SASSA Appeal: How to Appeal SASSA SRD Grant?

Reviewed by Thabo Mashaba
Fact Check by Pumi Dlamini

Many people do not know how to contest an unfair rejection due to a lack of information and resources. After years of declination, they simply give up hope. With our help and strong new facts, submitting a thorough appeal can get your application accepted to receive this important money when needed. We know the appeal system and can guide you on showing SASSA you deserve this grant, even if initially turned down. Let’s discuss

Understanding SASSA appeals

The SASSA Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant provides short-term financial aid for those facing unemployment, food insecurity, or unforeseen expenses due to the pandemic. However, many SRD applications still get denied due to issues with supporting documents, bank account problems, outstanding debt, or reported income above thresholds.

When SASSA denies your grant application, you can ask them to rethink their decision by filing an appeal. Correctly appealing gives another chance to qualify and get financial help. Appeals must show clear proof of why you qualify and point out why the original rejection is wrong. Provide new documents, facts, and explanations to argue your case. Follow the exact appeal steps so your request gets a proper review.

Eligibility Criteria for SRD R350 Grant

The SRD grant has defined standards for qualifying for the R350 monthly payment. Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria for employment status, income, South African citizenship, and age. Understanding the exact requirements is key to submitting an application aligned with SASSA’s qualifying guidelines. Let’s discuss.

Citizenship and Residence

Only South African citizens and permanent residents living in the country can apply.

Age Limit

Applicants must be between 18 and 60 years old. Those outside this age range do not qualify.

Employment Status

The grant targets unemployed individuals. Those receiving UIF payments from previous jobs cannot get the SRD grant.

Financial Situation

Applicants must demonstrate a lack of income to support themselves and dependents. Earning over R585 per month can lead to disqualification.

Read More About : How Much Must You Earn to Qualify for SASSA Grants

Valid Documents

Complete ID details, mobile numbers, and bank account information must be submitted. Invalid or incomplete details cause rejection.

Not Listed as Deceased

Being marked as deceased in Department of Home Affairs records makes applicants ineligible.

Meeting all requirements does not guarantee approval. Wrongly rejected individuals can file an appeal. The grant aims to help unemployed citizens without other income sources.

Important Steps Before Lodging an Appeal

Getting wrongly rejected for the SRD R350 grant can be frustrating. Before appealing, taking key steps to strengthen your case and chances for approval is vital.

Check Your Application Status

First, verify your latest application status. You can check it instantly online by visiting onlinesassastatuscheck.co.za and entering your ID and mobile number. This will confirm if you have been rejected.

Review All Details for Accuracy

Carefully check that every detail you submit – your ID, contact information, bank details – is accurate and up-to-date. Any small error could cause an eligibility issue, resulting in rejection.

Update Any Incorrect Information

If you find any wrong or outdated information, immediately update it in your application. Correcting errors can help fix any inaccuracies hindering your approval.

Confirm All Information is Now Accurate

Before appealing, verify once more that everything in your application is accurate and current. Appealing with incorrect data risks quick denial.

Following these vital steps helps reveal and resolve any application issues. Confirming all your information is correct makes a stronger case if wrongly rejected initially. This optimizes the likelihood of a successful appeal.

How to Appeal the SASSA SRD Grant?

If SASSA said no to your request for the COVID-19 SRD money help, you can still fight this. You are allowed to ask them to think again. To do this, send an appeal letter with added proof that shows you qualify. If your appeal is well done and on time, SASSA often changes wrong rejections. We explain the best way to appeal.

Follow our steps to show SASSA reasons why you deserve this financial aid. Even if first said no, correct appeals lead to approvals.

Access the Appeals Website

Go to the official SASSA appeals website at srd.dsd.gov.za/appeals to start the appeals process. This is where you can contest the rejection or cancellation of your SRD grant.

Provide Personal Details

Enter your ID number and the phone number you used during your SRD grant application. This allows SASSA to access your profile and process your appeal.

Get and Enter the PIN Code

You will receive a PIN code on your registered phone number. Input this PIN code on the SASSA appeals website to continue with the appeal.

Indicate the Month You’re Appealing

Specify the exact month you are requesting an appeal for. SASSA needs to know the grant payment month to reconsider.

Explain Reasons for Appealing

Note why you believe SASSA wrongly rejected your application or unfairly canceled your grant. Provide details on any:

Explain your situation and reasons to justify the appeal to SASSA administrators.

Await Outcome

After submission, your appeal will be reviewed by SASSA. Wait patiently for the outcome to be communicated to you. The autonomous panel will notify you of their determination in 60 to 90 days. Persist if needed by appealing again the next month.

How Long Does the SASSA Appeal Take?

Expect to wait up to 3 months after submitting your SRD grant appeal to receive an outcome. SASSA will thoroughly investigate before deciding, so the appeals process is lengthy. Be sure to start your appeal within 30 days of getting notice of your initial rejection. Missing the one-month appeal deadline can lead to no reconsideration.

