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.
Sassa Payment Dates from Now until March 2023
The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) is a Social Development Department entity responsible for administration and disbursement of social assistance to the needy South Africans, documented refugees and permanent citizens of the country.
Sassa Branches
Sassa has branches in all South African Provinces and the branches opens daily to assist clients and beneficiaries in their local areas.
Social Grants Payments
It is the responsibility of the South African Social Security Agency to disburse social grants monthly to the right person at the right time. Sassa distributes social grants at the beginning of each month starting on the second day of the month. If these days fall on weekends, Sassa uses the next weekdays to disburse the grants.
Payment Methods
The grants are paid into the recipients’ Sassa cards and are collected in various ways such as ATMs, Retail tellers or cash points. In the month of May however, Sassa experienced challenges in servicing the pay points leading to encouraging beneficiaries to use alternative methods to access their funds.
Payment Schedule for 2022 to 2023
Sassa published payment dates for the rest of the year until March 2023. Below is a schedule for Sassa payment dates for 2022 to 2023.
Here are the Sassa payment dates for the rest of 2022 until March 2023
MONTH | OLDER PERSONS | DISABILITY GRANTS | CHILDREN’S GRANTS |
April 2022 | 04 April 2022 | 05 April 2022 | 06 April 2022 |
May 2022 | 03 May 2022 | 04 May 2022 | 05 May 2022 |
June 2022 | 02 June 2022 | 03 June 2022 | 06 June 2022 |
July 2022 | 04 July 2022 | 05 July 2022 | 06 July 2022 |
August 2022 | 02 August 2022 | 03 August 2022 | 04 August 2022 |
September 2022 | 02 September 2022 | 05 September 2022 | 06 September 2022 |
October 2022 | 03 October 2022 | 04 October 2022 | 05 October 2022 |
November 2022 | 02 November 2022 | 03 November 2022 | 04 November 2022 |
December 2022 | 01 December 2022 | 02 December 2022 | 05 December 2022 |
January 2023 | 03 January 2023 | 04 January 2023 | 05 January 2023 |
February 2023 | 02 February 2023 | 03 February 2023 | 06 February 2023 |
March 2023 | 02 March 2023 | 03 March 2023 | 06 March 2023 |
Outstanding Reconsiderations
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has made an announcement about the outstanding appeals. They indicated that those who appealed from August 2021 and their applications for reconsiderations were successful, will be processed by the end of June 2022.
In a message on their social media platforms, Sassa said “Beneficiaries whose reconsideration applications outcome were successful, will be paid accordingly.”
SRD Payments
Sassa also said that payments for those successful reconsideration applicants will be done after the applications have been processed. “Reconsiderations from August 2021 are expected to be processed by end June 2022 and payments will then happen thereafter.”
SRD Appeal: How to Appeal or apply for reconsiderations?
Here are two ways to lodge SRD appeal if it has been declined:
Submit your appeal online
Visit the SRD Website: https://srd.sassa.gov.za
Step 1: Find the ‘Application for Reconsideration’ tab.
Step 2: Click on where it says ‘click here to apply for reconsideration’.
Step 3: You will be asked to provide your ID number and Mobile number.
Step 4: Follow the prompts to complete the reconsideration of your payment.
How to Submit Appeal via Telephone
Step 1: Call Sassa on 0800 60 10 11
Step 2: Select option 3
Step 3: Speak to the Sassa consultant to lodge your reconsideration request.
Here below is other information about Sassa R350 Grant