Denied SASSA : Thousands of South Africans applying for SASSA Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grants in 2025 have faced rejection – mostly due to UIF payments, NSFAS records, or conflicting income reports. If your application was declined for these reasons, don’t panic. You still have a chance to file an appeal and potentially receive your R370 monthly grant.
This article provides a full breakdown of how to appeal SASSA decisions related to UIF or NSFAS income, eligibility rules, contact details, and step-by-step instructions for filing your SASSA SRD appeal online in 2025.
Why Denied SASSA Rejected Due to UIF or NSFAS
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) uses several databases to assess applicants’ financial needs. This includes checking for income from:
- UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund)
- NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)
- Bank deposits over R624
- Employment records
- Other government funding
If you’ve received UIF payments in the past few months or are still on the NSFAS beneficiary list, your application might be flagged as ineligible, even if your financial condition has changed.
Common Reasons for SASSA SRD Rejection
| Rejection Reason | What It Means | Can You Appeal? |
|---|---|---|
| UIF Registered | UIF contribution or payout recently detected | Yes |
| NSFAS Active | Active student funding found | Yes |
| Alternative Income Source Identified | Deposits exceed R624 in a month | Yes |
| Age Not Within Limit | You are under 18 or over 60 | No |
| Already Receiving Other Grant | You get another permanent grant from SASSA | No |
| Identity Verification Failed | ID details don’t match Home Affairs records | Yes |
| Existing Employment | Active employment records with SARS | Yes |
How to Appeal a Denied SASSA SRD Grant in 2025
If you believe your rejection was a mistake, here’s how to submit your SRD appeal for reconsideration:
Step-by-Step Appeal Process
- Go to the official SASSA SRD Appeal Portal:
Visit https://srd.dsd.gov.za/appeals/ - Enter your ID number and mobile number used in your original application.
- Click “Send PIN” and verify using the OTP sent to your phone.
- Select the month you want to appeal (you can only appeal per month).
- Choose the reason for appeal – explain why your UIF/NSFAS income shouldn’t disqualify you.
- Submit your appeal and wait for confirmation.
- Check back regularly for updates.
Note: You must appeal within 90 days of receiving the rejection notice.
Key Appeal Portal Details (2025)
| Portal Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Appeal Website | https://srd.dsd.gov.za/appeals/ |
| Appeal Time Limit | 90 days from rejection notice |
| Processing Time | 60-90 working days |
| Appeals Per Month Allowed | One appeal per month rejected |
| Status Check Frequency | Weekly or biweekly recommended |
| Appeal Support Line | SASSA Call Centre: 0800 60 10 11 |
What to Do if Rejected Due to UIF Payments
Understand the UIF Flag
SASSA automatically checks UIF activity via the Department of Labour. If you received even one UIF payout in recent months, your application may be marked as having alternative income.
How to Appeal This Reason
- Clearly state if your UIF benefit has stopped.
- Submit proof that you are currently unemployed and not receiving income.
- Attach bank statements and/or termination letters if needed.
How to Appeal if Denied Due to NSFAS Support
NSFAS Rule Clarified
Students actively receiving NSFAS are not eligible for SRD grants. But if you completed studies or your NSFAS status changed, you may still qualify.
Steps to Appeal NSFAS Rejection
- Mention if you have completed your course and no longer get NSFAS.
- Upload documents proving your NSFAS funding ended.
- Include university exit letters, if available.
Important Documents to Prepare for Appeals
| Document Type | Why It’s Needed |
|---|---|
| Bank Statement (Last 3 Months) | To prove income is below threshold |
| Termination Letter/Proof of Unemployment | Confirms UIF status no longer applies |
| Letter from University/NSFAS | Shows your funding is complete or paused |
| ID Document | To verify your identity |
| Appeal Reference Number | Needed for follow-up calls or tracking |
FAQs-Denied SASSA
Q1: Can I still apply again if I missed the appeal window?
A: No, but you can reapply for future months.
Q2: Can I get back pay for previous months if my appeal succeeds?
A: Yes, if your appeal is approved, missed months will be paid retroactively.
Q3: My banking details were incorrect. Do I need to fix that too?
A: Yes, update your banking info at https://srd.sassa.gov.za to avoid delays.
Q4: What if I don’t have internet access to appeal?
A: Visit a local SASSA office or use a public library or community center.
Q5: Can I appeal if I received UIF last year, but I’m jobless now?
A: Yes. If your UIF ended, you are eligible again. Submit documents proving your jobless status.
Contact Information for Help With Appeals
| Department | Contact Details |
|---|---|
| SASSA General Enquiries | 0800 60 10 11 (Toll-Free) |
| SRD Appeal Support | [email protected] |
| Department of Social Development | 012 312 7727 / 012 312 7726 |
| Labour UIF Queries | 0800 030 007 (UIF Helpline) |
| Website | https://srd.sassa.gov.za |
Conclusion-Denied SASSA
Being rejected for a SASSA SRD grant due to UIF or NSFAS is frustrating – especially if you genuinely need the support. The good news is you can appeal the decision and potentially recover missed payments if your appeal is approved.
Make sure to follow the correct process, submit clear documents, and monitor your appeal status regularly. Many South Africans have successfully reversed their SRD rejections – and you can too if you act quickly and correctly.
