Key update on the 2024 SRD Status Check

Did you know that the 2024 SRD Status Check is one of the most searched terms in South Africa? This is hardly surprising, given that 9 million residents receive monthly Social Relief of Distress (SRD) payments. Even more so when it’s reported that nearly double the people (17 million) apply for but are denied the R370 grant on a monthly basis.

Nevertheless, as the year begins to close, what all-important information do South African Social Security Agency recipients need to know about 2024 SRD Status Check? Well, SRD has has been in place since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and it has been extended every year since. However, it’s still not confirmed what will transpire after March 2025.

2024 SRD STATUS CHECK

Did you know that SRD is open to all South African citizens, refugees, asylum seekers and special permit holders aged between 18 and 60? The SASSA SRD website says: “Anyone who earns less than R595 per month, does not receive another social grant, or s not contributing to/eligible for UIF payment, and therefore has no financial support from any other source, is eligible.” So, here’s how you apply:

• Download and complete the DECLARATION and CONSENT forms from SASSA (download at the highlighted links).
• Click the highlighted link if you’re a South African citizen.
• Or click this one if you’re a foreign national.
• Supply your personal details like name and identity document.
• Input your mobile phone number.
• Provide all your employment and lifestyle sustainability information.
• Type in your banking details.
• Complete biometric verification through a smart device.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

As mentioned, nearly 9-million South Africans receive the R370 SRD stipend each month, but we’re constantly told by readers that they don’t receive their money or are unable to confirm their 2024 SRD Status Check correctly. Here’s how you do it:

• Visit the official SASSA SRD Grants website HERE.
• Enter your ID number you applied with.
• Enter the cellphone number you applied with.
• Send ‘Hi’ via WhatsApp to 082 046 8553.
• Call the toll-free number 0800 60 10 11 and follow the prompts.

STATUS TERMS YOU NEED TO KNOW

If you’re unsure what’s happening with your 2024 SRD Status Check, the following terms below could help you out:

• APPROVED: This means SASSA has accepted and approved your grant application. You should also be able to see your payment date for the month.
• PENDING: SASSA is in the process of verifying your application for that particular month and there is no further action you need to take.
• COMPLETE: This means SASSA has received your SRD grant application but has not yet approved your application.
• BANK DETAILS PENDING: If SASSA does not have banking details or a chosen payment method, you need to update this urgently. You can submit your banking details to rectify your 2024 SRD Status Check by clicking HERE.
• REAPPLICATION PENDING: If you see this message, it means SASSA has not received your reapplication. You will need to submit your application for the SRD grant here.
• DECLINED: Unfortunately, this means SASSA has declined your application for the month because you did not meet all the criteria. The reason why it was declined must be given to you.
• CANCELLED: This is if your SASSA SRD grant has been cancelled. This may happen either because you have a job or you are receiving income from elsewhere.
• REFERRED: This is the status that gets a lot of beneficiaries hot and bothered. This is used if SASSA believes your account is involved in fraudulent activities. If may not be you, but maybe your ID or cellphone number being hijacked by scammers. To clear and rectify the situation email: referred@sassa.gov.za.

COMMON REASONS FOR BEING DECLINED

The South African is inundated with requests and complaints about 2024 SRD Status Check. And these are the most common reasons for applications being denied:

• INCOMPLETE APPLICATION: Your SASSA SRD application may be missing important supporting documents. Go back to your application and ensure you have provided accurate and complete information.
• ALTERNATIVE INCOME: If your monthly income exceeds R595 per month, you cannot receive a SASSA SRD grant.
• ALREADY RECEIVE A GRANT: The SASSA SRD grant was introduced to assist the very destitute in South Africa. However, anyone already receiving a social grant from the government in any other form is not eligible.
• VERIFICATION ISSUES: Any errors such as misspelt names in your application can lead to verification issues. Go back to your application and ensure your ID number, name and surname match exactly with your ID document. Personal details provided must match records of the Department of Home Affairs.
• OTHER GOVERNMENT BENEFITS: Your SASSA grant application can be denied because you’re already receiving NSFAS, UIF or another form of government aid.
• AGE LIMIT: The South African Social Security Agency SRD grants apply to residents between the ages of 18 and 60 only.
• GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES: Employees of any government institution do not qualify for Social Relief of Distress grant.

The next payment window for November SASSA SRD grants is expected to run in the week of Monday 25 to 29 November 2024. And a reminder that if your SASSA grant application was denied, you may appeal through the Department of Social Development by clicking HERE within 30 days of the rejection notice.