A Simple Guide to Cancel Your SASSA Relief Grant

Things can change quickly, and maybe you don’t need your SASSA grant anymore.

That’s great news! But you might be wondering what to do next. Don’t worry, cancelling your grant is actually quite simple.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different ways to cancel your SASSA grant application, step-by-step.

Whether you prefer using your phone, or computer, or even talking to someone directly, we’ve got you covered.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what to do to cancel your grant and free up those resources for others who might need them more.

Why Should You Cancel Your SASSA SRD Grant

There are several reasons why you might want to cancel your SASSA grant.

Here are the most common reasons:

Ineligibility Concerns

If you have any doubts about your eligibility for the grant, it’s crucial to consult with SASSA for clarification.

Continuing to receive the grant while ineligible is considered unethical and can have legal consequences like:

• Fraud Charges: This can lead to fines, imprisonment, or both.
• Debt Recovery: SASSA can demand repayment of the received amount with potential interest and penalties.
• Blacklisting: You might be barred from receiving future SASSA grants or other government assistance programs.

Improvement in Financial Status

If an individual’s financial situation improves, for example, through gaining employment or receiving income from other sources, they may no longer qualify for the grant or might choose to cancel it to allow others in greater need to benefit​​​​.

Application Errors or Changes in Circumstances

Some individuals might cancel their grant to correct mistakes in their initial application or due to changes in their personal circumstances that affect their eligibility or need for the grant​​.

Applying for Specific Jobs:

Certain private and government jobs have restrictions on receiving the SRD grant.

If you are continuously applying for such positions but facing rejection due to your grant, cancelling might be necessary.

Frustrations with the Grant Process

Challenges such as delayed payments, difficulties in accessing funds (e.g., issues at post offices), or dissatisfaction with the service could lead to grant cancellation.

Intent to Reapply

Some beneficiaries might cancel their grant with the intention to reapply, possibly to correct an error or update their details.

However, they might face challenges if they discover they cannot reapply with the same ID number​​.

Double Application

If an individual mistakenly submits two applications, they might need to cancel one to avoid complications or potential fraud allegations​​.

Lack of Contact from SASSA

If beneficiaries do not receive any communication or updates regarding their grant status, they might choose to cancel the application out of uncertainty or to reapply with updated information​​.

The decision to Decline the Grant

In some cases, an individual might initially apply for the grant but later decide not to accept it, leading them to cancel the application.

This could be due to a change in their perception of their need or eligibility for the grant​​.

Step-By-Step Guide to Cancel Your SASSA Relief Grant Application

If your circumstances have changed and you no longer need your SASSA grant, cancelling it is the responsible thing to do.

Not only does it free up resources for those truly in need, but it also avoids any potential issues with receiving the grant while ineligible.

1. Cancel Your Grant Online Via SASSA Services Portal

Important Things to Remember Before You Begin:

• Only cancel your grant if you are no longer eligible or in need. You are still eligible to receive the grant if your circumstances haven’t changed significantly.
• Have your South African ID number and the phone number registered with SASSA readily available. You’ll need them to proceed with the cancellation process.

Steps to Cancel Your SASSA Grant Online:

1. Visit the SASSA Grant Cancellation Portal:

• Open your internet browser and navigate to the SASSA Grant Cancellation Portal: https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/reinstate.

2. Enter Your Details:

• On the page, you will see two boxes: one for your ID number and another for your registered cellphone number.
• Carefully enter your 13-digit South African ID number in the first box.
• Enter the phone number you used when applying for the SASSA grant in the second box. This is crucial, as an One-Time PIN (OTP) will be sent to this number for verification.

3. Receive and Enter the OTP:

• Once you’ve entered your details, click the button that says “Send Pin”.
• You will receive an OTP via SMS on your registered phone number.
• Enter the received OTP in the designated field on the webpage. This verifies your identity as the grant applicant.

4. Confirm Cancellation:

• After entering the OTP, click the button that says “Cancel My Grant”.
• A confirmation message will appear asking “Are you sure to cancel your grant application?”.
• Carefully read the message. If you are absolutely sure you want to proceed, click “Yes” to confirm the cancellation.

5. Receive Confirmation:

• Once you confirm, you will receive a confirmation message on your registered phone number stating that “Your request to cancel the SASSA Grant has been sent”.

Congratulations! You have successfully submitted your request to cancel your SASSA grant online.

2. Cancel Your SRD Grant via WhatsApp

If you no longer need your SASSA grant and want to cancel it, using WhatsApp is a convenient option.

Important Things to Remember Before You Begin:

• Only cancel your grant if you are no longer eligible or in need. You are still eligible to receive the grant if your circumstances haven’t changed significantly.
• Have your South African ID number and the phone number registered with SASSA readily available. You’ll need them to proceed with the cancellation process.

