Why SASSA Grant Application Declined
If your application for a grant from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has been denied, you can find out the reason for the denial and receive guidance on how to resolve the issue.
We provide assistance in helping you understand why your SASSA application was declined and we can guide you through the necessary steps to prepare for SASSA reconsideration by identifying and addressing any discrepancies or errors.
Why SASSA Grant Application Declined
If you find that your grant application has been declined after checking your SASSA status online, there are multiple reasons for this, as stated by the Department of Social Development (DSD) and the Home Affairs Department.
1. Insufficient Information
To prevent any potential setbacks, it’s important to make sure that your application includes all necessary details and supporting documents. Failure to do so could result in rejection.
2. Alternative Income Source
SASSA conducts a thorough review of your financial situation and sources of income. If your regular income exceeds R595 per month, including funds received through e-wallet accounts or cash-send services, your application may be denied.
3. Existing SASSA Grant
According to SASSA guidelines, individuals who are already receiving a social grant are not eligible for the R350 grant, which helps to ensure that resources are distributed fairly among all applicants.
4. Identity Verification Issues
During the application process, it is crucial to ensure accurate identity verification. This includes checking for misspelled names, surnames, or any missing letters, as these errors can lead to verification failures. It is important that your ID number, name, and surname exactly match the information on your ID document or Smart ID card in order to be successfully verified.
5. Other Government Benefits
If you are currently receiving benefits from NSFAS or UIF, it is possible that you may not be eligible for the R350 grant, as these programs have their own specific eligibility criteria which may disqualify individuals who are already receiving the R350 grant.
6. Age Restrictions
The eligibility criteria for the R350 grant is for individuals aged between 18 and 60. Applicants who are outside of this age range may not meet the requirements and could be declined.
7. Fraudulent Activity
SASSA has implemented security measures to prevent fraud and uphold the integrity of the system. Your application may be declined if it is linked to fraudulent activity or if you are listed as a perpetrator of fraud.
8. Employment and Income Tax Contributions
Your application may be declined by SASSA if they find that you have been employed and have made income tax contributions.
9. Discrepancies with Department of Home Affairs’ Records
Your application may be declined if the personal details you provided do not match the records of the Department of Home Affairs.
10. Current Recipient of Another Social Grant
If you currently receive any social grant other than a child grant, you may not be eligible for the R350 grant.
11. Registered with NSFAS or UIF
Registering with and receiving support from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) or the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) may disqualify you from receiving the R350 grant.
12. Employment in a Government Institution
If you work for a government institution, you are not eligible for the R350 grant or any other social grant. Only retired government servants, such as War Veterans and Older Persons, are able to apply for SASSA grants. If you are currently employed, your application will be denied.
13. Age Limitations
Your SRD grant may be declined if you do not meet the age requirements or if you are above 60 years old, as per the specific grant requirements.
14. Deceased Status on Home Affairs Database
Your grant application may be declined if you are listed as deceased in the Department of Home Affairs database.
SASSA has taken decisive action to combat fraudulent activity among social grant recipients. In just the month of January 2024, SASSA blocked 74,000 accounts of deceased individuals who were fraudulently receiving benefits.
Important Note: If your application is denied by SASSA, you can choose to appeal through the Department of Social Development. It’s important to do this within 30 days of receiving the rejection notice, and the instructions for appealing are usually included in the rejection notification. It’s crucial to request an appeal for each declined month to prevent the original decision from being upheld.
