Why Your SASSA Grant Application Was Declined? 14 Reasons Why

Ever wondered why your SASSA grant application got declined? It can be frustrating, I know.

But don’t worry, I’m here to shed some light on the matter and help you understand why this might have happened.

You see, there are several reasons why your application might have been rejected, ranging from simple mistakes like missing information to more complex issues like having another source of income.

But fret not! In this guide, I’ll break down the most common reasons for application denials and provide helpful tips on how to avoid them in the future.

Let’s dive in and tackle this challenge together!

14 Reasons Why Your SASSA Grant Application Got Declined

1. Insufficient Information

A complete and accurate application is crucial for SASSA approval.

Ensure you provide all the necessary details and supporting documents requested in the application.

Double-check your information for accuracy before submitting to avoid delays or rejection.

Remember, missing or incorrect information can lead to your application being declined.

2. Alternative Income Source

SASSA verifies your financial situation to ensure the grant reaches those who genuinely need it.

If you have a regular income exceeding R595 per month, even through alternative sources like e-wallets or cash-send services, your application may be rejected.

SASSA aims to support individuals facing financial hardship, and alternative income sources indicate you might not meet the eligibility criteria.

3. Existing SASSA Grant

SASSA prevents duplicate benefits to ensure fair allocation of resources. If you already receive a SASSA social grant, you are not eligible for the R350 grant.

This policy prevents individuals from receiving multiple grants while others in need go unsupported.

4. Identity Verification Issues

Accurate identity verification is essential for SASSA to process your application.

Ensure your ID details, including name, surname, and ID number, are entered exactly as they appear on your official ID document or Smart ID card.

Even a minor misspelling, missing letter, or name mismatch can lead to verification failure and application rejection.

5. Other Government Benefits

SASSA considers existing government benefits you might be receiving.

If you are already enrolled in programs like NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) or UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund), you may not be eligible for the R350 grant.

Each program has its own eligibility criteria, and receiving the R350 grant might conflict with the requirements of other programs you are enrolled in.

6. Age Restrictions

The R350 grant specifically targets individuals within a specific age range.

Applicants below the age of 18 or above 60 do not meet the eligibility criteria and will likely have their applications declined.

This age restriction ensures the grant reaches individuals deemed most vulnerable and in need of financial support.

7. Fraudulent Activity

SASSA takes preventing fraud seriously to ensure the program’s integrity.

Applications linked to fraudulent activities or individuals identified as perpetrators of fraud will likely be declined.

This includes any attempt to deceive the system or obtain the grant through false information or illegal means.

8. Employment and Income Tax Contributions

Employment and income tax contributions can indicate financial stability, potentially disqualifying you from the R350 grant.

SASSA prioritizes individuals facing financial hardship, and a history of employment and tax contributions might suggest you don’t meet the eligibility criteria.

9. Discrepancies with Department of Home Affairs Records

Inaccurate personal details will cause discrepancies with the Department of Home Affairs records, leading to application rejection.

Ensure all information provided, including name, surname, and ID number, exactly matches your official documentation to avoid verification issues.

10. Current Recipient of Another Social Grant (excluding Child Grant)

Receiving a social grant, except for a child grant, already indicates financial support from the government.

SASSA prioritizes distributing resources fairly, so individuals already receiving other social grants might not be eligible for the R350 grant to avoid duplicate benefits.

11. Registered with NSFAS or UIF

Enrollment and benefits received from programs like NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) or UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund) can make you ineligible for the R350 grant.

Each program has its own purpose and eligibility criteria, and receiving the R350 grant might conflict with the requirements of these programs you already participate in.

12. Employment in a Government Institution

Currently employed individuals in government institutions are not eligible for the R350 grant or any other social grant, except for retired government employees like War Veterans and Older Persons.

SASSA aims to support those most in need, and government employment suggests a level of financial security that doesn’t align with the program’s objectives.

