SASSA Payment Redirection Issue 2025 Routing Model Update

In early 2025, SASSA rolled out a new payment-routing model designed to make monthly SRD payments faster, more reliable, and better protected against fraud. However, the update also introduced a new challenge for many applicants: payment redirection issues.

See Also: SASSA Status Check

A payment redirection occurs when your grant is sent to the wrong internal route in the banking system or fails to reach your selected account because the routing tools cannot match your information. While it can be frustrating, the error is usually fixable once you update a few key details.

Why the Payment Routing Model Changed

Stronger Fraud Protection

SASSA now checks whether the bank account truly belongs to the applicant. The new routing model blocks any payments linked to mismatched names, inactive accounts, or third-party accounts.

Faster Clearing System

The 2025 upgrade connects directly with banks rather than older batch-processing methods. Payments move faster — but also require accurate account information.

Better Identification of Risky Transactions

If the system suspects unusual banking activity, such as an account that recently closed or a new account that hasn’t fully verified your ID, the routing process automatically stops to prevent loss of funds.

Install: SASSA App

What Causes a SASSA Payment Redirection Issue

• Incorrect or Outdated Bank Details: If your account number, branch code, or bank name doesn’t match your bank’s records, the routing model redirects the payment back to SASSA.
• Bank Account Not in Your Name: If your account belongs to a family member or is jointly owned, the system cannot confirm identity ownership and sends the payment back.
• Recently Switched or Closed Accounts: If you opened a new account or closed an old one, SASSA may still have outdated data, causing the payment to bounce back.
• Account Not Fully Active: Dormant, frozen, or temporarily restricted accounts cannot receive routed payments. The funds return to SASSA until the issue is resolved.
• Network or Routing Delays: Even perfectly matched details can experience a payment loop if your bank’s verification servers are slow or undergoing maintenance.

How to Fix Payment Redirection

Update Your Bank Details on the SRD Portal

The first step is to re-enter your correct account information. Make sure your name on the bank’s system matches your Home Affairs record exactly including spacing, second names, and initials.

Use a Personal, Single-Owner Account

SASSA cannot route payments into shared accounts or someone else’s banking profile. Your account must be registered under your own ID.

Confirm That Your Account Is Active

If your account has been dormant, deposit a small amount or request your bank to reactivate it.
Once active, SASSA’s routing system can verify it again.

Wait for the Next Verification Cycle

After updating your details, the routing system checks your bank every few hours. Most applicants see the issue resolved within the next cycle without needing support.

Request a Manual Payment Re-Routing

If your payment continues bouncing back after 48–72 hours, SASSA can manually push your funds to your updated details. Ask for a “payment redirect clearance” when contacting support.

Check Out (For SASSA Beneficeries): SASSA Payment Dates

What Happens to the Returned Money?

A redirected payment does not disappear. When the bank cannot route your funds, the system sends the payment back to SASSA’s internal holding account. After you fix the issue, SASSA releases the returned money together with your next payment cycle or as a separate payment once verification completes.

FAQs

Will I lose my payment if it gets redirected?

No. Redirected payments are stored safely and will be released once your details are corrected.

How long does routing verification take after updating details?

Most updates reflect within a few hours, but full verification may take up to 48 hours depending on your bank.

Can I use someone else’s bank account temporarily?

No. In 2025, SASSA no longer allows payments into accounts that do not belong to the applicant.

My bank says my account is active why is SASSA still redirecting it?

This usually happens when the name on your bank profile does not match your Home Affairs name. Even a missing initial can cause routing failure.

Should I reapply while I wait?

No. Reapplying causes more delays. Fix your banking details instead and allow the next routing cycle to complete.