Why SASSA Grant Application Declined

If your South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant application has been declined, you can find out why it was declined and learn what steps you can take to address the issue.

We assist you in understanding why your SASSA Application Declined and guide you through the necessary steps to prepare for SASSA Reconsideration by removing any discrepancies or errors.

Why SASSA Grant Application Declined

After checking your SASSA status online, if you discover that your grant application has been declined, there could be several reasons, as reported by the Department of Social Development (DSD) and the Home Affairs Department.

1. Insufficient Information

Your application may lack crucial details or supporting documents, leading to its rejection. To avoid potential setbacks, ensure that you provide accurate and complete information.

2. Alternative Income Source

SASSA carefully examines your financial situation and income sources. If you have a regular income exceeding R595 per month, including funds received through e-wallet accounts or cash-send services, your application may be declined.

3. Existing SASSA Grant

SASSA guidelines state that individuals already receiving a social grant are not eligible for the R350 grant. This ensures fair distribution of resources among applicants.

4. Identity Verification Issues

Inaccurate identity verification during the application process. Errors such as misspelt names, surnames, or missing letters can result in verification failures. Your ID number, name, and surname exactly match your ID document or Smart ID card to be verified.

5. Other Government Benefits

If you are already benefiting from programs like NSFAS or UIF, you may not qualify for the R350 grant. These programs have their eligibility criteria and may exclude individuals receiving the R350 grant.

6. Age Restrictions

The R350 grant is specifically designed for individuals aged between 18 and 60. Applicants outside this age range do not meet the eligibility criteria and may face a decline.

7. Fraudulent Activity

SASSA has measures in place to prevent fraud and maintain the integrity of the system. If your application is associated with fraudulent activities or if you are registered as a perpetrator of fraud, it may be declined.

8. Employment and Income Tax Contributions

If SASSA finds that you have been employed and have made income tax contributions, your application may be declined.

9. Discrepancies with Department of Home Affairs’ Records

If the personal details you provided do not match the records of the Department of Home Affairs, your application may be declined.

10. Current Recipient of Another Social Grant

If you are already receiving a social grant other than a child grant, you may not qualify for the R350 grant.

11. Registered with NSFAS or UIF

Being registered with and benefiting from the National Student Fund Aid Scheme (NSFAS) or the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) can make you ineligible for the R350 grant.

12. Employment in a Government Institution

If you are employed in a government institution, you may not qualify for the R350 grant or any other social grant. Government servants, only those who are retired, such as War Veterans and Older Persons, can apply for SASSA grants. Currently employed individuals will face rejection.

13. Age Limitations

If you do not meet the age requirements or are above 60 years old, your SRD grant may be declined. This is based on particular grant requirements.

14. Deceased Status on Home Affairs Database

If you are registered as deceased on the Department of Home Affairs database, your grant application may be declined.

SASSA has implemented strict measures against recipients of social grants. In January 2024 alone, SASSA blocked 74,000 deceased fraudulent accounts.

Important Note

If SASSA denies your application, you have the option to appeal SASSA through the Department of Social Development. This should be done within 30 days of the rejection notice, and the instructions for appealing are typically provided in the rejection notification. Remember, it’s crucial to request an appeal for each declined month to avoid the original decision being upheld.