More than 150 000 people did not receive their social grant payments in January, with the SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) saying the delay was due to a verification process.

Initial estimates were that 70 000 people had been impacted, but Sassa spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi confirmed the figure stood at 150 000 on Wednesday.

Letsatsi said the agency undertakes a verification process every month to prevent fraud.

The process ensures that banking details, names, addresses and ID numbers are all correct to protect beneficiaries from scammers and fraudsters who may be trying to make off with their money. 

Letsatsi said the beneficiaries could have been impacted by recent flooding in parts of the country and their subsequent relocation.

"If people change their address, they must inform us," he said.

He added that beneficiaries should visit their nearest Sassa office to verify their details so they can access their grants.

Letsatsi added that Sassa would release a statement with more information later on Wednesday.