In a statement, Sassa, which encouraged grant beneficiaries to collect the social grants monthly, said it always informs beneficiaries in advance before their grants lapse.

The grants agency said beneficiaries have an opportunity to apply for restoration of grants within 90 days from the date of the lapsing. 

"If a beneficiary does not apply for the restoration of the social grant within 90 days of suspension, it can be interpreted as being unclaimed and will lapse. Thereafter the beneficiary must make a new application," Sassa said.

"To apply for the restoration of social grants, applications should include the reason for not responding to a request for review or the intention to suspend and the completion of the administrative process that determines how the beneficiary managed financially during the suspension."

The agency said that the application for restoration must be supported by a letter from Sassa, giving the reason for the suspension or the lapsing of the grant.

Beneficiaries seeking more information should contact us toll-free on 0800 60 10 11 from 08:00 – 16:00 during weekdays Monday – Friday.

African News Agency (ANA)