Categories: SASSA Grant

Why Is My SASSA SRD Declined?

Have you recently applied for the Sassa SRD grant only to have your application declined? Individuals face the experience of having their Sassa grant application rejected leaving them wondering. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant to assist individuals facing financial difficulties.

However, it can be disheartening to receive a declined SASSA SRD application. knowing the reasons behind a declined application is very important for identifying the issues and taking appropriate steps to rectify them. In this post, we will give you some common reasons why your SASSA SRD application may be rejected, helping you explore the process more effectively.

Learning Why Your SASSA SRD Grant Was Declined

The SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) has listed several reasons why applications for the R350 social relief of distress grant may be declined by the agency. Here are some of the reasons why your grant application may be declined, according to SASSA:

Age outside range

The applicant does not qualify for the grant due to not meeting the age requirement. The R350 social relief of distress grant is not payable to people under 18 and over the age of 60.

Referred linked risk mobile

This means a fraudulent application has been received from this cellphone number. Sassa cannot make the grant payment into a mobile phone number that is registered to another person or one that poses a security risk.

Referred SA Fraud Prevention Service

This means the applicant is registered as a perpetrator of fraud with the SA Fraud Prevention Services (SAFPS). “Sassa may verify the applicant’s information against commercial risk management institutions such as TransUnion and SAFPS to ensure the applicant is not a perpetrator of fraud,”

The applicant is receiving a benefit from the NSFAS. “If the NSFAS funds you, you do not qualify for the R350 grant,” “Furthermore, the NSFAS does not take the R350 grant into account when processing applications for funding as such a grant does not form part of the eligibility criteria for the NSFAS bursary.”

5. UIF registered

The applicant receives or is eligible for a UIF benefit. The grant is paid to individuals who are unemployed and do not receive any form of income, social grant, or UIF payment.

Government payroll registered

The applicant is in employment in a government institution. Sassa warned it is the responsibility of every citizen whose financial circumstances change, even while receiving the grant, to inform the agency of the change immediately.

Alternative income sources identified

This means Sassa has identified the applicant has an income flow of more than R595 per month. Sassa monitors your bank account cash flows. Receiving funds regularly through an e-wallet account or cash send will be identified as an alternative income source.

Identity verification failed

The personal information provided does not match the Department of Home Affairs’ details. Reasons for identity verification errors include the misspelling of the name or surname or omission of one letter or letters in the name. Sassa advises applicants to enter the ID number, names, and surnames exactly as they are on the ID document or Smart ID card.

Existing Sassa grant

The applicant is currently a recipient of a social grant. According to Sassa, a person who is receiving any social grant in respect of himself or herself does not qualify for the R350 social relief of distress grant.

NSFAS registered

Read Also: Check SRD Grant Status 2025-2026

SASSA 350 Reapplication Process

Dear Covid-19 SRD applicant,

Have you applied to SASSA for the COVID-19 SRD on their electronic platform,
Did you get a notification that your application was rejected?
Do you disagree with that decision?

If you answered “YES” to all 3 questions, you may, within 30 days but not exceeding 90 days, appeal SASSA’s decision to the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA). To do so, follow these steps:

Double-check that the information you provided to SASSA, which is reflected on the SRD DSD Appeal Electronic Platform is complete and correct.
Where necessary, update your contact information by clicking on this link. This is very important if your appeal is successful. If your appeal is successful the Independent Tribunal will direct SASSA to initiate the payment of the Covid-19 SRD directly to you and accordingly need to have your correct contact information.
After updating your information on the link provided, if applicable, click “Save” and thereafter you will be automatically redirected back to the SRD DSD Appeal website to continue to lodge your appeal.
Appellants or their proxy will have to confirm that they have read and accepted the clauses in the Declaration and Consent Documents.
Click “Submit” and look out for the confirmation message on the page that your application was submitted successfully.
Please note, that an appeal application needs to be lodged about each month when a person is rejected by SASSA, if in disagreement with the decision.

SASSA Contact Details

For any further queries, please contact SASSA directly:
Contact the SASSA Toll-Free Call centre on 0800 60 10 11
Contact the SASSA Head Office on 012 400 2322
Email SASSA Head Office at: Grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za

Declined payment can be inconvenient, but understanding the reasons behind it can help you navigate the situation effectively. By considering factors such as Alternative income source identified, Identity verification failed, Existing Sassa grant, NSFAS registered, UIF registered, Government payroll registered and more, you can take appropriate steps to resolve the problem and complete your R350 payment successfully. If the issue persists or you need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact SASSA. For more information, please visit SASSA Grant’s official website.

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