What To Do If Your SRD Grant Is ‘Referred SAFPS’?

Understanding the status of your COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant application and encountering the label “Referred SAFPS” might seem perplexing. However, rest assured that you have the power to address this situation effectively.

The designation of “Referred SAFPS” signifies that SASSA has identified a potential fraud risk associated with your ID and phone number. Yet, it’s crucial to recognize that this flag can occasionally be triggered mistakenly.

Should you believe that this flag does not accurately represent your circumstances, you have the option to lodge an appeal and request a thorough review of your grant status. To navigate this process with ease, follow this comprehensive guide to understand the implications of “Referred SAFPS” and the steps necessary to rectify it.

Decoding SAFPS

SAFPS, or the South African Fraud Prevention Service, operates within SASSA to screen grant applications for potential fraud risks. During your SRD grant application, SASSA cross-checks your ID number and phone number against the SAFPS database. If there’s a match, your status is marked as “Referred SAFPS.”

This designation implies that there’s suspicion regarding your involvement in previous social grant fraud. Consequently, your new SRD application undergoes further scrutiny for fraud before receiving approval.

Causes for Receiving a Referred SAFPS Status

There are primarily two reasons why your SRD application might be flagged as Referred SAFPS:

  • Previous involvement in social grant fraud, including falsifying information related to income, residence, marital status, and more, which is recorded by SAFPS.
  • Accidental partial matching of your ID number with that of another fraudster triggering the fraud flag.

Unless the flag is proven to be erroneous, an SRD grant with a Referred SAFPS status won’t be approved, owing to the suspicion of fraud.

Appealing and Resolving the Status

In the event that you believe the Referred SAFPS status is erroneous, it’s imperative to promptly initiate an appeal by following these steps:

  1. Compile relevant evidence such as bank statements, payslips, affidavits, and copies of your ID.
  2. Submit your appeal online at srd.dsd.gov.za within 30 days of the rejection.
  3. Clearly articulate why you pose no fraud risk and provide any supporting documentation.
  4. Maintain regular follow-ups, either via phone calls or in-person visits, every two weeks until a resolution is reached.

By presenting evidence that disproves any fraudulent activity, you enable SASSA to override the mistaken SAFPS flag and subsequently approve your SRD application.

The Importance of Avoiding Grant Fraud

Although being falsely accused of fraud can be exasperating, actual instances of grant fraud have adverse effects on South Africa. It’s essential to always provide truthful information when applying for grants.

Engaging in social grant fraud is unlawful and can lead to severe consequences, including 

  • a fine of up to R40,000 
  • imprisonment for up to 10 years
  • the possibility of being barred from accessing grants in the future.

 It is far more advisable to pursue legitimate sources of income than to risk involvement in fraudulent activities. Furthermore, any suspicious grant-related activities should be reported immediately.

Monitoring Your Status

Following the appeal of a Referred SAFPS status, it is crucial to:

  1. Regularly log in to the SASSA SRD portal and monitor your status.
  2. Submit any requested documents promptly to facilitate SASSA’s re-verification and review process.
  3. Initiate follow-ups if the status remains unresolved after six weeks, and consider filing an appeal once more if necessary.
  4. Inform SASSA of any changes in your circumstances, such as obtaining employment.

Persistence and patience are essential if you find yourself incorrectly flagged for potential fraud. By initiating a compelling appeal, you increase the likelihood of having your status rectified and your application approved.

Post-Appeal Success Protocols

In the event that your diligent efforts lead SASSA to overturn the Referred SAFPS status, ensure you:

  1. Provide your bank details to initiate the receipt of payments.
  2. Reapply in a timely manner when the grant period expires after three months.
  3. Adhere to all SASSA’s SRD grant regulations and stipulations.

While being inaccurately flagged for grant fraud can be distressing, a consistent appeal process backed by substantial evidence can ultimately help dispel any unwarranted suspicion, ensuring that you receive this crucial financial relief when you genuinely require it.