If your SASSA status check shows "Declined", you have the legal right to appeal. Here is everything you need to know.
Follow these steps carefully to submit your appeal correctly.
Visit srd.sassa.gov.za/appeals/appeal in your browser. Make sure you see the padlock icon and the URL contains "sassa.gov.za".
Type your 13-digit South African ID number and the cellphone number you used when applying for the SRD grant. These must match your original application exactly.
Click "Send PIN" and enter the one-time password (OTP) sent to your registered cellphone number. If you don't receive it, wait a few minutes and try again.
You will see a list of months with their status. Select the specific month that shows "Declined" that you want to appeal. Each declined month must be appealed separately.
Select the reason that best describes why you disagree with the decline. Common reasons include "I am unemployed", "I do not receive another grant", or "My income is below R624".
Attach any evidence that supports your case: affidavit of unemployment, bank statements showing no income, proof that you don't receive UIF, or a letter from Home Affairs confirming your identity.
Review your appeal and submit it. Save or screenshot the confirmation number as proof. You will receive an SMS confirmation. The Independent Tribunal (ITSAA) will now review your case.
Understanding why your application was declined helps you build a stronger appeal.
SASSA found that your monthly income exceeds R624. This could be from employment, self-employment, or other sources detected through SARS or credit bureau records.
How to appeal: Provide proof that your income is below R624/month. This could include an affidavit of unemployment, a termination letter, or bank statements showing no salary deposits.
SASSA records show you are receiving another social grant (such as Old Age, Disability, or Foster Care). You cannot receive the SRD grant together with another primary grant.
How to appeal: If this is incorrect and you are not receiving another grant, submit proof. Note: receiving the Child Support Grant does NOT disqualify you from the SRD.
The UIF database shows active payments to you. SRD and UIF benefits cannot be received simultaneously.
How to appeal: If your UIF payments have ended, provide a letter from the Department of Employment confirming this, or your UIF expiry notice.
Your ID number or personal details could not be verified against Department of Home Affairs records. This may be a data error.
How to appeal: Visit Home Affairs to confirm your ID is correct and active. Obtain a confirmation letter and attach it to your appeal.
NSFAS records show you are receiving a student allowance, which disqualifies you from the SRD grant.
How to appeal: If your NSFAS funding has ended, provide confirmation from your institution or NSFAS.
Cross-reference checks found financial activity that suggests you earn more than the threshold. This could be from bank transactions, credit bureau data, or business registrations.
How to appeal: Explain the discrepancy. For example, if you have a dormant business registration or received a once-off payment that was not regular income, provide documentation.
The review process and possible outcomes.
SASSA acknowledges your appeal submission via SMS. Your appeal is forwarded to ITSAA.
The Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA) reviews your appeal, supporting documents, and SASSA's original decision. This takes 60–90 days.
You will receive the outcome via SMS or email. The decision will be either "Appeal Upheld" (approved) or "Appeal Dismissed" (declined).
srd.sassa.gov.za/appeals/appeal
Submit online
012 312 7727
Independent Appeals Tribunal
0800 60 10 11
General enquiries