Those who have applied for the R350 grant from the South African Social Security Agency are able to check the status of their grant online. If you’re unsure about how to do an online status check, keep reading.
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is responsible for ensuring social security in the country. As the COVID-19 pandemic devastated many lives and left others without employment and a source of income, the South African government established the Social Relief of Distress grant to provide temporary relief to those most affected.
This grant may also be referred to as the R350 grant or the SRD grant and is a form of government assistance through the Social Assistance Act.
R350 grant applicants are able to track the status of their grant applications online. This makes it easier for applicants to know just how far along they are in the application process.
Who Is SASSA?
SASSA provides social relief in the form of different types of grants to the country’s most at-risk and socially insecure citizens.
These grants include the Old Person’s Grant, Child Support Grant, Disability Grant, Care Dependency Grant, and War Veterans Grant, amongst others.
Who Is Eligible For The R350 Grant?
In order to qualify for a social grant you will need to meet the necessary eligibility criteria, otherwise, your application form will be rejected. Eligibility is determined through a means test.
- Applicants will need to be a South African Citizen, Permanent Resident, Refugee, Asylum Seekers or Special Permit Holders
- Between the age of 18 and 60 years old
- Have insufficient means and no other form of income
- Do not already receive social grants on behalf of yourself and are not contributing to or are eligible for UIF payment, and have no financial support from any other source.
Applicants who do not meet these criteria, will not be able to receive SASSA grants.
How To Complete An Online Sassa Status Check
Sassa has made it possible for SRD grant applicants to check their application status online. This can be done by completing the following steps:
- First, visit the SASSA SRD website.
- You will then be asked to fill in your ID number, as well as the cell phone number that you used when you submitted your application.
- Hereafter, you will be able to check the progress of your grant.
SASSA recommends that you check your status regularly so that if your application has been rejected you can appeal the decision as soon as possible.
Why Your R350 Grant Application May Have Been Rejected
- If SASSA finds that you have been employed and it is found that you have made contributions to income tax.
- If the personal details and contact details that you have provided do not match the ones from the Department of Home Affairs.
- If it is found that you are a current recipient of another Social grant, other than a child grant.
- If you are registered with and benefit from the National Student Fund Aid Scheme.
- If you qualify for UIF benefits OR contribute to UIF OR are currently receiving the Unemployment Insurance Fund benefit.
- You, as the applicant, are employed at a government institution.
- Your SRD grant can also be declined if you do not meet the age requirements or are above the age of 60. If you are over the age of 60, you may qualify for the Old Age Grant.
- If, as a beneficiary, you have been registered as deceased on the Department of Home Affairs database.
What To Do If Your SRD Application Was Rejected?
If your application was rejected, it was likely due to one of the reasons stated above. However, if you believe that SASSA incorrectly rejected your grant application, or that you were unfairly rejected, you are able to appeal the decision.
You will need to appeal within 90 days of receiving your rejection, but it is advised that you appeal within the first 30 days of receiving your rejection.
If SASSA finds that you do in fact qualify for the R350 grant, you will be paid from the month in which you initially applied.
How To Submit An Appeal For The R350 Grant
- You will first need to visit the SASSA appeals website.
- Enter your South African ID number
- Enter your cell phone number
- Click ‘send pin’ and wait for the SMS which will contain the verification pin
- Enter the pin into the bar and click ‘submit’
- Select the month you are submitting an appeal for
- Select the drop-down arrow and choose the reason for your appeal
- Click the submit button
The appeal process will work the same as the application process. If you do not meet the eligibility criteria, your application will be declined.
It is important to ensure that your personal details and contact details are correct so that SASSA can contact you regarding your application form, and also so that your application does not get unnecessarily rejected.
You will also need to make sure that your banking details are correct so that you can receive your grant payment quickly and without any issues.
How To Receive Your R350 Grant
SASSA pays beneficiaries their financial assistance using several different methods:
- Through your bank account. Applicants can have their SASSA grants paid directly to their bank accounts if they bank with one of the major banks. This is the fastest method of receiving your payment, and you can withdraw it from an ATM whenever you wish.
- Through CashSend services.
- From a retailer such as Checkers, Pick ‘n Pay and Boxer stores. You will receive an SMS when your money is ready for collection from one of these stores.
- From the Shoprite Group. You can receive your grant money directly from a Checkers, USave, OK or Shoprite store.
Through the provision of the Social Relief of Distress grant by the Department of Social Development, SASSA has assisted millions of South Africans from lower income households who face undue hardship and has ensured that those most vulnerable can meet their basic needs.
For any queries, you will need to contact SASSA directly or visit your nearest SASSA office.
