The SASSA appeal process is set up to give applicants the opportunity to chalange SASSA’s decision to reject their initial application R350 grant.
Suppose you submitted an application for the SRD R350 grant and it was declined, but you are certain that you qualify for the grant and feel your application was unfairly handled or dismissed. In that case, you can challenge the decision.
You hold the right to appeal directly to the National Department of Social Development. Here is a simple guide on how to appeal for a declined SASSA SRD R350 grant and increase your chances of success. The appeal process gives you another opportunity to explain your situation and why you need the grant.
To start the appeal process, gather a few important documents. Any documents that can support your need for financial assistance, such as proof of unemployment and bank statements, should be included. Contact SASSA as soon as possible after collecting these documents. You can do this by visiting their offices, calling their helpline, or checking their website for specific instructions on how to appeal.
What Is SASSA Appeal?
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) offers social grants to those who fulfill specific criteria, such as older persons, people with disabilities, and children in need. Sometimes, an application for a grant might be declined due to various reasons, such as incomplete information or not meeting the required criteria.
A SASSA grant appeal refers to the process through which an individual who has been denied a social grant can request a reconsideration or review of the decision. Applicants may submit additional evidence or information to demonstrate their eligibility.
Eligibility Criteria for SRD R350 Grant
It is important to understand the SASSA SRD grant eligibility criteria before appealing for the R350 grant. As a result, you will have a better understanding of why your application was rejected. The criteria are as follows:
1. Unemployment:
- The applicant needs to be unemployed and receive no income, including:
- Salary from employment
- Income from a business
- Pension
- Any other form of monthly financial support
2. Citizenship or Residency Status:
- It is necessary that you are one of the following:
- Citizen of South Africa
- South African permanent resident
- Refugees or asylum seekers with valid permits
- A holder of a special permit (e.g., Lesotho Exemption Permit, Angolan Special Dispensation, Zimbabwe Exemption Permit)
3. Age:
- You must be between 18 and 59 years old.
4. Income Threshold:
- Less than R624 in monthly income is required. This includes any income from grants, employment, self-employment, or other sources.
5. Registration:
- You should register with the Department of Home Affairs or SASSA’s database of social grants.
6. No Support from Government-Subsidized Institutions:
- You cannot be living in a state-funded institution such as a prison, hospital, or rehabilitation center.
7. No UIF or NSFAS Support
- It is not allowed for you to receive benefits from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) or the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
Requirements for SASSA Appeal
To successfully appeal your SASSA Grant rejection, you will need several things:
Basic Information
- Your South African ID Number: This is crucial for identifying your application and appeal.
- The phone number used during your application: SASSA uses this to send you a verification PIN for the appeal process.
- The specific month(s) you are appealing for: You can appeal each rejected month separately.
Appeal Details
- Reason for Appeal: Clearly explain why you believe SASSA’s decision was incorrect. Provide supporting evidence if applicable, such as income documentation, proof of residence, or bank statements.
- Supporting Documentation: If you are appealing for any reason, additional documentation may be required. For example, if you claim you meet the income criteria, provide recent income slips.
How To Appeal For Declined SASSA SRD R350 Grant?
You have the right to appeal the SASSA SRD R350 grant decision if it is declined. You can lodge your appeal online by following these steps:
Step 1: Gather Necessary Information
Before starting the appeal process, ensure you have the following information:
- Your ID number
- Cell phone number used for the application
- Reasons for the appeal (e.g., rejected application, payment issues)
Step 2: Access the SASSA Website
Now visit the official SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) website. Find the grant section for SRD R350.
Step 3: Find the Appeal Section
Look for the specific area or page dedicated to appeals or reapplications for the SRD R350 grant. This may be under the “Grants” or “COVID-19 SRD Grant” section.
Step 4: Click on “Lodge an Appeal”
Once you have found the appeals section, there should be an option to “Lodge an Appeal.” Click on this option.
Step 5: Verification Message
You will receive a PIN code for your verification purposes on your registered mobile number. To access the appeal section, enter your PIN.
