Your SASSA application was rejected: What to do next?

No one wants to discover that their SASSA application has been rejected, particularly as the festive season approaches after a challenging year. The Christmas holidays are supposed to be a time when families come together to celebrate, but it is anything but that if your SASSA application has been denied suddenly.

There could be as many as half-a-dozen reasons why your South African Social Security Agency grant has been refused. Therefore, to rectify the situation, it’s important to find out exactly what happened to your application. And to send a ‘reconsideration request’ to the SASSA Services Portal, like so …

SASSA APPLICATION HAS BEEN DENIED

Can you believe that 45% of the population receives some form of government grant in 2024? And approximately 9 million of these residents benefit from the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant each month. The finance minister announced in his mid-term budget statement that an additional R2.7-billion would be made available to the social welfare budget for 2025, too. Which means even more beneficiaries could be coming online soon.

Making it even more infuriating if your SASSA application has been denied recently. Below, we will list all the reasons a SASSA application can be denied. Including steps you can take to remedy the situation and secure the government grant you need to make ends meet.

WHY YOU MAY BE REFUSED A SASSA GRANT

You may not be eligible for a certain SASSA grant due to the following parameters:  

• Not completing your paperwork correctly.
• Incorrect/incomplete banking details supplied.
• Not identifying yourself correctly (through Department of Home Affairs records).
• If you failed the asset and/or means test.
• You have an alternative source of income.
• Are already receiving a government grant of some sort.
• There is any other fraudulent activity occurring on your name/profile.
• Age limitations for the particular SASSA grant (older than 18 or younger than 60).
• Any discrepancies with government departments like, DHA, UIF, etc … 

30 DAYS TO APPEAL

Whatever the above reason your SASSA application has been denied, you must log a ‘reconsideration request’ with the Department of Social Development (DSD). This must be done within 30 days of the rejection notice. Remember, you can appeal each and every declined month to avoid the refusal being upheld permenantly:

• Click HERE to lodge an official SASSA appeal.
• Follow the prompts and enter your ID number.
• Type in your phone number.
• A one-time PIN will be sent to your registered phone number.
• Enter that PIN and select the month for appeal.
• Select a reason to appeal the judgment.
• Note that the appeal process can take up to three months to be processed.

HOW OFTEN CAN YOU APPEAL?

There is no limit to how often you can appeal. Be persistent and don’t let government bureaucracy get in the way of your social welfare payout. Also, be sure to diarise the remaining SASSA grant dates for the year:

• Social Relief of Distress: From Tuesday 26 November 2024.
• Older Persons Grants: Tuesday 3 December 2024.
• Disability Grants: Wednesday 4 December 2024.
• Children’s Grants: Thursday 5 December 2024.
• Social Relief of Distress in December still TBC.

For application or payment queries you can contact SASSA directly here:

• SASSA Toll-Free Call: 0800 60 10 11
• SASSA Head Office: 012 400 2322
• Email SASSA: grantenquiries@sassa.gov.za
• Or email: president@presidency.gov.za