How to Appeal SASSA SRD Grant

The COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant has been extended by the South African government until March 2023. This provides monthly payments of R350 to unemployed South Africans who meet the eligibility criteria. However, many applicants have had their SRD applications rejected by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). If you believe your application was unfairly declined, you have the right to appeal the decision.

Steps to Appeal a Rejected SRD Application

Here are the steps you need to take to appeal a rejected SASSA SRD grant application:

1. Double check that all the information you provided to SASSA is complete and correct. You can view the details SASSA has on their SRD DSD Appeal Electronic Platform.
2. Update your contact details like phone number and address if needed by clicking here. Accurate contact info is important if your appeal is successful so SASSA can pay you.
3. Read and accept the Declaration and Consent documents after updating your details. These agree you are appealing and understand the process.
4. Click “Submit” to officially lodge your SRD grant appeal. You’ll get a confirmation message that it was submitted.
5. You must appeal each month you were rejected separately. So if you were denied 3 months in a row, submit 3 appeals.

You can start the appeal process here on the SASSA website. You’ll need to enter your ID number and phone number used on your original application.

Timeframe for SRD Grant Appeals

The Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA) will review your rejected SRD grant appeal. They will make a decision within 60-90 days after you submitted your appeal online.

You’ll be informed of the outcome electronically. If approved, SASSA will be directed to pay you the COVID-19 SRD funds owed.

Contact the ITSAA for Assistance

If you need help with your SASSA SRD grant appeal, you can contact the ITSAA:

• Email: grantappeals@dsd.gov.za
• Phone: 012 312 7727
• Fax: 086 534 3124 or 086 216 317
• Mail: Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals, Private Bag x 901, Pretoria, 0001

Submit an Appeal Each Rejected Month

Because the COVID-19 SRD grant is re-evaluated monthly by SASSA, you must appeal each month you are rejected. Even if previous months were approved, a new appeal is needed if you are denied again.

Don’t delay – lodge your SRD grant appeal right away when you are notified of being declined. This gives the ITSAA time to review before next month’s payment deadline.

What Happens During the Appeal Process

When you submit an appeal to the ITSAA, here is what happens:

• They re-check all databases used by SASSA to verify income and means testing.
• Your eligibility for the SRD grant is reassessed based on regulations.
• The ITSAA examines if SASSA’s rejection decision was justified or not.
• A final appeal decision is reached within 60-90 days in most cases.
• You are informed of the appeal outcome electronically via SMS, email, etc.

The ITSAA appeal decision is final. If you wish to challenge it, you would need to go to the High Court within 180 days.

Eligibility Criteria for the SRD Grant

When reviewing an appeal, the ITSAA checks if you meet the eligibility criteria for the COVID-19 SRD grant. The main requirements are:

• Unemployed South African citizen or permanent resident.
• No income or receiving less than R350 per month.
• Not receiving any other social grants.
• Over the age of 18 up to pension age.
• Not receiving UIF due to unemployment.

So the ITSAA verifies you meet these SRD grant means test and qualification conditions when assessing an appeal.

How to Check the Status of Your Appeal

You can check the status of your SASSA SRD grant appeal anytime on the ITSAA website. Just enter your ID number and phone number again to see if a decision has been made yet.

If you failed to appeal a rejection for a particular month, the original decline decision will remain in place. So make sure to submit an appeal each period you are denied SRD funds by SASSA to have a chance for approval.

People Also Ask

How long does a SASSA appeal take?

The Independent Tribunal aims to finalize SRD grant appeals within 60-90 days after you submit it online. However, it can take longer in some cases depending on the backlog. Check the status regularly on the ITSAA website.

Can a SASSA decision be overturned?

Yes, the ITSAA can overturn a SASSA decision to reject your SRD grant application through the appeal process. If they find the rejection was unjust or incorrect, your appeal will be approved.

What documents do I need to appeal SASSA?

No documents need to be submitted for a SASSA SRD appeal. The ITSAA will access your application details and verify your eligibility through database checks. Just ensure your contact info is up to date.

How often can you appeal SASSA?

You need to submit a new appeal to the ITSAA for each month your SRD application is rejected by SASSA. Even if prior months were approved, appeals must be done monthly.

Can I appeal after 90 days SASSA?

No, you have between 30-90 days after a rejection notification to lodge an appeal. After 90 days, SASSA will no longer accept an appeal for that month.