Why Was My SASSA R350 Grant Rejected?

The South African Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant is a short-term financial aid that assists individuals who are unemployed and in need. Yet, numerous applicants encounter the disappointment of having their SRD grant application turned down by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). This thorough guide delves into the common reasons for Sassa R350 SRD grant rejection and sheds light on the appeal process.

Understanding the SASSA R350 SRD Grant

To begin, let’s grasp what the SASSA R350 SRD grant exactly entails. During the COVID pandemic, the Department of Social Development (DSD) initiated this special grant to support unemployed South Africans who were not receiving other forms of financial aid. The grant provides a temporary monthly payment of R350, hence the name SASSA R350 grant. The criteria for eligibility and income thresholds have undergone changes over time:

  • August 2021 – March 2022: Income threshold R595
  • April 2022 – July 2022: Threshold reduced to R350
  • August 2022 – March 2025: Threshold raised to R624

The relaxed criteria led to increased participation. Nevertheless, Sassa conducts investigations into applicants and denies grants if disqualifying factors surface. Furthermore, the SASSA SRD Grant has been extended until March 2024.

Reasons for Sassa R350 SRD Application Rejection

Sassa provides an explanation when an SRD grant application gets declined. Here are clarifications for the common rejection reasons:

Alternative Income Identified

Your bank account showed deposits surpassing the SRD income threshold for the relevant review period. Any income sources such as salary, business, or investments exceeding the threshold disqualify you.

Identity Verification Failed

The personal details provided on the SRD application did not match your ID as per the Department of Home Affairs records. Providing incorrect details like ID number, name, or surname can lead to rejection.

Existing Sassa Grant

The system checks whether you already receive a grant from Sassa, such as child support, disability, or pension. Concurrent grants are not permissible. The SRD is intended for those without other assistance.

Marked As Deceased

Sassa verification detected that you are registered as deceased in the Department of Home Affairs system. Clearly, deceased applicants cannot receive grants.

NSFAS Registered

You are flagged as receiving financial aid for tertiary education from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) during the review period. This disqualifies you.

UIF Registered

Registration found in the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) system indicates that you are receiving UIF benefits. Such concurrent payments exclude you from the SRD grant.

Government Payroll

Employment verification indicates that you earned a salary from a government entity during the period under consideration. The grant is meant for the unemployed.

Owing SRD Debt

Previous overpayments imply that you owe Sassa for SRD grant months received when you did not actually qualify. New SRD payments can only resume once the debt is repaid.

Age Limit

Applicants younger than 18 or older than 60 are not eligible for the SRD grant. Instead, child support or older person’s grants are applicable.

Appealing a Rejected SASSA R350 SRD Application

If you believe that your application was unfairly rejected, there is an appeal process available through the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA). Follow these steps:

  1. Obtain your rejection letter from SASSA specifying the reason.
  2. Fill out ITSAA Form 1 to initiate your appeal.
  3. Submit supporting documents that validate your eligibility.
  4. Send the form and documents to ITSAA.
  5. Await ITSAA’s review and decision on your appeal, which can take up to 90 days.

ITSAA evaluates appeals independently of Sassa, focusing solely on the merit of the rejection reason in comparison to your evidence. After receiving the appeal, ITSAA generally takes about 3 months to finalize appeal rulings. 

If you fail to appeal, Sassa’s decision to reject stands as final according to existing regulations. If you remain dissatisfied even after the ITSAA appeal, you have the option to approach the High Court for judicial review within 180 days. Nevertheless, ITSAA provides an impartial Sassa appeal process that meticulously assesses each case based on individual merits.

Dedicating the Time to Appeal an Unfair Rejection

When a SASSA R350 SRD grant application is denied, it puts strain on households that are already struggling. Yet, many rejections occur mistakenly and can be overturned with the right evidence. Don’t lose hope. Rather, persevere and exercise your right to appeal an unfair decision. Follow the step-by-step appeal process to seek ITSAA’s review. Provide documentation that validates your eligibility and need. With determination, you can potentially have an erroneous rejection overturned, allowing this necessary temporary SASSA assistance to be reinstated.