Declined for the R350 grant? Here’s why and how to appeal – Step By Step 

Declined for the R350 grant? Here’s why and how to appeal

As the SA Social Service Agency (Sassa) rolls out the R350 social relief of distress (SDR) grants to approved beneficiaries, some are still struggling with the application process.

Some applications will be denied if they show that the applicant has an outstanding UIF payment, is a recipient of the National Plan for Student Financial Aid (NSFAS), or is employed, unless many do not.

“I can’t believe you declined my application based on the internship that ended long ago. If your system is that authentic, it must be able to trace the contract period and termination date. Otherwise, you are disadvantaging the most deserving people who try every day to get jobs,” wrote Twitter user @BonganiMajolall.

Phoebe Ntsomi’s first attempt with the application was unsuccessful as the Sassa system reflected she had received UIF payments which had long ended at the time of launching the application.

“My application was declined due to the fact that I received my UIF payments until last November. I applied for reconsideration this morning at 3.30 am and it was successful. Sassa needs to work hand in hand with the department of labour to check all terminations of UIF,” she shared.

TimesLIVE reached out to the agency with questions raised by applicants. Here’s why your application could be rejected and what you can do about it:

Can your application be rejected if you have a pending UIF payment?

Yes. Beneficiaries who are eligible for a UIF payment can be declined. Sassa said applicants should check with the fund if they have any pending payments and consider reapplying for the Covid-19 grant

If you recently lost your job and your unemployment status does not reflect, can your application be rejected?

Yes. The agency said applicants who are newly unemployed but whose application is denied can apply for reconsideration and Sassa will conduct a means test. “Reconsideration applications will be further assessed by checking if there are funds of more than R595 flowing in the client’s bank account. An exception would be if the funds are from a Sassa child-related grant,” said the agency.

Can your application be rejected because you have ‘alternative income’ or are an NSFAS beneficiary?

The scholarship is intended exclusively for unemployed individuals and caregivers who only receive state grants for the children they care for. The agency said that if the system incorrectly reflects that an applicant is a recipient of NSFAS, she can request a reexamination.

“The agency uses information from various institutions, including UIF, SA Revenue Service, NSFAS and banks to verify income from alternative sources,” said Sassa.

What does ‘identity verification failed’ mean? How can you fix this to receive the grant?

This means that the applicant’s personal data, such as names and identification numbers, do not match those in the home affairs database. Applicants can correct this on the Sassa website under the ‘Request first and last name update’ tab.