If SASSA rejects your SRD grant for a month, you have the right to ask them to check your details again. This is called lodging an appeal.
Appeal at srd-appeals.dsd.gov.za. You must appeal every single month that is declined — an appeal for one month does not cover other months. You must submit it within 30 days (and no later than 90 days) after you receive the decline.
Reason 1: "Alternative Income Source Identified"
This means the automated system saw more than R624 enter your bank account — even if it was just a one-time gift from family for food or rent. The system assumes it is regular income.
How to fix it
- Go to a police station and write a sworn statement (an affidavit) saying the money was a once-off gift or loan, and that you have no job or regular income.
- Get copies of your last 3 months of bank statements.
- Log in to srd-appeals.dsd.gov.za, submit your appeal for that specific month, and attach your documents.
Reason 2: "UIF Registered"
This means SASSA's system thinks you are registered for Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) benefits — sometimes because a past employer never removed you from their records.
How to fix it
- Check your status with the Department of Labour.
- Get an official UIF termination letter or clearance certificate from your former employer or the Department of Labour.
- Log in to srd-appeals.dsd.gov.za, choose the declined month, and upload the clearance letter with your appeal.
Other common decline reasons
| Message you see | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Government Payroll Registered | Records show you work for government or a municipality | Get an official letter from HR confirming you no longer work there, and appeal |
| NSFAS Registered | You are recorded as receiving student funding | Get a funding cancellation letter from NSFAS if it has ended, and appeal |
| Existing Grant Detected | You are already recorded as receiving another grant | Check which grants you can combine; cancel one if you want to switch |
| Identity Verification Failed | Your name or ID does not match Home Affairs records | Check your details on the portal, or visit Home Affairs to fix your record |