The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) provides the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant to assist unemployed South Africans. However, applications can be declined for various reasons.
Common Reasons for SRD Grant Rejection
- Employment and Income:
- If you're employed or have paid income tax.
- If you receive income exceeding R624 per month.
- Discrepancies in Information:
- Mismatches between your application details and Department of Home Affairs records.
- Other Social Grants:
- Receiving other social grants (except Child Support Grant).
- Benefiting from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
- Unemployment Insurance (UIF):
- Receiving UIF benefits (including TERS).
- Government Employment:
- If you're employed by a government institution.
- Age Restrictions:
- Not meeting the age requirements (between 18 and 59 years old).
- Deceased Status:
- If you're registered as deceased with the Department of Home Affairs.
Avoid immediate SRD reapplication after rejection. This will likely result in automatic rejection.
The SRD Grant Appeal Process
If you believe your application was unfairly rejected, submit an appeal through the official Sassa appeals website.
How to Submit an Appeal:
- Visit the ITSAA Website: Access the dedicated Sassa appeals portal.
- Enter Your Details: Provide your ID number and the cellphone number used during the application.
- Verify Your Identity: Receive an SMS with a verification code and enter it on the website.
- Select Appeal Month: Choose the month for which you're appealing.
- Choose Reason for Appeal: Select the reason for your appeal from the available options.
- Submit Your Appeal: Complete the submission process.
The Independent Tribunal reviews all appeals for a fair and impartial assessment.
Checking Your Sassa Appeal Status
- Visit the Appeals Website: Go to the official Sassa appeals site.
- Enter Your Information: Provide your ID number and cellphone number.
- Track Your Appeal: Click "Track Appeal" to view the status.
If your appeal is unsuccessful, you may consider approaching the High Court for a review.
