New Banking Rule – Starting July 2025, a major policy change by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the Department of Social Development is set to impact over 90,000 grant beneficiaries. The new banking regulation, introduced to strengthen verification and curb fraudulent transactions, mandates all SASSA grant recipients to have verified bank accounts linked to their South African ID. Failure to comply by the deadline could result in automatic removal from the payment system, leaving thousands without critical financial support. The rule has especially affected recipients using secondary or unverified bank accounts such as eWallets or accounts registered under a family member’s name. SASSA has emphasized that only accounts verified with the Department of Home Affairs and belonging to the beneficiary will be accepted going forward. With the removal process set to begin mid-July, the urgency to update personal and banking details has become critical for those relying on Old Age Pension, Child Support Grant, Disability Grant, and the R350 SRD Grant. Beneficiaries have until July 12, 2025, to ensure their bank details are updated and verified. Those who fail to do so will be placed under review and may face a payment freeze for up to 90 days or complete deactivation from the system. SASSA has issued SMS notices to the affected individuals, and local Post Offices and community centers have been instructed to assist with the verification process. Below is everything you need to know about the new rule, its consequences, and the steps to take to stay eligible.
New Banking Rule – Why Are 90,000 SASSA Beneficiaries Being Removed?
SASSA has implemented this new banking rule to ensure that payments are sent securely and directly to the rightful beneficiaries. The verification process is designed to eliminate duplicate accounts and misuse.
- Over 90,000 recipients affected by July 2025.
- Only SA ID-linked accounts will be allowed.
- Accounts under someone else’s name will be rejected.
- Deadline to update details is July 12, 2025.
- Failure to act will result in removal from the system.
- Affected grants include SRD, Child, Old Age, and Disability Grants.
- Verification to be done via Postbank or your current bank.
New Banking Rule Explained
The Department of Social Development released a detailed framework outlining how this rule will work, who it impacts, and how to comply.
- All SASSA payments must be made to accounts in the beneficiary’s name.
- Your bank account must be verified by Home Affairs.
- Mobile wallets, third-party accounts, or temporary bank accounts will not qualify.
- Changes must be submitted through SASSA online portal or Post Office help desks.
- SMS notifications are being sent to impacted recipients.
- Use your ID number and bank account for verification.
How to Check If You Are Affected by the New Banking Rule
SASSA has categorized affected individuals based on their current payment status and account type. You can check your status using the following steps.
- Visit https://srd.sassa.gov.za and enter your ID and cellphone number.
- Check your current payment method and account verification status.
- Contact SASSA helpline at 0800 60 10 11 for clarification.
- Visit your nearest Post Office or bank with your ID and proof of account.
- SMS notifications are being sent to those flagged for account issues.
Account Types Likely to Be Rejected
| Account Type | Accepted | Reason for Rejection |
|---|---|---|
| eWallet/Virtual Wallet | No | Not linked to SA ID |
| Third-party Account | No | Registered in another person’s name |
| Expired Temporary Account | No | Account no longer active or valid |
| Foreign Bank Account | No | Not allowed under SASSA rules |
| SA Bank Account (Verified) | Yes | Linked to Home Affairs and valid |
| SA Bank Account (Unverified) | No | Not confirmed by Home Affairs |
| Postbank Gold Card Account | Yes | Pre-verified and linked to ID |
New Banking Rule – How to Update Your Bank Details Before July 12
If you’re among the 90,000 flagged individuals, here’s what you must do before July 12 to avoid losing your grant.
- Visit the SASSA website or go to your local Post Office.
- Bring your green barcoded ID or smart ID card.
- Provide a stamped bank confirmation letter from your bank.
- Fill out the banking details update form.
- Submit your documents to the designated help desk or upload online.
- Wait for SMS confirmation of successful update.
What Happens If You Don’t Update in Time?
Missing the July 12 deadline may result in immediate suspension of your SASSA grant. Here’s what could follow:
- First 30 days: Payment put on hold.
- 31–60 days: System attempts auto-verification.
- 61–90 days: Grant marked for removal if still non-compliant.
- After 90 days: You will have to reapply for the grant from scratch.
- Delays in payment reinstatement may last up to 3 months.
Provinces Most Affected by July 2025 Removal
SASSA has revealed that certain provinces have the highest number of beneficiaries flagged for incorrect or unverified banking details.
Estimated Beneficiaries Affected Per Province
| Province | Estimated Recipients Affected |
|---|---|
| Gauteng | 18,000 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 15,000 |
| Eastern Cape | 12,500 |
| Western Cape | 11,200 |
| Limpopo | 10,000 |
| Mpumalanga | 9,000 |
| North West | 7,500 |
| Free State | 4,800 |
SASSA’s Official Response and Support Measures
To handle the large volume of affected recipients, SASSA has rolled out emergency support at community levels:
- Extended hours at local Post Offices and banks for document submission.
- SMS alerts with step-by-step instructions.
- Mobile outreach teams in rural areas.
- FAQs and help guides updated on the official SASSA website.
Key Dates and Actions for Beneficiaries
| Date | Action Required |
|---|---|
| June 25 | SMS notifications sent to affected users |
| June 27–July 11 | Window for updating banking details |
| July 12 | Cut-off date for account verification |
| July 13–20 | Review and processing of updated records |
| July 30 | Suspension begins for non-compliant users |
| August 15 | Auto-removal process finalizes |
| Sept 1 onward | Reapplication required for ineligible beneficiaries |
This new banking rule may feel overwhelming, but the key is timely action. If your bank account is in someone else’s name, unverified, or not linked to your SA ID, your SASSA grant is at risk. Act fast — update your banking details by July 12, 2025, and avoid losing access to critical financial support. Stay informed, check SMS notifications, and make use of local assistance services if needed.
FAQs of New Banking Rule
Q1: Can I still receive my grant if I don’t have a bank account?
A: No, you must have a verified bank account or use the Postbank Gold Card, which is already linked to your SA ID.
Q2: What if I submitted my update but haven’t received confirmation?
A: Wait up to 7 working days for SMS confirmation. If not received, visit your Post Office again with your documents.
Q3: I used my spouse’s bank account — is that allowed?
A: No, only personal bank accounts in the grant holder’s name are allowed under the new rule.
Q4: Will this rule affect Child Support Grants paid to caregivers?
A: Yes, if the caregiver’s bank account is not in their own name or unverified, they may face suspension too.
Q5: Can I switch from bank to Postbank card instead?
A: Yes, you can request a Postbank Gold Card, which will be linked and verified during issuance.