During this long 90-day appeal review period, you must plan financially in case your grant is still refused. Without that SRD income for an extended time, thinking about alternative temporary funds is wise while awaiting the final appeal ruling. Maintaining hope is crucial, but practical backup budgeting demonstrates responsibility, too.

Checking the Status of Your SASSA Appeal

You applied for SASSA help. But sadly, your application was rejected. You submitted an appeal to have them rethink this decision. Now, you are impatiently waiting to hear back. It is understandable to feel anxious about the outcome. I have compiled the whole process in a few different ways so you can check the status of your R350 grant appeal. Using multiple methods can help ensure you get the information you need.

Use Online Tools

The easiest way to check is to use the online SASSA status check tool. Go to Online Sassa status check and enter your ID and phone numbers. This will show your latest appeal status information instantly.

Via the Official SASSA Website

To check your Sassa appeal status online, visit the official Sassa website srd.dsd.gov.za/appeals and find the “Check Appeal Status.” You must input your ID number and the phone number provided when you lodged your appeal. This will display the current stage of your appeal, such as pending, decision made, or requiring further information from your side. Check regularly for updates.

Contact SASSA Directly

You can also contact SASSA directly to ask about your appeal. Call the SASSA helpline at 0800 601 011. Have your ID and application details ready. SASSA officials can look up your case and provide updates.

Go to the local SASSA office

Additionally, visit your local SASSA office in person. Staff there can access your file and share where your R350 appeal stands.

Send Email

Sending an email to [email protected] is another alternative. Write your name, ID, and any questions about your pending appeal.

R350 Grant Payment Details

If approved, the R350 grant will be paid for six months. The first payments started going out in October. The money is deposited directly into the bank account provided in your application. Make sure your account details are correct to receive your funds on time. Have a look at sassa grant payment dates

Remember, check your appeal status regularly using the methods outlined above. This will ensure you get updates on your grant approval and know when to expect payment.

The Reasons Why Sassa R350 SRD Grant Declined

Many R350 SRD applications, unfortunately, face rejection by SASSA. Sometimes, denials happen by honest mistake. Other times, people fail to meet strict criteria. Common rejection triggers include missing documents, changed bank details, excess income reported, outstanding debts, or application errors. Do not lose hope if initially declined. Understanding exactly why SASSA said no empowers you to fix problems. We help you identify rejection reasons and appeal properly for renewed and fair consideration.

Identity Verification Issues

Your grant application can be declined if your details don’t match the Department of Home Affairs records. This includes details like your ID number, date of birth, and other personal information. Make sure all your details are filled in correctly on your application.

Existing SASSA Grant

You can’t receive the R350 grant if you already have another SASSA grant. For example, if you currently get a disability, care dependency, or older persons grant, you won’t also qualify for the R350 grant. This aims to share resources among people with the greatest need.

Registered with NSFAS or UIF

Similarly, you won’t qualify for the grant if you received money from NSFAS (student loans and bursaries) or UIF (unemployment insurance) during the reconsideration period. This suggests you already have some financial assistance, making you ineligible for additional support.

Employment in Government Institutions

You can’t receive the grant if you worked for a government department, provincial administration, or municipality during the reconsideration period. The grant aims to help those without formal jobs and income sources.

Age Limitations

The special grant has age rules. You must be between 18 and 60 when applying. SASSA checks ID documents to confirm your age meets requirements. Falling outside this age range is an automatic reason for declined benefits.

• Age Outside Range (>60)

You must be aged between 18 and 60 to qualify for the grant. If you are over 60, you may qualify for an older person’s social grant instead. Different grants serve different age demographics based on levels of need and vulnerability.

• Age Outside Range (<18)

You also can’t qualify if you are under 18 years of age. Social grants for children and youth have different requirements than grants for adults.

Deceased Status on Home Affairs Database

Dead people can’t receive social grants! If you are incorrectly marked as deceased on the Dept of Home Affairs database, you must correct this status before qualifying for the grant.

Alternative Income Sources

If you had over R595 deposited into your bank account during the reconsideration period, you won’t qualify. This level of savings suggests you have another income source and aren’t fully destitute. Grants aim to serve people with the lowest incomes.

Fraudulent Activity

Any lies or purposeful incorrect information on your application is fraud. This can lead to your grant being declined and even criminal charges. Always provide accurate and honest information.

Employment and Tax Contributions

Earning a taxable income, contributing to UIF, or paying income tax may affect your eligibility. Grants aim to help those without formal taxable incomes.

Discrepancies with Home Affairs’ Records

As mentioned under Identity Verification, mismatches between your details and official Home Affairs records can cause your application to be rejected. Always ensure your details are up-to-date and accurate.

Referred Linked Risk Mobile

This means potential fraud was flagged on your application relating to your linked mobile number. Provide accurate phone details or get your number verified.

