The Rejection of Over 71,000 SRD Grant Applications. The termination of the Child Support grant for beneficiaries at the age of 18 prompts them to apply for the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant. However, a staggering number—71,314 applicants—have faced rejection. Let’s explore the reasons behind these rejections.
Means Testing and Vigorous Checks
Sassa encourages young adults transitioning from the Child Support grant to apply for the SRD grant. Unfortunately, a means test is applied, and “vigorous checks” are conducted to determine eligibility. These checks involve bank validation and income assessments against databases like the Unemployment Insurance Fund.
The Rigorous SRD Grant Application Process
Merely applying for the SRD grant doesn’t guarantee eligibility. The Department of Social Development emphasizes that stringent measures are in place to prevent double-dipping, ensuring that only deserving applicants receive financial assistance.
Reasons for SRD Grant Rejections
The Department reveals multiple reasons for the 71,314 rejections. Notably, over 70% were due to the identification of an existing income source, violating the requirement of having R624 or less in the bank account and no other income or grants.
- Income Source Issues: More than 70% of rejections resulted from applicants already having an income source.
- Other Rejection Reasons: Various factors, including debtor status, existing Sassa grants, government employee pensions, identity verification failures, and registrations with NSFAS or UIF, contributed to the rejection of SRD grant applications.
Appealing an SRD Grant Rejection
Applicants who believe they were wrongly rejected have the option to appeal. The appeal process is accessible online through the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA) website.
- Visit ITSAA Website: Enter your ID number and the cell phone number used during the application.
- Receive and Submit Pin: After receiving the pin, input it and select the month for the appeal. Choose a reason for the appeal from the provided options and submit.
Tracking Your SRD Grant Appeal
To track the appeal status, visit the Sassa Appeals Website, enter your ID number and telephone number, and monitor the progress. Alternatively, contact the Sassa Call Centre at 0800 601 011 for assistance.
Key Reminder: Ensure that your contact details are accurate, as the appeal outcome will be communicated through an SMS confirmation message. The Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals oversees appeals related to the SRD R350 grant.