SASSA Status Pending

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides social grants to eligible South African citizens and permanent residents as a form of social assistance. One of these grants is the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, which provides R350 per month to individuals who are unemployed and do not receive any other form of income or social grant. You can do a SASSA status check for r350 on this website.

In recent months, many applicants have reported seeing a “Status Pending” message when checking their SRD grant application on the SASSA website or mobile app. This status indicates that SASSA has received the SRD application but has not yet made a decision on whether to approve or reject it.

Why is SASSA Status Pending?

There are several reasons why an SRD application may show a status pending:

• Backlog of Applications – SASSA received over 10 million SRD grant applications during the COVID-19 pandemic. This huge volume of applicants has caused delays in processing.
• Verification Checks – SASSA conducts verification checks on applicants’ employment status, income, citizenship, and other eligibility criteria. This process can take time.
• Incomplete Documentation – If an applicant’s supporting documents are missing or incomplete, SASSA may list the status as pending until all documentation is received.
• Failed Validation – If an applicant’s details fail SASSA’s validation checks, the status may show as pending while further verification takes place.
• System Errors – Glitches in SASSA’s IT systems can sometimes cause application statuses to get stuck in a pending state.

The pending status does not necessarily mean the SRD application has been rejected. It simply means a final decision is still pending from SASSA.

How to Get the R350 SRD Grant?

If your SRD grant status is stuck in a pending state, there are steps you can take to get it resolved:

• Check and update your personal details – Make sure your ID number, contact information and other details are correctly captured on your application. Update if needed.
• Submit supporting documents – If SASSA requests any outstanding documents, upload or submit these as soon as possible.
• Follow up with SASSA – You can call the SASSA helpline, visit your nearest office, or follow up on the status online to get feedback.
• Provide clarification – If SASSA requests any information or clarification from you, respond promptly to avoid further delays.
• Be patient – With the high application volumes, it may take time for your grant status to move from pending to approved. But persist with follow ups.

Who is Eligible for SRD Grant?

To qualify for the R350 SRD grant, you must:

• Be a South African citizen, permanent resident or refugee registered on the Home Affairs system.
• Be unemployed and not receiving any income or Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) payment.
• Not be receiving any social grant.
• Not having a qualifying spouse, partner, or parent who can provide financial support.
• Not be receiving any stipend or salary.
• Not be a resident in a government-funded institution like foster care.
• Not be benefiting from any NSFAS funding for further education.
• Pass a means test – single applicants must have less than R350 per month income to qualify.

So in summary, the SRD grant targets individuals without any source of income or financial support. Your situation must qualify you as being in financial distress.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for SRD status to change from pending?

It can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months for the status to change from pending to approved or rejected. This depends on application volumes and how promptly you submit any requested information. Follow up regularly for an update.

My SRD status has been pending for 3 months. What should I do?

If it has been stuck in pending for several months, log a query with SASSA to investigate and escalate your application. There may be an error or missing information. Provide all required details to help finalize the outcome.

I meet the eligibility criteria. Can I appeal if my SRD application is rejected?

Yes, you can lodge an appeal if your application is rejected but you believe you meet the eligibility criteria. Get advice from a SASSA officer on the appeal process. Provide necessary supporting documents.

How long will the SRD grant be paid?

The SRD grant was extended to March 2024. If you remain unemployed and financially distressed, you can continue receiving the R350 monthly payment until the grant ends.

Where can I check my SRD grant application status?

You can check your status online via the SASSA website, via SMS, or by visiting your nearest SASSA office. Call 0800 60 10 11 for any status updates or queries.

Conclusion

A pending status on your SRD grant application does not mean you have been rejected. It simply indicates SASSA is still processing your application and conducting eligibility checks before a final decision. To get your status resolved from pending to approved, ensure you meet the qualifying criteria, submit all requested documents, and follow up regularly with SASSA. With persistence, eligible applicants can still access this vital financial relief.