The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant is a crucial support mechanism for unemployed individuals living in South Africa, as it ensures that vulnerable individuals receive some money to support themselves with the basics.
The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has said that there are a number of circumstances under which applications for the SRD grant (also known as the R350 grant) may be declined.
Although it would make the most sense to reapply as soon as possible, first find out why your application was rejected and if there is something standing in the way of gaining approval.
Your application might be rejected because you do not meet some of the eligibility requirements, for a number of reasons, including:
- SASSA finds that as an applicant, you have been employed and it is indicated that you have made income tax contributions.
- The personal details that you have provided do not match the ones from the Department of Home Affairs.
- It is found that as the applicant, you are a current recipient of a Social grant other than a child grant.
- If you are registered with and benefit from the National Student Fund Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
- If the applicant qualifies for UIF benefits based on TERS OR Contributions to UIF OR is currently receiving the Unemployment Insurance Fund benefit.
- If the applicant is employed in a government institution.
- If you do not meet the age requirements or are above the age of 60.
- If as a beneficiary you have been registered as deceased on the Department of Home Affairs database.
However, Sassa encourages those rejected from the SRD grant to not immediately reapply.
Sassa Spokesperson, Paseka Letsatsi, explained that if people reapply for the SRD grant after their first application was rejected, the system will automatically reject their second application.
Letsatsi says another reason your SRD grant application is rejected, is because your details appear on the database of another financial aid entity.
In that case, you should first request that your details be removed from that entity and then you can submit an appeal with Sassa.
So, instead of reapplying, submit an appeal via the SRD grant appeal website, following the step-by-step guide on how to complete the appeal.