Step 6: Select Month
When you log into the appeal section, you can see all the monthly records. In order to appeal for a specific month, you must select it.
Note: If your SRD grant was rejected for more than one month in a row, you will have to appeal each time. The Independent Tribunal will not consider appeals for multiple months in a single application.
Step 7: Enter Required Information
Complete the appeal form with the necessary details. This typically includes:
- Your personal information (ID number, name, contact details)
- Reason for the appeal
- Any supporting documentation (if required)
Step 6: Submit the Appeal
Make sure all the information provided is accurate by double-checking it. Once satisfied, submit the appeal form through the online portal.
Step 7: Confirmation
After submitting the appeal, you might receive a confirmation message or reference number. Keep this information safe for future reference.
Step 8: Check Status Regularly
You should monitor your email or the SASSA portal for any updates regarding your appeal. If there are any additional steps required, you might receive a notification regarding the status of your appeal.
What To Do If My SASSA Grants Appeal is Declined?
If your appeal is denied again by SASSA, there is no more chance to ask them to reconsider. Your only choice left is to go to the High Court or ITSAA. But, only do this if you are really sure that you should have qualified for the grant, and they made a mistake in rejecting your application.
Consider the following options:
- Seek clarification: If the reason for the decline is unclear, contact SASSA for clarification. Your questions can be answered and the reasoning behind the decision explained.
- Gather evidence: If the problem is due to inaccurate or missing information, collect proofs. A bank statement, income proof, or letter of unemployment could be included.
- Appeal to the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA): If you disagree with the reconsideration outcome or believe the initial decision was unfair, you can appeal to the ITSAA within 90 days of the decline notification. You will present your evidence and case at a formal hearing.
Reasons for SASSA Appeal Declination
Several reasons may explain why your appeal may be rejected. If your appeal is denied, the following message will appear:
Identity Verification Failed: The application can fail if the provided information does not match what is on file at the Department of Home Affairs.
Existing SASSA Grant: The candidate will be ineligible for the SRD Grant if they are already receiving another social grant.
NSFAS Registered: Students who receive NSFAS funds after reconsideration are likely to have received another financial aid package.
UIF Registered: During the reconsideration period, the applicant received Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) payments, which indicates another source of financial assistance.
Government Payroll Registered: During the review period, if an applicant was employed in a government institution, it implies that they had a job and income, which would make them ineligible for the grant.
Age Outside Range (>60 / <18): Applicants who are over 60 or younger than 18 years old during the reconsideration period are ineligible due to age restrictions.
Deceased Record on DHA: If the applicant’s record on the DHA database indicates that he or she is deceased at the time of appeal, the application will be denied.
Alternative Income Source Identified: An applicant with a bank account balance above R595 exceeds the grant qualification threshold with an alternative income source.
Contact Details for SRD Grant Appeal Queries
If you have any questions regarding the appeal, the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA) at the Department of Social Development can help:
Telephone Number: 012 312 7727
Email: [email protected]
Fax: 086 534 3124 or 086 216 371
Postal Address: Private Bag x 901, Pretoria, 0001
Final Words
If your SASSA SRD R350 grant application is rejected, there is still a chance to appeal and get it approved. First, figure out why it was denied, maybe some documents were missing or there was a mistake. Then, gather all the correct info and follow the steps to appeal as per SASSA’s rules. You might want to get help from SASSA offices or support groups to make sure everything’s done right.
FAQs
How long does an SASSA appeal take?
SASSA appeals are typically reviewed and decided by ITSAA within 60 to 90 days. However, this timeframe can change according to the severity of the case and the current workload of the tribunal.
Can ITSAA also deny an appeal?
Yes, ITSAA can deny an appeal if they find that the original SASSA decision was correct or if the appellant fails to provide sufficient evidence to support their case. It’s important to ensure you have gathered all relevant documentation and information before submitting your appeal.
What is the deadline for lodging an SASSA appeal to an independent tribunal?
ITSAA must receive your appeal within 30 days of receiving the SASSA rejection notice. If you want to avoid missing the deadline, act quickly.