Declined Applications
A declined outcome means a government database check found you ineligible for that month. Many declines rest on outdated records and can be appealed.
Also searched as: decline, rejected, rejection, denied, not approved, unsuccessful.
Guides on declined applications
Updates
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to appeal a SASSA decision?
90 days from the date of the decision. Lodge as early as you can — the tribunal counts from the decision date, not from when the letter reached you.
Read the full guide: Appeal a SASSA decision on a permanent grant
Who decides SASSA appeals?
The Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA), which is independent of SASSA. Reach it on 012 312 7727.
Read the full guide: Appeal a SASSA decision on a permanent grant
Does a decline affect my future months?
No. SRD eligibility is assessed fresh every month. You stay in the system and each new month is checked on its own.
Read the full guide: SRD grant declined: what every reason means and what to do
Can I fix a decline without appealing?
No — for a declined month, only an appeal (or the Tribunal) can reverse the outcome for that month. But fixing the underlying record stops future months being declined for the same reason.
Read the full guide: SRD grant declined: what every reason means and what to do
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.
Read the full guide: Declined: “Alternative income source identified”
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.
Read the full guide: Declined: “Alternative income source identified”
I never worked formally. Why am I 'UIF registered'?
Someone may have registered employment against your ID — an employer's error or identity fraud. Visit a Department of Employment and Labour office with your ID to query the record, then appeal.
I get NSFAS but my allowances don't cover food. Can I get both?
No — the rules treat NSFAS funding as financial support, so you cannot hold both. If your NSFAS funding genuinely ends, you can apply for SRD from the following month.
Being written
- UIF claim declined (Work & UIF — phase 4)