Proof of Life – For thousands of senior citizens in South Africa who rely on SASSA grants to survive each month, a crucial change has just been announced. If you don’t act in time, your income could be terminated. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has introduced a new requirement for all elderly grant recipients: they must now submit a “Proof of Life” online before 14 September 2025 to continue receiving their grant payments. This move aims to prevent fraudulent claims and ensure that grants are paid only to eligible and living beneficiaries. While this may sound simple, many pensioners across the country are confused and anxious about how to comply, especially those living in rural areas or without digital access. The new regulation applies to all Older Person’s Grant, War Veteran’s Grant, and Disability Grant recipients who are over 60. Failing to submit this mandatory proof may result in suspension or termination of your monthly grant payments from October 2025. SASSA has introduced this online verification as a way to reduce long queues at local offices and eliminate fraud. But with the digital gap affecting many of our seniors, it’s more important than ever that families, caregivers, and communities step in to support the elderly in this process. Below is a detailed breakdown of the rules, the steps you need to take, and how to avoid disruptions in your SASSA payments.
What Is SASSA’s “Proof of Life” Requirement for Seniors?
SASSA’s new rule mandates online identity confirmation to ensure the beneficiary is alive and eligible. Here’s what you need to know:
- Applies to all grant recipients above the age of 60
- Submission deadline: 14 September 2025
- Can be submitted online via the SASSA e-services portal
- Failure to comply will result in payment suspension from October 2025
- Seniors may ask a family member or caregiver to assist with the process
Eligibility Criteria for Online Submission of Proof of Life
Not all seniors need to panic. Let’s look at who must submit proof of life and who is exempt:
| Category | Required to Submit? | Submission Mode | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Older Person’s Grant (60+) | Yes | Online via SASSA Portal | 14 Sept 2025 |
| War Veterans Grant | Yes | Online only | 14 Sept 2025 |
| Disability Grant | If over 60 | Online | 14 Sept 2025 |
| Child Support Grant | No | Not applicable | Not required |
| Foster Care Grant | No | Not applicable | Not required |
| Seniors Abroad | Yes | Embassy Verification | 14 Sept 2025 |
| Deceased Beneficiaries | Not applicable | Data auto-flagged | N/A |
How to Submit Proof of Life Online – Step-by-Step Guide
The process is designed to be simple, but it can be tricky for elderly users. Here’s how to do it correctly:
- Visit the official SASSA website: www.sassa.gov.za
- Click on “e-Services” and navigate to “Proof of Life”
- Enter your 13-digit South African ID number
- Use your cellphone to verify via biometric selfie or facial scan
- Submit the verification and wait for confirmation SMS
- If you’re over 75 and unable to do this, you can visit your nearest SASSA office for in-person help
What You’ll Need for Submission
Before starting the process, make sure you or your helper has the following:
| Required Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| SA ID Document | To verify your identity |
| Mobile Phone with Camera | For facial scan (biometric check) |
| Internet Access | To visit the SASSA e-portal |
| Registered Mobile Number | To receive confirmation SMS |
| Email ID (optional) | For additional contact info |
Who Is Most at Risk of Losing Their Grant?
SASSA has highlighted key vulnerable groups who must ensure submission is done urgently:
- Elderly who live alone without tech-savvy family
- Seniors in rural communities without smartphone access
- Individuals over 75 who cannot visit SASSA offices
- Beneficiaries who haven’t updated mobile numbers with SASSA
How to Avoid These Risks?
Here’s how families and caregivers can help:
- Offer to help seniors with the online process
- Check that their ID and mobile number are correct
- Ensure internet or data availability
- Use public libraries, municipal helpdesks or SASSA service desks
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
Missing the 14 September 2025 deadline can have serious consequences. Here’s what could happen:
- Your grant payment will be put on temporary hold
- If no action is taken within 60 days, the grant could be terminated
- Reactivating a suspended grant may take up to 6-8 weeks
- You’ll need to visit a SASSA office in person for reactivation
What Can You Do If Your Grant Is Suspended?
If your payment stops, follow these steps:
- Immediately visit the nearest SASSA office with your ID
- Request to re-enroll your biometric and life proof
- Submit supporting documents or affidavit if needed
- Wait for confirmation SMS (may take 5–7 business days)
- Back-payments will be processed after reactivation
Government’s Reason Behind This New Rule
The Department of Social Development has defended this move as necessary to protect funds from abuse. The goal is to:
- Prevent fraudulent claims from deceased individuals
- Save over R1 billion annually from false claims
- Streamline the digital verification process
- Reduce the workload on physical offices
- Improve grant delivery speed and tracking
Stats Behind the Policy Change
| Issue Identified | Value Affected | Estimated Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Ghost Beneficiaries | 120,000+ | R800 million |
| Duplicate Grants | 75,000 | R320 million |
| Unverified Senior Claims | 200,000 | R1.2 billion |
| Yearly Fraudulent Payouts | 5% of total grants | R2 billion+ |
SASSA Department Contact Details for Help
If you or your loved ones are struggling to complete the online verification, don’t hesitate to reach out:
| Office/Region | Contact Number | Email Address |
|---|---|---|
| National Call Centre | 0800 60 10 11 | [email protected] |
| Gauteng Regional Office | 011 241 8320 | [email protected] |
| Western Cape Office | 021 469 0235 | [email protected] |
| KwaZulu-Natal Office | 033 846 3400 | [email protected] |
| Limpopo Office | 015 291 7499 | [email protected] |
| Eastern Cape Office | 043 707 6300 | [email protected] |
| Free State Office | 051 410 8339 | [email protected] |
You can also walk into any SASSA local service office for in-person assistance during working hours.
FAQs of Proof of Life
1. What is the final date to submit Proof of Life?
The deadline is 14 September 2025 for all eligible senior citizens.
2. Can someone help me submit my Proof of Life?
Yes, a caregiver or family member can help as long as your ID and selfie are submitted correctly.
3. What happens if I miss the deadline?
Your grant will be suspended starting in October 2025 until you submit verification in person.
4. Is the online process safe for seniors?
Yes, SASSA uses a secure facial recognition and ID verification process to protect user data.
5. Do I need to visit an office if I’ve already submitted online?
No, if your online submission is successful, you will get a confirmation SMS and no visit is required.