Thousands of South African students and grant recipients have been alerted about a major policy change in 2025 that directly affects NSFAS and SASSA beneficiaries. A new rule now requires all recipients to update their personal and contact details — or risk losing access to funding and monthly payments. This includes students supported by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and individuals receiving grants from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). The government aims to improve data accuracy, reduce fraud, and ensure payments are sent to verified recipients only. Here’s what you must know.
NSFAS Beneficiaries in South Africa Must Update Information to Keep Funding
- Update Deadline: All NSFAS beneficiaries must confirm or update their contact, banking, and academic details before the deadline in October 2025.
- Why It Matters: Failure to update your information may lead to suspension or cancellation of financial aid.
- Who Is Affected: All students currently funded by NSFAS in South African institutions.
The new NSFAS rule is part of the government’s effort to streamline fund disbursement and cut down on erroneous or fraudulent payments. Many students were found to be using outdated or incorrect information, which led to delays or misdirected payments. To prevent these issues, NSFAS is enforcing strict compliance and has introduced a digital self-service portal for students to check and revise their records online. Affected individuals will also receive SMS or email notifications as reminders. Updating is mandatory to continue receiving tuition and accommodation support.
SASSA Recipients Across South Africa Required to Verify Details or Face Payment Cuts
- Who Needs to Comply: SASSA grant recipients, including Child Support, Disability, and Older Persons Grants.
- Update Methods: Beneficiaries can update details via SASSA offices or secure online channels.
- Common Errors: Many recipients fail to report changes in address, bank details, or income status.
The South African Social Security Agency has joined the movement to tighten beneficiary verification. Grant recipients are now required to provide current documentation and verify their information to remain eligible. This includes updating bank account details, income information, and residential addresses. SASSA is particularly focused on stopping duplicate payments and eliminating fraud from the system. The update campaign is being rolled out in phases, with notices being sent to grant holders based on geographic areas. Those who fail to act may experience suspended payments starting in November 2025. Early compliance will avoid interruptions.
What South African Beneficiaries Should Do to Stay Eligible
- Check Notifications: Watch for official NSFAS or SASSA alerts via SMS, email, or post.
- Use Official Portals: Log in to NSFAS student portal or visit your nearest SASSA office.
- Update All Key Details: This includes contact number, address, ID, and banking information.
To avoid losing your grant or funding, take action now. For NSFAS students, login credentials for the myNSFAS portal are essential. After logging in, verify academic institution details, banking data, and proof of registration. Similarly, SASSA beneficiaries can walk into their nearest branch with ID and bank confirmation letters or use online portals if available. The Department of Social Development has emphasized that regular updates will be required from now on. Beneficiaries who are elderly or disabled are encouraged to send a representative with proper authorisation for physical verification.
Consequences of Not Updating Details for South African Grant Holders
- Funding Suspended: Grants or student funding may be paused or stopped entirely.
- Disqualification Risk: Prolonged non-compliance may result in disqualification from current and future aid.
- No Appeals Without Records: Failure to update removes your right to appeal a cancelled payment.
Neglecting to update your details is a serious risk that can jeopardize your only source of income or education support. Many beneficiaries assume their old information is sufficient, but small changes like a new phone number or closed bank account can lead to denied payments. If NSFAS or SASSA cannot verify your identity and eligibility, your support will be halted until proper documents are submitted. Appeals may take weeks or even months to resolve. To prevent hardship, take this rule seriously and complete your verification steps on time.
| Agency | Who Must Update | Deadline | Update Method | Risk if Ignored |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSFAS | All funded students | 31 Oct 2025 | Online via myNSFAS portal | Funding suspension |
| SASSA | All grant recipients | 30 Nov 2025 | SASSA offices or mobile site | Grant suspension |
| Child Support Grant | Parents or guardians | As per notice | SASSA branch visit | Payment delay |
| Older Persons Grant | Senior citizens | Phase-based | Agent or family member | Paused payments |
| Disability Grant | Disabled individuals | Ongoing | With medical proof | Loss of eligibility |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if I don’t update my NSFAS profile?
You risk losing all financial aid including tuition and accommodation payments.
2. Can I update my SASSA details online?
Yes, some updates can be done through the official SASSA website or mobile platforms.
3. Is there a deadline for updating NSFAS and SASSA records?
Yes, deadlines vary but most updates must be completed by October or November 2025.
4. Will I get notified if my funding is at risk?
Yes, NSFAS and SASSA usually send alerts via SMS, email, or official letters.
