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Sassa Reveals Multiple Factors Behind R350 Social Relief of Distress Grant Application Rejections

SASSA has listed reasons for the rejection of R350 social relief of distress grant applications, following the decline of around 4 million applications in August. The reasons include incomplete or inaccurate information, failure to meet eligibility criteria, duplication of applications, alternative sources of income, employment status, registration for UIF benefits, deceased applicants, and non-South African citizenship. Applicants are advised to review and ensure accurate information to increase their chances of approval. SASSA aims to enhance the application process and assist those in need.

SASSA’s List of 9 Possible Reasons for R350 Grant Application Declines

Here are the reasons provided by SASSA that could lead to the rejection of your R350 grant application:

Appealing R350 Grant Rejections: Empowering News for Applicants

Great news! If your application for the special Covid-19 SRD grant was declined, you have the opportunity to lodge an appeal for reconsideration within 30 days of receiving the reason for rejection. Discover the process and steps involved in appealing a rejected R350 grant application and increase your chances of a successful reconsideration.

Reason 1: Identification of Alternative Income Source

If Sassa determines that you have an income flow exceeding R595 per month, your application may be declined. Sassa monitors your bank account transactions and will identify regular funds received through an e-wallet account or cash sent as an alternative income source, potentially leading to the rejection of your application.

Reason 2: Identity Verification Failure

If the personal information you provided does not match the details registered with the Department of Home Affairs, your application may be declined. Identity verification errors can occur due to misspellings, omissions, or incorrect input of names or surnames.

Sassa strongly advises applicants to enter their ID number, names, and surname exactly as they appear on their ID document or Smart ID card to avoid any discrepancies during the verification process.

Reason 3: Existing Sassa Grant Recipient

If you are currently receiving any social grant from Sassa, it may lead to the rejection of your R350 social relief of distress grant application. Sassa states that individuals who already receive a social grant for themselves are not eligible for the R350 grant.

Reason 4: Receiving NSFAS Benefits

If you are currently receiving benefits from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), your application for the R350 grant may be declined. Sassa clarifies that individuals who are funded by the NSFAS do not qualify for the R350 grant. Additionally, the NSFAS does not consider the R350 grant as part of its eligibility criteria when processing applications for funding.

Reason 5: UIF Benefit Receipt or Eligibility

If you are currently receiving or eligible for Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) benefits, your application for the R350 grant may be declined. The R350 grant is specifically intended for individuals who are unemployed and do not receive any form of income, social grant, or UIF payment. Therefore, if you fall under the category of receiving or being eligible for UIF benefits, you may not qualify for the R350 grant.

Reason 6: Employment in a Government Institution

If you are currently employed in a government institution, your application for the R350 grant may be declined. Sassa emphasizes that it is the responsibility of every citizen to promptly inform the agency of any changes in their financial circumstances, even if they are already receiving the grant. Therefore, if you are employed in a government institution, you may not qualify for the R350 grant.

Reason 7: Age Requirement Not Met

If you do not meet the age requirement, your application for the R350 grant may be declined. The R350 social relief of distress grant is specifically intended for individuals who are not under 18 years old or over 60 years old. Therefore, if you fall outside this age range, you may not qualify for the grant.

Reason 8: Linked Risk Mobile Referral

If your mobile phone number is flagged as a linked risk mobile, it could result in the rejection of your grant application. This typically occurs when a fraudulent application has been received from that particular cellphone number. Sassa is unable to make grant payments to mobile phone numbers that are registered under someone else’s name or pose a security risk. As a result, your application may be declined if your mobile phone number is associated with such concerns.

Reason 9: SA Fraud Prevention Service Referral

If your information is flagged as a registered perpetrator of fraud with the SA Fraud Prevention Services (SAFPS), it may lead to the rejection of your grant application. Sassa reserves the right to verify applicants’ information against commercial risk management institutions like TransUnion and SAFPS to ensure that applicants are not involved in fraudulent activities. Therefore, if you are registered as a perpetrator of fraud with SAFPS, your application may be declined.