How to Appeal a Declined SASSA SRD R350 Grant

The mission of the SASSA Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant program in South Africa is to provide short-term financial support each month to South African citizens, Refugees, Asylum Seekers, and Special Permit Holders between ages 18 and 60 who are jobless or have a monthly income less than R624, have insufficient resources, do not receive any other social grants or UIF payments or do not receive financial support from any other source.

If you applied for the SRD R350 grant and your application was rejected, but you believe you are eligible for the SRD grant and your application was mishandled or rejected unfairly, you may appeal the SASSA decision to the Ministry of Social Development at the National Department of Social Development if you think the SASSA decision was unfair.

SASSA Appeal Process

The Appeal process is designed to allow applicants to challenge the SASSA rejection decision of their initial SRD grant application, and it is handled by the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA). In order to appeal the decision, you must submit all the necessary details and make sure they are accurate.

If ITSAA agrees with you, they will overturn SASSA decision, and you will begin receiving your SRD grant payments. If your appeal is denied, you will be notified.

Eligibility Criteria for SRD R350 Grant

To determine whether you are eligible for the SASSA R350 grant, you must first understand the SASSA SRD grant eligibility criteria. You will then understand why your application was rejected. The criteria are as follows:

Citizenship: Candidates must be South African citizens or permanent residents to qualify for the SRD grant.
Residence: The applicant must be living in South Africa.
Age: The applicant must be between 18 and 60.
UIF Payments: Applicants who are receiving UIF funds are not eligible for the SRD R350 grant.
Authentic Information: It is essential that applicants provide complete and authentic information, such as their 13 digit ID card number, mobile number, and bank account information.
Lack of Support: The applicant must not be able to support themselves and their families, and they must have no other source of income, such as government assistance, social grants, or unemployment benefits.
Insufficient funds: Overrides the means test criteria if the applicant earns more than R624 a month.
DHA Record: Application cancellation will also occur if the DHA (Department of Home Affairs) finds the applicant deceased.

An appeal can be filed if your SASSA SRD grant application was rejected even though all eligibility criteria were met and there was no discrimination.

Important Steps Before Making an Appeal

Verify your SASSA Portal information before lodging an appeal:

Log in to the SASSA portal by providing your 13 digit South African ID card number
Verify the accuracy of your information.
The information you have should be updated if it is incorrect or out of date.

If you make any errors in your information, you could lose your appeal.

How To Lodge An Appeal For SASSA SRD R350 Grant Online

The SASSA offers an easy way to appeal by applying online. Before submitting your application, you or the person applying on your behalf must confirm that they have read and accepted the Declaration and Consent Documents. Below is a step-by-step guide to filing an appeal:

Step 1: Access the SRD Appeal Website

Visit SASSA’s SRD Appeal website.

Step 2: Provide Your Credentials

Enter your 13-digit African ID card number and the mobile number you provided when you registered in the appeals section. Click the “send pin” button.

Step 3: Verification Message

Log into the appeal section by entering the PIN you received via SMS on your registered mobile number.

Step 4: Select Month

If you choose to appeal for a given month, you will see the records for each month when you log in to the appeal section.

Note: You must file a separate appeal for each month your SRD grant was rejected. The Independent Tribunal will not consider appeals for multiple months in a single application.

Step 5: Reason and Proof

After selecting the month, you will be asked to attach documents to prove your eligibility for the SRD grant and a valid, concise reason for applying. For your application to be strengthened, you should attach all required documents, including bank statements from the past six months, proof of residency, identification, and other supporting documents.

Step 6: Submit and Stay Connected

Your application will be submitted to the independent tribunal after you have attached all the required documents. The independent tribunal will notify you of its decision within 60 to 90 days.

What To Do If My Appeal is Declined?

Unfortunately, if your appeal is also rejected by SASSA or ITSAA, you do not have another option. Your only option is to take the matter to the High Court for judicial review. If you feel that you meet all the eligibility requirements, but your application has been inappropriately declined, you need to take advantage of this option.

Reasons for Declination of SRD Appeals

An appeal may be rejected for various reasons. If your appeal is rejected, you will receive one of the following messages:

Identity Verification Failed: Your personal information in your application does not match the record maintained by the Department of Home Affairs. To put it simply, there is a mismatch in your identity.
Existing SASSA Grant: During the reconsideration period, the applicant was receiving another social grant, so they are not eligible for the SRD Grant.
NSFAS Registered: The applicant was receiving funds from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) during the reconsideration period, which indicates they have another source of funding.
UIF Registered: The applicant received unemployment insurance funds (UIF) payments during the reconsidered period, indicating they have another source of financial help.
Gov Payroll Registered: During the reconsideration period, the applicant was employed by a government institution, showing they earned a living.
Age Outside Range(>60): As the applicant was over 60 at the time of reconsideration, they were ineligible.
Age Outside Range(<18): The applicant is under 18 years of age during the reconsideration period, making them ineligible.
Deceased Record on DHA: During the reconsideration period, the applicant’s name is listed as deceased in the DHA database.
Alternative Income Source Identified: During the reconsideration period, the applicant deposited at least R624 into their bank account, indicating an alternative source of income that exceeded the grant’s criteria.

How to Avoid Common Mistakes in the Appeal Process

Accuracy of Information

Ensure that all personal details are correct and updated. This includes your full name, ID number, contact details, and bank information.

Documentation

If your appeal is based on not having an alternative income source, include bank statements or a notarized affidavit stating lack of income.
If you were mistakenly identified as a UIF beneficiary, provide a letter from the Department of Labour confirming your UIF status as inactive.

SRD Grant Appeal Contact Details

ITSAA (Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals) can be contacted by the following means if you have any questions about the appeal:

Telephone Number: 012 312 7727
Fax: 086 534 3124 or 086 216 371
Email: [email protected]
Postal Address: Private Bag x 901, Pretoria, 0001

Tips for a Successful SASSA SRD R350 Grant Appeal

Tips	Details
Double-Check Eligibility Criteria	Ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements laid out by SASSA. This includes age restrictions, income thresholds, and residency requirements.
Provide Accurate Information	When you apply or appeal, make sure all the information you provide is accurate and truthful. Discrepancies can lead to delays or another denial.
Stay Informed	Keep yourself updated with any changes in the policy or procedure of the SRD R350 grant by regularly checking the SASSA website or official communications.

Conclusion

Having your SASSA SRD R350 grant declined can be discouraging, but it’s important to remember that there is a structured appeal process in place. By understanding the reasons behind the decline, properly preparing your appeal, and following the correct procedures, you improve your chances of a successful outcome.

Remember, the goal of this grant is to assist those in dire need during challenging times, and appealing a decision is your right if you believe a mistake has been made.