VerifiedWhen SASSA declines your SRD R370 grant for a month, you can ask for the decision to be reconsidered. SRD appeals are not decided by SASSA itself but by the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA), which falls under the Department of Social Development. An appeal is free and is done online.
Before you appeal
- Check the deadline. You must appeal within 90 days of the decline. Late appeals are not considered.
- Appeal each month separately. A decline applies to one month, so each declined month needs its own appeal.
- Read the decline reason. It is shown next to the month when you check your status, and it tells you what to prove.
- Check that you qualify. The SRD grant is for people aged 18 to 59 who live in South Africa, have income below R624 a month, do not receive another grant for themselves, and are not receiving UIF or NSFAS support.
How to lodge an SRD appeal
- Go to srd.dsd.gov.za/appeals.
- Enter your ID number and the cellphone number you used when you applied.
- Enter the one-time PIN sent to that cellphone number.
- Choose the month you want to appeal.
- Select the reason you believe the decline is wrong, and attach proof if you have it.
- Submit, and note the confirmation you receive.
Decline reasons and what helps your appeal
| Decline reason | What it usually means | What can help |
|---|---|---|
| Alternative income source identified | Money in your bank account was above R624 in the month checked. | Show that the money was not income, for example a once-off transfer to pay a family expense, with a bank statement and a short explanation. |
| Identity verification failed | Your details did not match Home Affairs, or verification was not completed. | Check your ID number and names, complete any verification SASSA asks for, and fix errors with Home Affairs first. |
| Existing SASSA grant | SASSA believes you already receive a grant for yourself. | Show that the grant is paid to you on behalf of a child, not for yourself, or that it has ended. |
| UIF registered | You appear on the UIF database. | Provide proof that your UIF payments have ended. |
| NSFAS registered | You appear on the NSFAS database. | Provide proof that you no longer receive NSFAS funding. |
| Government payroll registered | You appear on a government salary system. | Provide proof that your employment has ended. |
| Age outside range | You are younger than 18 or 60 or older. | If you are 60 or older, apply for the older persons grant instead. |
Checking your appeal status
Go back to srd.dsd.gov.za/appeals and use the appeal status option with your ID and cellphone number. The Tribunal aims to decide appeals within 60 to 90 days. If the appeal succeeds, you are paid for the month you appealed. Our guides to checking your appeal status and what to do when an appeal is pending cover the outcomes in detail.
If your appeal is dismissed
The Tribunal’s decision is final within the social assistance system. The only further step is a court review, which needs legal help. Organisations such as the Black Sash give free advice on social grants. You can still keep applying for future months, because every month is assessed afresh.
Appeals for other SASSA grants
This guide is for the SRD R370 grant. If an older persons, disability or child grant was refused, the appeal goes to the Minister of Social Development through a written appeal form. See how to appeal a SASSA grant and how to get the SASSA appeal form.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to appeal a declined SRD grant?
You have 90 days from the decline to lodge an appeal. The Independent Tribunal does not consider appeals submitted after that.
Where do I appeal a declined R370 grant?
Online at srd.dsd.gov.za/appeals, the Department of Social Development’s SRD appeals site. You need your ID number and the cellphone number you applied with.
How long does an SRD appeal take?
The Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals aims to decide appeals within 60 to 90 days, depending on how many appeals it is handling.
Do I need to appeal every declined month?
Yes. SASSA assesses each month separately, so each declined month needs its own appeal.
Will I be paid if my appeal is approved?
Yes. If the Tribunal upholds your appeal, you are paid the R370 for the month you appealed.
Does it cost money to appeal?
No. Lodging an SRD appeal is free. Do not pay anyone who offers to submit an appeal for you.