSA?
SASSA considers an account “inactive” if there is no visible financial activity or engagement for a continuous 90-day period. This can result in suspension of payments and permanent deregistration.
- No ATM withdrawal or card swipe
- No deposits or refunds to the account
- No updates to personal info or bank details
- No responses to SASSA revalidation messages
- No biometric activity at Post Office outlets
- No communication through WhatsApp or the SASSA app
- Ignoring “Pending Reverification” messages
SASSA’s New Account Monitoring System
To enforce the rule, SASSA has implemented a real-time account activity tracker in collaboration with Postbank and various payment partners.
- Every SASSA-linked bank account is monitored for usage
- Monthly flags are raised for dormant accounts
- Automatic SMS alerts are sent to inactive users
- Repeated inaction results in payment blocks
- After 90 days, deregistration is initiated
- Inactivity cycles are reviewed monthly
Who Is Most at Risk of Losing Their SASSA Grant?
SASSA’s inactivity rule affects all grant types, but some groups are more vulnerable due to mobility issues, remote locations, or tech limitations.
| Risk Group | Grant Type | Common Cause of Inactivity | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elderly pensioners | Old Age Grant | No card usage due to illness | High |
| Disabled individuals | Disability Grant | Dependence on caregiver | High |
| Remote rural residents | All | No nearby ATM/Post Office | High |
| Homeless individuals | SRD, Disability | No fixed bank or card access | Very High |
| Youth without smartphones | SRD | Ignoring online revalidation | Medium |
| Working beneficiaries | Child, Caregiver | Grant not needed every month | Medium |
| Migrants with grant access | SRD | Long travel or relocation | High |
Types of Grants Affected by the 90-Day Rule
Almost every SASSA grant falls under this new regulation. Here’s how it affects each one:
- SRD R370 Grant: Most commonly affected due to digital-only access
- Old Age Grant: Risk due to physical disability or hospitalization
- Child Support Grant: Affected if caregiver fails to transact
- Foster Care Grant: Risk when foster process is under review
- Disability Grant: Highly affected if person cannot use ATM
- Care Dependency Grant: Same risk as disability grant
- War Veterans Grant: Risk due to extreme old age and limited mobility
How to Avoid Deregistration Before August 15
To remain active in SASSA’s system, grant holders must take action before the August 15 deadline. These simple steps can prevent a suspension or deregistration notice.
- Use your SASSA card at any ATM before August 15
- Visit a Post Office to swipe or withdraw cash
- Update your phone number or address via SASSA portal
- Send a WhatsApp message to 082 046 8553 to confirm activity
- Log into srd.sassa.gov.za and complete “Verify ID” tab
- Visit your local SASSA office to revalidate biometrics
- Make any small withdrawal—even R10—to refresh status
Special Cases That Require Manual Update
Some beneficiaries cannot activate accounts online or via SMS due to special circumstances.
- Lost or expired SASSA card
- Name mismatch on ID and SASSA database
- Disabled users requiring physical assistance
- Rural users with no mobile data
- Guardians or caregivers unable to transact
These cases must be reported in person at the nearest SASSA office with proper documentation.
What Happens If You Get Deregistered?
Once deregistered, your grant payments will stop, and you must reapply from scratch. This can take 4–8 weeks depending on the grant type.
| Deregistration Effect | Details |
|---|---|
| All payments stopped | No back pay for missed months |
| Application status: “Inactive” | You must reapply via SASSA portal or in-person |
| 4–8 weeks delay | No income support during this time |
| Bank account frozen | Payment account becomes dormant |
| New verification needed | ID, bank proof, affidavit, biometric confirmation |
| Revalidation window expires | You may be barred from reapplication for 6 months |
How to Reactivate After August 15
If deregistration occurs, you must follow the reactivation steps urgently.
- Visit your nearest SASSA office with your ID and bank statement
- Fill out a new grant application or SRD reconfirmation
- Complete biometric verification or affidavit if required
- Submit proof of income or no income declaration
- Wait for SMS confirmation of reactivation or rejection
Important Notices from SASSA Before the Deadline
SASSA has released several warnings and public notices ahead of the enforcement.
- Over 540,000 accounts currently flagged as dormant
- More than 230,000 SRD grants have been frozen temporarily
- SMS alerts were sent between July 15 and July 28
- National help centers are flooded with calls
- Many unaware due to phone number changes or WhatsApp issues
Departmental Contact Details for Urgent Support
If you are unsure about your account status or need assistance, use the following contact options:
| Department | Contact Number | Email Address | Office Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| SASSA Toll-Free | 0800 60 10 11 | grant.enquiries@sassa.gov.za | Mon-Fri 08:00–16:00 |
| SRD Grant Support | 0800 601 011 | srd@sassa.gov.za | Mon-Fri 08:00–17:00 |
| Post Office (SAPO) | 0860 111 502 | customercare@postoffice.co.za | Mon-Fri 08:00–16:30 |
| WhatsApp Support | 082 046 8553 | – | 24/7 Chatbot Active |
| Regional SASSA | Visit nearest branch | Check sassa.gov.za/contact-us | Depends on location |
Make sure to take action before August 15 to avoid being removed from the system. This rule is part of a larger effort to reduce fraudulent claims and ensure benefits reach those truly in need. Stay informed, stay active, and safeguard your monthly income.
FAQs of SASSA Account Inactive
1. What does it mean if my SASSA account is inactive?
It means there has been no withdrawal, deposit, or update for 90 days.
2. Will I receive SMS before my grant is deregistered?
Yes, SASSA sends alerts via SMS, WhatsApp, and email before action.
3. Can I reactivate my grant after deregistration?
Yes, but you’ll need to reapply and verify your identity from scratch.
4. Is this rule applicable to Child and Foster Care Grants?
Yes, all SASSA grants are affected, including Child Support and Foster Care.
5. What if I lost my SASSA card?
Visit your nearest SASSA or Post Office branch to get a replacement before August 15.