Declined: “Alternative income source identified”
On this page (5 sections)
“Alternative income source identified” means SASSA's monthly bank check found more than R624 flowing into your bank account in the month it assessed. It does not necessarily mean a salary — any inflow can trigger it, which is why this is one of the most commonly wrong decline reasons.
Is this decline commonly wrong?
Very commonly. The check cannot tell income from once-off help: a family member sending money for groceries, a loan being paid into your account, a stokvel payout, church assistance, or money you were holding for someone else all look identical to a wage. If the deposit was not regular income for your own benefit, you have solid grounds to appeal.
Evidence that overturns it
- Your bank statement for the assessed month, showing the deposit and its reference.
- A short affidavit (free at any police station) explaining what the deposit was — e.g. once-off family support, a refund, or money held for someone else.
- Where possible, a supporting statement from the person who sent the money.
How to appeal
Lodge your appeal on the official appeals portal at srd.dsd.gov.za within 90 days of the outcome — and separately for each month that was declined. The Independent Tribunal re-checks the government databases when it considers your appeal, so if the underlying record is wrong, fix it first where possible. Full walkthrough: how to appeal an SRD decline.
Frequently asked questions
Does the R370 grant itself count as income the next month?
No. The SRD payment itself is excluded from the means test. See how the SRD means test works.
I received money for someone else. Do I lose the grant?
For the assessed month you may be declined, but you can appeal with an affidavit explaining the deposit. Going forward, avoid receiving other people's money in your account in any month you need the grant.
Verified information
- Responsible body
- South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)
- Official source
- sassa.gov.za
- Status
- Confirmed, some figures pending
- Date verified
- Confidence
- High confidence
Process and eligibility rules confirmed against official sources. Amounts marked * are widely reported 2026 figures still being traced to the Government Gazette.
SA Benefits is independent and not affiliated with SASSA or government. Editorial guidance on this page is clearly separated from official information — see how we verify.
What's changed on this page (1)
First published and checked against official sources. Future changes to figures, deadlines or processes will be listed here rather than silently edited.
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