Steps to Cancel Your SASSA Grant via WhatsApp:

1. Save the SASSA WhatsApp Number:

• Open your contact list on your phone and tap the “New Contact” button.
• In the “Name” field, enter “SASSA Grant Cancellation”.
• In the “Phone number” field, enter 082 046 8553. This is the official SASSA WhatsApp number for grant enquiries.
• Save the contact.

2. Start a Chat with SASSA:

• Open WhatsApp and find the “SASSA Grant Cancellation” contact you just saved.
• Tap on the contact to open a chat window.

3. Send the Initial Message:

• In the chat window, type the message “Cancel SASSA R350 Grant” and send it.

4. Follow the Prompts:

• You will receive an automated message from SASSA with a list of options.
• Look for the option that says “Cancel my application” and reply with the corresponding number (usually 1 or “reply 1”).

5. Provide Your Details:

• SASSA will ask you to confirm your identity by providing your South African ID number.
• Type your 13-digit ID number and send it in the chat window.
• Next, you will be asked to confirm your registered phone number.
• Type the phone number you used when applying for the SASSA grant and send it again.

6. Receive Confirmation:

• Once you provide both your ID and phone number, you will receive a message confirming your request to cancel the grant.

Congratulations! You have successfully submitted your request to cancel your SASSA grant via WhatsApp.

3. Cancelling Your SASSA Grant via Email

If you no longer need your SASSA grant and prefer using email to cancel, this is how you can do it.

Important Things to Remember Before You Begin:

• Only cancel your grant if you are no longer eligible or in need. You are still eligible to receive the grant if your circumstances haven’t changed significantly.
• Gather the following information:
  • Your SASSA reference number (found on your grant award letter or previous communication with SASSA).
  • Your South African ID number.
  • The phone number registered with SASSA.

Steps to Cancel Your SASSA Grant via Email:

1. Open Your Email Application:

• Locate your email application on your phone or computer. It could be Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo Mail, etc.
• Open a new email by clicking on the “Compose” or “New Email” button.

2. Compose the Email:

• In the “To” field, enter the recipient email address: [email protected].. This is the official SASSA email address for grant enquiries.
• In the “Subject” field, write a clear and concise subject line stating your intention. For example, use “Cancellation of SASSA Grant – [Your Name]”.
• In the email body, politely introduce yourself and state your request to cancel your SASSA grant. Briefly explain the reason for cancellation (optional).
• Most importantly, include the following information in your email:
  • Your SASSA reference number.
  • Your 13-digit South African ID number.
  • The phone number registered with SASSA.

3. Proofread and Send:

• Carefully review your email for any typos or missing information.
• Once everything is correct, click the “Send” button to send your email to SASSA.

Congratulations! You have successfully submitted your request to cancel your SASSA grant via email.

4. Cancel Your SRD Grant via Calling SASSA Helpline

If you’re more comfortable talking to a real person, cancelling your SASSA grant through the SASSA helpline is a convenient option.

Important Things to Remember Before You Begin:

• Only cancel your grant if you are no longer eligible or in need. You are still eligible to receive the grant if your circumstances haven’t changed significantly.
• Have your South African ID number and the phone number registered with SASSA readily available. You’ll need them to proceed with the cancellation process.

Steps to Cancel Your SASSA Grant via the SASSA Helpline:

1. Make the Call:

• Pick up your phone and dial the SASSA Grants and Fraud Hotline toll-free number: 0800 60 10 11.
• Be prepared for a wait as the helpline can get busy, especially during peak hours.

2. Listen to the Automated Message:

• Once your call is connected, you will hear an automated message explaining the available options.
• Pay close attention to the instructions. Typically, you’ll need to press a specific key to connect with a representative.

3. Choose the “Talk to a Consultant” Option:

• In most cases, you’ll need to press 1 on your phone keypad to choose the option to speak with a consultant.
• Listen carefully to any further instructions provided by the automated system.

4. Explain Your Request:

• Once you’re connected with a SASSA representative, politely state your request to cancel your SASSA grant.
• The representative may ask you to confirm your identity by providing your ID number and the phone number registered with SASSA.
• Answer their questions clearly and honestly. Explain the reason for cancelling your grant if comfortable (optional).

5. Receive Confirmation:

• The SASSA representative will process your cancellation request and provide you with confirmation.
• Note down any important information they share, such as the expected processing time for your request.

Congratulations! You have successfully submitted your request to cancel your SASSA grant via the SASSA helpline.

It may take up to 7 days for SASSA to review and approve your cancellation request.

You will receive an SMS notification once the process is complete.

Once your request is approved, you will no longer receive any further SASSA grant payments.

There you have it! We’ve covered all the ways you can cancel your SASSA grant application.

Just choose the method that works best for you, follow the steps, and you’ll be all set.

Cancelling your grant when you no longer need it helps ensure those resources go to others who truly need them.

If you have any questions or need a refresher on anything, don’t hesitate to come back and re-read this guide.