What To Do When Your SRD Grant Status Says “Pending”?

If you’ve applied for the special COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant of R350 per month from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), seeing a “Pending” status can be perplexing and worrisome. 

A pending status generally implies that SASSA has received your application but has yet to decide on approving or rejecting your SRD grant. It stays pending until all verifications are complete.

Don’t worry if your status is pending. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what it means and what you should do when your SRD grant status is pending. 

Reasons for a “Pending” SRD Grant Status

Several common reasons may account for your SRD grant application remaining in a pending state:

  • SASSA is still processing your application. Reviewing and verifying all applications takes time. Yours may still be in a queue.
  • Your application is recent. Applications made in the last few days or weeks likely won’t have a final status yet.
  • Your details are undergoing verification. SASSA verifies identification, employment status, income, citizenship, and more, which can cause delays.
  • Some documentation is missing. If certain required documents are absent, your application may be left pending.
  • You need to reapply after the previous grant has lapsed. Grants are only valid for a set period and require reapplication.

Check for the Need to Reapply for the SRD Grant

The most common reason for a pending status is the lapse of your previous SRD grant, necessitating a reapplication. Grants are valid for only 3 months, after which you must reapply. 

Log in and check your past statuses – if your last status shows as expired or lapsed, you’ll need to submit a new application to continue receiving the R350. SASSA cannot automatically renew it.

How to Resolve a Pending Status?

If your grant didn’t expire but remains stuck in pending, here are steps to help resolve the status:

  1. Log in and double-check all your details – especially ID number, name, phone, and address. Correct any errors.
  2. Upload any missing documents like proof of income, ID copy, or disability grant letter.
  3. Call the SASSA helpline at 0800 60 10 11 to inquire about pending application issues.
  4. Visit your nearest SASSA office to get assistance from an agent in person.
  5. Follow up every 2 weeks via call or office visit if still pending. Politely ask officials to verify and provide the next steps.
  6. Respond to any SMS or emails from SASSA requesting more information to complete the review.
  7. Submit a new application if your last application has been stuck for over 3 months. There may be an error in the initial one.

Be persistent and patient in following up on a pending status – it can take SASSA weeks to finalize processing. But diligently querying and providing documents can help speed things up.

How Long Can SRD Grant Status Stay Pending?

There is no definite time frame for how long an SRD grant can remain in a pending status as processing times vary. However, here are general timelines:

  • New applications: 4-8 weeks to be finalized as verifications are completed.
  • Renewals: 2-4 weeks since original details are already verified.
  • With missing documents: Up to 3 months before being rejected for incomplete forms.
  • Default limit: 3 months before the system cancels a still pending application.

If your grant has been pending for longer than these timeframes, urgently follow up and supply any missing information SASSA requests.

Will I Still Get Paid If Pending?

Unfortunately, you cannot receive any SRD grant payments while your status is still pending. Only approved applicants get paid – those still pending have not been confirmed as eligible yet. 

But if you do eventually get approved, your grant will be back-paid from the initial month you applied. So, you won’t miss out on any monthly funds you were entitled to.

Next Steps If Approved After Pending

Once your thorough follow-ups help get your status approved, you’ll need to:

  • Wait for the first payment – it can take a month so be patient.
  • Notify SASSA of any status changes – if you get a job, report it to avoid committing grant fraud.
  • Renew the grant before expiration – set reminders to reapply in time to avoid pending.
  • Provide bank details – to speed up subsequent payments.
  • Comply with SASSA rules – to remain eligible without disruption.

Being persistent with a pending SRD grant status can be frustrating, but it is necessary to get approved. Follow up diligently and provide SASSA with what they request until your status shows as approved. This will ensure you receive the essential financial relief you need.