If for any reason you would like to cancel your Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, you can do so by visiting the Sassa SRD website.
How To Cancel Your SASSA R350 Grant Application:
- Go to the Sassa SRD website
- Scroll down to the Cancel my Application tab.
- Click on the yellow button which says 'click here to cancel online'.
- Provide your ID number and mobile number, then click 'send pin'.
- You will receive an SMS with a 6 digit One Time Pin (OTP) number.
- Client must insert the OTP number on the required field to verify pin.
- Then click 'cancel my grant'.
- A message will pop up to ask if the applicant is sure about the cancellation of the grant.
- Click yes to continue with the cancellation or click no to discard.
If you need help during the process, all you have to do is call or WhatsApp the helpline for assistance. Make sure you have your id number as well as the details used in the registration process just in case it is requested.
Once this process is complete you will no longer receive money from Sassa until you start the process again.
It is important to inform them of any change in circumstance if you are receiving the SRD grant.
If your conditions changed in a way that you no longer need or qualify for the Sassa SRD Grant, you may cancel your application.
Applications for the Social Relief of Distress Grant are only done electronically. Once you are approved for the grant, Sassa will request for confirmation of your bank account through a secure site, this will also be done electronically.
Any applicant has the right to request confirmation that this request is from Sassa to protect themselves.
Social Relief of Distress is still a temporary grant, and was introduced during the pandemic as part of the Social Assistance Act by the Department of Social Development. The newest cycle of the grant will only last until March 2024.
What Is The Eligibility Criteria For The SRD Grant?
The eligibility criteria for the Sassa SRD grant could change, but generally include the following requirements:
- South African citizenship, permanent residency, asylum seeker or refugee status with valid identification documents.
- Applicants should generally be between 18 and 59 years of age
- Means test criteria based on income and assets to determine the level of need.
- Aimed at individuals who have experienced significant loss of income, unemployment, or inability to earn due to uncontrollable circumstances.
- Applicants should not be receiving other forms of income or social grants from Sassa or other government programmes, excluding the child support grant
- Application process involves completing the application form and submitting required supporting documents specified by Sassa.
Other Sassa Grants Available
- Child Support Grant: Provided to caregivers of children under the age of 18 to assist with their basic needs.
- Older Person's Grant: Offered to elderly individuals who are 60 years or older and meet certain criteria to support their well-being and living expenses.
- Disability Grant: Available to individuals with disabilities who meet specific requirements and aim to provide financial support for disability-related expenses.
- Foster Child Grant: Provided to caregivers who have legal responsibility for foster children to assist with the cost of care and meeting their basic needs.
- Care Dependency Grant: Offered to caregivers of children with severe disabilities who require full-time care and support.
- Grant-in-Aid: Provided to individuals with disabilities who require full-time care and support from caregivers.
- War Veterans Grant: Available to qualifying military veterans who have served in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) or the Azanian People's Liberation Army (APLA).
How To Complete An Online Sassa Status Check For The SRD Grant
There are many ways to contact Sassa. You don't have to visit any of the Sassa offices to work on your Sassa grant status. There is a Sassa toll free number, and you can visit the Sassa Head Office, but it is much easier to check your Sassa status online.
- To check your Sassa status go to the Sassa SRD grant website
- Scroll down to the 'South African ID Holders' and click the 'click here to proceed' tab
- Then, scroll down to 'Application status' for your SRD grant
- Click on 'Click here to check online'
- Fill in your ID number and the phone number that you used for your application, then click 'submit'
- You should then be able to see the SRD status of your R350 grant application
Why Sassa May Reject Your SRD Grant Application
- Ineligibility: If the applicant does not meet the specific eligibility criteria for the grant they are applying for, their application may be rejected. Each grant has specific requirements related to age, citizenship, income, disability status and other factors.
- Insufficient Supporting Documentation: Failure to provide all the necessary supporting documents or submitting incomplete or inaccurate information can lead to the rejection of an application. It is important to carefully follow the application instructions and provide all required documentation.
- Exceeding Income Limits: Some grants have income limits, and if an applicant's income exceeds these limits, their application may be rejected. Sassa assesses the financial situation of applicants to determine their level of need for the grant.
