South Africa's Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant has seen a surge in applications for July 2024. The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) is reminding applicants how to easily check their application status online.
Checking Your SRD Grant Status
- Visit the official Sassa SRD website (link included).
- Locate the "Application Status" section.
- Enter your South African ID number and the phone number used during application.
- Click "Check Status."
- If prompted, enter the one-time PIN (OTP) received via SMS to view your status.
Who Qualifies for an SRD Grant?
Sassa conducts thorough verification checks for each application. This includes validating your ID number, name, and surname with the Department of Home Affairs to confirm residency status.
The SRD grant is strictly for South African citizens, permanent residents, and those holding special permits.
Your ID number is cross-checked against databases from the South African Revenue Services (SARS), the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). This step assesses your financial situation and ensures you aren't receiving other government support.
Both the ID number and mobile number will also undergo fraud risk assessments.
Appealing a Rejected Application
If your application is rejected, you have the right to appeal to the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA). Submit separate appeals for each rejected month. The ITSAA aims to finalise appeals within 60-90 days.
While their decision is final, applicants can request a judicial review within 180 days of receiving the ITSAA decision.
Sassa Warns Against Unofficial Websites
Sassa strongly advises against using fake websites claiming to offer SRD status checks. These websites often collect personal information, placing you at risk of fraud. Only use official Sassa websites ending in ".gov.za" for SRD grant status inquiries.
Entering sensitive information like your ID number or phone number on unauthorised websites can lead to data breaches. Always prioritise official Sassa websites to safeguard your personal information.
