As part of SASSA’s Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant program, South African citizens, refugees, asylum seekers, and persons with special permits between 18 and 60 are offered monthly short-term financial support. This program is for unemployed or unemployed people who earn less than R624 per month, have insufficient resources, don’t receive other social grants or UIF payments, or don’t get any other financial support.
The SASSA has the right to appeal the SASSA decision to the Ministry of Social Development at the National Department of Social Development if you are rejected for the SRD R350 grant. Still, you believe you are eligible for the SRD grant, and your application should have been handled better and accepted somewhat.
SASSA Appeal in 2024
Individuals can challenge the rejection decision on their SRD grant application by using the Appeal process of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). ITSAA reviews and decides on appeals handled by the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA).
Appeals must be filed within 90 days of the initial rejection decision. Complete and accurate details are essential in your appeal. You should provide correct information as it may influence the outcome.
ITSAA typically takes 60 to 90 days to decide on your appeal. During this period, they will carefully review your appeal and supporting documents. If they agree with the information you provided, they will overturn SASSA’s decision and grant you the SRD grant payments. You will be notified if your appeal is declined or unsuccessful.
The Appeal process serves as a mechanism for individuals who have experienced difficulties with the initial application to receive a fair hearing and have their cases reconsidered. It is designed to ensure that every applicant has a fair chance to present additional evidence or provide clarification to support their eligibility for the grant.
Understanding that the appeal process is distinct and separate from the initial application is crucial. This knowledge is critical to submitting the appeal within the required timeframe and providing accurate and detailed information for a proper review.
How To Lodge An Appeal For SASSA SRD R350 Grant Online?
Appeals can be filed conveniently through SASSA’s official website. A Declaration and Consent Document must be read and accepted by you or the person applying on your behalf. The following steps will guide you through the appeal process:
Step 1: Access the SRD Appeal Website
A website dedicated to SASSA’s SRD Appeal can be accessed here.
Step 2: Provide Your Credentials
You must navigate to the appeals section on the website and provide your 13-digit African ID number and mobile phone number, which you provided during the registration process. Select “send pin” and “send” “.”
Step 3: Verification Message
Your registered mobile number will receive a text message containing a verification PIN that you need to enter. You will see a PIN code to enter to access the appeal section on the website screen.
Step 4: Select Month
After logging into the appeals section, you can find a list of all the months’ appeals. To appeal, you need to select the month.
Step 5: Reason and Proof
Following the selection of a month, you will be asked to submit documents supporting your eligibility for the SRD grant and a valid, concise explanation for your request. The supporting documents you attach should include the following:
- Bank statements for the past six months.
- Proof of residence.
- Identity documents.
- Other documents that will strengthen your case.
Step 6: Submit and Stay Connected
Click the submit button after you’ve attached all the necessary documents. A tribunal independent of the government will review your application. Your decision will be communicated to you within 60 to 90 days by an independent tribunal.
What To Do If My Appeal is Declined?
SASSA or ITSAA cannot accept your appeal if it is also declined. A judicial review is your only option in this matter. When your application was inappropriately declined, but you meet all the eligibility criteria, this option may be available.
When you apply for a grant or benefit through SASSA or ITSAA, specific criteria must be met. These criteria ensure that only those who qualify for the assistance receive it. However, there may be instances where applicants believe their application was wrongly denied or overlooked. In such cases, appealing to the higher authorities may be an option.
However, if your appeal is also denied, it can be frustrating and disheartening; it is important to remember that the decision made by SASSA or ITSAA may not be final. You still have the option to challenge the decision through the High Court. This step should only be taken if you have a strong belief that you fulfill all the eligibility criteria, but your application was declined unfairly.
A judicial review in the High Court allows you to examine the decision-making process and the decision itself. The court will determine if the decision made by SASSA or ITSAA was legal, reasonable, and in line with the requirements of the law.
To pursue a judicial review, you must gather all the necessary evidence, including documentation supporting your eligibility. It may include birth certificates, proof of income, and other relevant supporting documents. You will also need to engage the services of a lawyer or legal counsel specializing in judicial review cases.
The High Court will consider your application and the evidence provided. It will determine if SASSA or ITSAA’s decision was fair, reasonable, and in accordance with the law. If the court determines that the decision was inappropriate, it may order SASSA or ITSAA to reconsider your application or grant the assistance you were initially denied.
SRD Appeal Declination Reasons:
Your appeal may be rejected for a variety of reasons. The following message will be displayed if your appeal is denied:
Nsfas_registered: A student receiving assistance from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) during the reconsideration period suggests they have other sources of support.
Uif_registered: During the reconsidered period, the applicant received UIF payments, indicating they can access other financial aid.
Alternative_income_source_identified: There is evidence that the grant applicant has an alternative source of income that exceeds the grant’s eligibility requirements since a balance of R624 or more was deposited into their bank account during the reconsideration period.
Gov_payrol_registered: During the reconsideration period, the applicant worked for a government institution, which means they had an income and a job.
age_outside_range(>60): Due to age restrictions, the applicant is no longer eligible because they are past 60 years old during the reconsidered period.
Identity_verification_failed: According to the Department of Home Affairs, your application’s personal information does not match the record maintained by the department. You have an identity mismatch.
Existing_sassa_grant: During the reconsideration period, the applicant had already been receiving a different social grant, so they were not eligible to receive the SRD Grant as they had already received a different grant.
age_outside_range(<18): Because of age restrictions, these applicants are ineligible because they are younger than 18 years of age during the reconsideration period.
Deceased Record on DHA: It appears that the applicant was deceased during the reconsideration period, according to the DHA database.
