SA Social Security Agency (Sassa)

Sassa Warns R350 Grant Applicants Not To Change Their Bank Details Repeatedly, Saying This May Delay Payments

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The SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) has urged R350 grant applicants not to repeatedly change their bank details on the SRD website, as the account will have to be verified each time a change is made which may delay payments for such a beneficiary.

The SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) has advised beneficiaries of the R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant against repeatedly changing their bank details, saying this may delay payments.

“Clients are urged to not repeatedly change their bank details on the SRD website, as the account will have to be verified each time a change is made which may delay payments for such a beneficiary” – the Agency said

“It is recommended that clients open their own bank accounts with an institution of their choice as it will assist them to take ownership of their funds and collection.”

This week many SRD R350 grant applicants voiced their frustrations on social media about declined grant applications and delayed payments.

According to Sassa, among other reasons, payment delays were due to beneficiaries repeatedly changing their bank details on the SRD website.

Why Was My SRD Grant Application Declined?

Sassa said on social media that they have already received just under 12 million applications  at the beginning of August 2022. The amendment of the COVID-19 SRD regulations will afford a greater number of applicants an opportunity to qualify for the grant. This comes after the income threshold was increased from R350 to R624, which aligns with the food poverty line determined by Stats SA in September 2021. However, not all the SRD grant applications have been successful.

The SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) has explained why some applications for the R350 social relief of distress (SRD) grant may have been declined.

Decline Reason Meaning What Must I Do?
Alternative Income Source Identified The client had funds flowing into his bank account of more than the specific threshold for the given period: R595 for the period of August 2021 till March 2022; R350 for April 2022 to July 2022 and R624 for August 2022 to March 2023. If you wish to dispute the decision reached by Sassa, you have the right to lodge an appeal with the Independent Tribunal via the website https://srd.dsd.gov.za
Identity Verification Failed The personal details provided at time of application do not match the client details as received form the Department of Home Affairs.
Existing Sassa Grant The client was a recipient of Social Grant for her/himself during the application period.
Debtor The client was paid R350 in a month (or more) where the client did not qualify. The error was picked up and the money is now withheld to correct that error. Payments will resume if client still qualifies, once all outstanding R350’s were recovered.
Nsfas Registered The client was in receipt of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) during the specific period under consideration.
UIF Registered The client is registered with UIF or received a payout during the period under consideration.
Gov Payroll Registered The client was in the employment of a government institution during the period under consideration.
Age Outside Range (>60) The applicant does not qualify for the grant due to not meeting the age requirement of being below the age of 60 years during period under consideration.
Age Outside Range (>18) The applicant does not qualify for the grant due to not meeting the age requirement (of being above 18 years) during the period under consideration.
Deceased Record on DHA The client was registered as deceased on the Department of Home Affairs database during the period under consideration.

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