The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has explained how people whose R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant applications were declined can appeal
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The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has explained how people whose R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant applications were declined can submit an appeal.
The SRD grant, established in 2020 as a temporary measure to provide financial support during times of economic hardship, continues to serve as a vital lifeline for unemployed and vulnerable South Africans aged 18 to 59.
According to reports, SASSA receives around 80,000 new SRD grant applications each month and has processed approximately 17.4 million applications since the grant’s introduction.
However, not everyone who applies is successful. One of the most common reasons for declined applications is the detection of "alternative sources of income".
According to Kelle Howson from the Institute for Economic Justice, many eligible applicants are being unfairly excluded due to the stringent criteria and procedural barriers put in place.
“The government uses data from bank accounts and other government databases to screen applicants, but these records are often outdated or do not reflect the reality of people’s financial situations,” Howson said on the SMW podcast.
She added that many declines are based on small or temporary inflows, such as loans or gifts, which should not disqualify applicants.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, SASSA explained how those who have been declined can submit an appeal by visiting the official SRD portal at https://srd.sassa.gov.za.
"Declined for the R370 SRD Grant? Don’t worry, you can still appeal. To get your appeal link, visit: https://srdinternal.sassa.gov.za (internal users) or https://srd.sassa.gov.za (external users) and follow the steps provided," the agency said.
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mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za
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