Home › Rights by Province › Free State › SASSA Social Grant Review or Suspension

SASSA Grant Review or Suspension in Free State

If SASSA suspends or cancels your social grant in Free State, you have the right to be informed of the reason, to appeal within 90 days, and to continue receiving your grant during the appeal process. The Socio-Economic Rights Institute (SERI) and Legal Aid can help.

The Law That Protects You

Social Assistance Act 13 of 2004 — Section 20
A social grant may only be reviewed, suspended, or terminated after the beneficiary has been given a reasonable opportunity to be heard.
Promotion of Administrative Justice Act 3 of 2000 (PAJA) — Section 3
Any administrative action that materially and adversely affects a person's rights must be procedurally fair, with adequate notice and an opportunity to respond.

What To Do — Step by Step

  1. Step 1. Contact SASSA in Free State immediately — visit the local office or call 0800 60 10 11 (toll-free) to find out why your grant was suspended.

  2. Step 2. Request written reasons for the suspension or cancellation. PAJA entitles you to reasons.

  3. Step 3. If you disagree with the decision, lodge a written appeal with the Minister of Social Development within 90 days of the decision.

  4. Step 4. During the appeal, the grant should not be suspended. If it has been, request urgent reinstatement on humanitarian grounds.

  5. Step 5. If the appeal fails, approach Legal Aid or a non-profit like SERI for assistance with a review application to the High Court under PAJA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can SASSA cancel my grant without telling me in Free State?
No. SASSA must give you reasonable notice, inform you of the reason, and give you an opportunity to respond before cancelling your grant. Doing otherwise is unlawful administrative action under PAJA.
What if I receive less than I am entitled to from SASSA in Free State?
Lodge a formal complaint at the SASSA office and request a written calculation of your grant amount. If the underpayment cannot be resolved, include it in your appeal or contact the Public Protector.
Can a debt collector take my SASSA grant in Free State?
No. Social grants are protected from attachment, deduction, or cession under section 16A of the Social Assistance Act. Any agreement authorising a third party to deduct from your grant is unlawful.

Legal Resources in Free State

📋 CCMA: Bloemfontein CCMA (051 411 2700)

⚖️ Legal Aid SA: Legal Aid South Africa — Bloemfontein (051 411 8600)

🏛️ High Court: Free State Division of the High Court, Bloemfontein (051 492 4700)

🏢 Magistrates' Courts: Bloemfontein, Welkom, Phuthaditjhaba, Kroonstad, and other magistrates' courts

🏠 Rental Housing Tribunal: Free State Rental Housing Tribunal (051 403 3710)

The Free State has a large agricultural sector with significant ESTA farm worker rights issues, and Bloemfontein hosts the Supreme Court of Appeal — the highest court on non-constitutional matters.