- Providing False Information: Providing false or misleading information on the application can result in the rejection of the application. It is crucial to provide accurate and honest information when applying for Sassa grants.
- Duplication of Benefits: If the applicant is already receiving another grant or social assistance from SASSA or another government programme, their application for an additional grant may be rejected. Sassa checks for duplication of benefits to ensure fairness and appropriate allocation of resources.
It's important to carefully review the eligibility criteria, provide accurate information, and submit all required documents to maximise the chances of a successful application. If an application is rejected, it may be possible to appeal the decision or seek further clarification from Sassa.
How To Submit An Appeal For The R350 Grant
If your application was rejected, you may want to appeal the decision. Here is what you need to do.
- You should first visit https://srd.sassa.gov.za/appeals/appeal
- Enter your ID number
- Enter your cell phone number
- Click 'send pin' and wait for the SMS which will contain the verification pin
- Enter the pin and click 'submit'
- Select the month you are submitting an appeal for
- Select the drop-down arrow and choose the reason for your appeal
- Click 'submit'
Additionally, you must appeal for each month that your request was rejected. Applications for appeals will be reviewed by an independent tribunal and you need to keep a check on the appeal status.
Since the Social Development Independent Tribunal already had information from applicants from Sassa, their processes were joined with Sassa's processes, which led to a limited and simpler appeals process.
The Independent Tribunal will then investigate and determine if Sassa made any mistakes in evaluating your application for a grant, which consequently resulted in the rejection of your application.
You have 90 days from the day you received your rejection to submit an appeal, otherwise your appeal will be rejected.
How To Track The Status Of Your SRD Grant Appeal
It is important to check your appeal status regularly to make sure that your appeal has been received and not been lost. You must do the following to check your appeal status:
- Visit the Sassa appeals website.
- Enter your ID number
- Enter your cell phone number
- Track your R350 grant appeal
Sassa receives a lot of appeals so it may take up to three months for your appeal to be processed and an outcome to be sent to you. However, you will be paid from the date on which you initially submitted your application, so do not worry if your appeal appears to be taking its time.
If you are having trouble with checking your appeal status then you can contact the Sassa call centre on their toll free number: 0800 601 011.
It is important to ensure that you have provided the correct contact number as Sassa will contact you via SMS to inform you of the outcome of your appeal.
Appeals may be rejected if applicants do not meet the eligibility criteria to qualify for the R350 grant. This may be due to the applicant not meeting the age requirements for the grant or the applicant may be receiving income, such as a salary, UIF payment or another form of social grant.
SRD grant appeals are finalised by the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA). However, those who are unhappy with the outcome of their appeal may approach the high court for judicial review within 180 days of receiving the ITSAA’s decision.
The Impact Of Sassa On South Africans
Sassa plays a vital role in providing financial support and social assistance to vulnerable individuals and families across the country. Through a range of grants, including the Child Support Grant, Older Person's Grant, Disability Grant, and more, Sassa aims to improve the well-being and quality of life for those in need.
These grants help address issues of poverty, unemployment, disability, and social distress, providing a safety net for those facing challenging circumstances. While the application process may have its complexities, Sassa continues to work towards ensuring fair and efficient distribution of grants to eligible recipients. With ongoing efforts to enhance services and support, Sassa remains committed to promoting social welfare and reducing inequality, making a positive impact on the lives of millions of South Africans.
In addition to its primary role in providing financial assistance, Sassa is also committed to promoting social development and empowerment. The agency collaborates with various government departments and stakeholders to implement programmes that address the underlying causes of poverty and vulnerability. This includes initiatives focused on skills development, job creation, education and healthcare access.
Furthermore, Sassa continually strives to enhance its services and processes to better serve the needs of its beneficiaries. This includes streamlining application procedures, improving accessibility and implementing digital solutions to simplify and expedite the grant application and disbursement processes.
However, challenges persist, such as the high demand for grants, limited resources, and the need to combat fraudulent activities. Sassa is dedicated to tackling these challenges through rigorous oversight, fraud prevention measures and ongoing collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
Ultimately, Sassa's mission extends beyond providing financial support. It aims to foster social cohesion, promote dignity and contribute to a more equitable society. Through its comprehensive approach, Sassa continues to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals and families, providing them with a lifeline and a path towards a better future.