Why Was My SASSA R350 Grant Rejected?

The South African Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant provides temporary financial assistance to unemployed individuals in need. However, many applicants face the frustration of having their SRD grant application rejected by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). This comprehensive guide examines the common reasons for Sassa R350 SRD grant rejection and the appeal process.

Understanding the SASSA R350 SRD Grant

First, what exactly is the SASSA R350 SRD grant? The Department of Social Development (DSD) set up this special grant during the COVID pandemic to aid unemployed South Africans not receiving other forms of financial aid.

The temporary monthly payment is R350, hence the name SASSA R350 grant. The eligibility criteria and income thresholds have evolved over time:

• August 2021 – March 2022: Income threshold R595
• April 2022 – July 2022: Threshold lowered to R350
• August 2022 – March 2023: Threshold increased to R624

The relaxed criteria increased uptake. However, Sassa still investigates applicants and denies grants if disqualifying factors are uncovered. Also, SASSA SRD Grant has been extended till March 2024.

Why Was My Sassa R350 SRD Application Rejected?

Sassa provides a rejection reason when an SRD grant application is declined. Here are explanations of the common rejection reasons:

Alternative Income Identified

This means your bank account showed deposits exceeding the SRD income threshold for the applicable period under review. Any income sources like salary, business or investments exceeding the threshold make you ineligible.

Identity Verification Failed

Your personal details provided on the SRD application did not match your ID per the Department of Home Affairs records. Submitting incorrect details like ID number, name or surname can trigger rejection.

Existing Sassa Grant

The system checks if you already receive a grant from Sassa like child support, disability or pension. Concurrent grants are not allowed. The SRD is for those with no other assistance.

Marked As Deceased

Sassa verification picked up that you are registered as deceased on the Department of Home Affairs system. Obviously, 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 period under review. This disqualifies you.

UIF Registered

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

Government Payroll

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

Owing SRD Debt

Prior overpayment means you owe Sassa for SRD grant months received where you did not actually qualify. New SRD payments only resume once debt repayment is completed.

Age Limit

Applicants younger than 18 or older than 60 do not qualify for the SRD grant. Instead, child support or older person’s grants apply.

Appealing a Rejected SASSA R350 SRD Application

If you believe your application was wrongly rejected, an appeal process exists through the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA). Follow these steps:

• Receive your rejection letter from SASSA detailing the reason.
• Complete ITSAA Form 1 to lodge your appeal.
• Submit supporting documents proving your eligibility.
• Send the form and documents to ITSAA.
• Wait up to 90 days for ITSAA to review and decide on your appeal.

ITSAA evaluates appeals independently from Sassa. They focus solely on meriting the rejection reason versus your evidence. It can take ITSAA approximately 3 months to finalize appeal rulings after receipt.

If you fail to appeal, Sassa’s rejection stands as final per existing regulations. If still unsatisfied after ITSAA appeal, you may approach the High Court for judicial review within 180 days. But ITSAA provides an impartial Sassa appeal process that carefully evaluates each case on individual merits.

Take The Time To Appeal An Unfair Rejection

Having a SASSA R350 SRD grant application denied places strain on already struggling households. Yet many rejections occur in error or can be overturned with proper evidence. Do not give up. Rather, persist and exercise your right to appeal an unfair decision. Follow the step-by-step appeal process seeking ITSAA review. Provide documentation validating your eligibility and need. With perseverance, you can hopefully have an erroneous rejection overturned so this needed temporary SASSA assistance can be restored.