Referred SAFPS

This indicates that the South African Fraud Prevention Services detected suspected fraud. Avoid any dishonest behavior when applying.

How to Prevent SASSA Application Declines

Submitting a grant request takes effort and hope. Waiting months just to hear you do not qualify is upsetting. But many denials can be prevented from the start. Avoid common mistakes that stop applications. Double and triple-check all information for accuracy before sending it to SASSA. Ensure you have all the documents needed to confirm eligibility. Meet income limits and report any money changes. Provide updates on life changes related to the grant. Preventing application issues speeds up approvals.

Verify Application Accuracy

Carefully review your entire application before submitting it to ensure all information is correct. Confirm your details match your ID document and double-check any income, bank account, and contact details. Accurate data helps avoid application issues.

Include All Required Documents

SASSA details supporting documents you must provide with the application, such as ID, proof of residence, income statements, and bank letters. Failure to include mandatory paperwork often leads to declined applications. Keep copies of all documents in case they get lost.

Understand Income Thresholds

Applicants must fall below certain income levels to qualify for the SASSA grant. Understand the current thresholds for your grant type before applying. Report any changes in income as they happen to avoid non-compliance issues later on.

Update SASSA on Changes

Promptly inform SASSA if you have changes to your address, bank accounts, income, marital status, or any other detail provided in your application. Keeping your information current will prevent declines due to outdated or conflicting data.

Avoid Duplicate Applications

Only submit one application per grant type. Duplicate applications often trigger fraud alerts and application declines. If you are unsure if you have an existing application, follow up with SASSA before reapplying. This saves time and speeds up valid application processing.

Applying for Monthly Reconsideration

If your SASSA grant application gets declined, you may request a reconsideration if your circumstances change. This allows SASSA to review your updated situation monthly to determine eligibility.

To start, gather any new documentation that shows how your circumstances differ from those listed on your initial application. This may include

With your evidence ready, visit your nearest SASSA office to discuss your case with an agent.

Explain your monthly updated situation and why you believe you meet the requirements. Provide copies of any documents that back up significant changes. Ask the agent what additional forms need completion to formally request monthly reconsideration.

Be cooperative in answering the agent’s follow-up questions on your evolving status. Submit any further paperwork requested right away. This gives your reconsideration the best chance of approval.

Continue providing regular monthly updates to SASSA for your requested reconsideration period. Consistent communication allows SASSA to reassess your grant eligibility each month as your circumstances change.

Delays in Reconsideration Requests

Due to high application volumes, SASSA reconsideration requests often face delays of 2-3 months for processing and finalization. To help expedite review, provide any urgent status updates or new documentation in writing when available. Additionally, check in monthly via phone or visit for progress updates on your pending request. Avoid needing to re-submit reconsideration paperwork due to lapsed status by diligently following up every 4-6 weeks until you receive a final determination.

Key Information Regarding SASSA Application Appeals

SASSA said no to your grant request. This news is disappointing. But do not lose all hope yet. Submitting an appeal gives SASSA another chance to assist you. Appealing works best when you follow all instructions exactly. Include new proof that shows you qualify and they made a wrong call. Present urgent facts to support approving your case. Correct appeals reliably lead to reconsidered benefits.

Appeal Within 30 Days

If your SASSA grant application gets denied, you can appeal. An appeal asks SASSA to reconsider its decision by reviewing additional information. Appeals must be submitted to the Department of Social Development within 30 days of receiving your rejection letter. Missing this deadline results in the original decline decision being upheld.

Follow Notification Instructions

Your application denial notice from SASSA explains the exact appeal process to follow. Carefully read these instructions and collect all documentation requested. The notice specifies how to format your appeal, where to submit it, and what to include. Failure to follow proper appeal procedures can lead to automatic rejection without review.

Appeal Each Denied Month

Submit an individual appeal for each month you were declined SASSA benefits. Do not group multiple declined months into one appeal request. SASSA reviews eligibility on a month-to-month basis. By appealing each month separately, you optimize the chance of getting overturned months approved after presenting new information.

Provide Sufficient Documentation

Include clear documentation that contradicts the reasons your application was originally denied. For example, if declined for excess income, supply updated bank statements or pay slips proving your funds now fall below the threshold. Expert letters, affidavits, and statements from community members may also help validate your current circumstances. Thorough documentation makes approval more likely.

Starting your application appeal within 30 days and correctly following official procedures gives SASSA the full picture to reassess your grant eligibility. Ensure you appeal every declined month individually to resolve each determination. Provide ample supporting paperwork to increase the odds of overturning unfavorable decisions.

Last Words

Appealing a denied SASSA application allows you a second chance to show you qualify and get approved. Follow the instructions closely when submitting appeals, and meet deadlines. Include lots of proof to support your situation fully. Appealing correctly takes effort but helps get benefits to those who critically need and deserve assistance. Keep trying all options since having a fair appeals process provides hope after initial disappointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a look at SRD cancel Application