13. Age Limitations

The R350 grant or specific social grants may have age limitations.

Applicants not meeting the minimum age requirement or exceeding the maximum age limit, typically 60 years old, will likely have their applications declined.

Refer to the specific grant’s guidelines for exact age restrictions.

14. Deceased Status on Home Affairs Database

SASSA verifies the applicant’s living status through the Department of Home Affairs database.

If you are registered as deceased, your application will be automatically declined.

This measure helps prevent fraudulent activities and ensures proper allocation of resources.


Getting your SASSA grant application declined can be disheartening, but it’s not the end of the road.

Double-check all your information, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, and seek assistance if needed.

With determination and perseverance, you can overcome this setback and secure the financial support you deserve.

Keep pushing forward, and don’t give up on your quest for assistance.

32 thoughts on “Why Your SASSA Grant Application Was Declined? 14 Reasons Why”

  1. I have granted 3 months of social grand in 2021. When I re applied they declined my application stating I claim uif??? For the love of G. ???? I HAVENT WORKED SINCE 2015. WHY GRANT ME THE SOCIAL GRAND AND THEN DECLINE?????

    Reply
    • Hi im not getting any income but my R350 dates are approved but no payment date’s
      9212021092087
      0736314394

      Reply
    • My card has “Declined since January 2024, in Error.I am ” still unemployed and not earning a salary”!

      I relocated from Soweto, and living with my Aunt in Pretoria East ,since the 29th /October/2023 – to – date.
      Her Tymebank card was swallowed the machine since -+December 2023.She’s hasnt been fit to travel and make a new card.Thus l always run her errands and she’s been using my account to pay bills, since then.
      Kindly review and assist in this regards Hoping to hear from you soon and thinking you in advance.

      Warmest Regards

      MJH Vilakazi

      Reply
  2. I don’t understand why they declined my grant for April I don’t have any income now I’m hungry

    Reply
  3. My SRD Grant was declined for May 2024.it says some source of income, it’s not an income it was money my aunt gave be ,to buy food for my family ,I don’t gave any other source if income

    Reply
  4. My SRD Grant was declined for May 2024.it says some source of income, it’s not an income it was money my aunt gave be ,to buy food for my family ,I don’t have any other source if income

    Reply
  5. May 2024 says declined I don’t understand why because I have not receive any payments.. I don’t work this money helps me a lot please make me understand the reason.

    Reply
  6. I have been declined December 2023,January 2024 and April 2024 due to amount was send to my account by my brother to renovate the house…..

    Reply
  7. I dnt really understand wy sassa nw on my declined without any income,i dnt understand were is the income nw for my stp playing us

    Reply
  8. May declined , for what reason i dnt understand u creaming ,u want me to go to vote without food wy guys

    Reply
  9. My 350 srd is always declining since I received my aunt’s money to buy her stock since then it keeps on declining an I’m not working, I have never worked anywhere but it says there is other source of income of which I don’t no about

    Reply
  10. I was diclien for 4 month I was Appiel sassa riject my Appiel I dont heve income I seving R50 a month in my Bank you give me R350 / now R370 I will drow ,R,300 a month why sassa you do this to me ,???

    Reply
  11. Hi I’m Nonhlanhla Dlamini my son name is Andiswa Dlamini.He was receiving grant support and now he is over 17 .I was trying to apply for 350 grant bt his application is getting failed from last year till now .plz make me understand the reason because I’m not working also and he is still at school.

    Reply
  12. I lost my card and I opened a another acoount so my 350 social grant for may doesn’t approve yet it declines

    Reply
  13. I lost my SASSA 350 number phone and it doesn’t want to open with the old number so I want to register a new number

    Reply
  14. Hi I am Portia from limpopo
    Since the begging of 2024 I haven’t received this grant .I don’t work .I didn’t not receive any amount either by e wallet .bank or instant family. I depend on handouts from wealthy people in shops and malls .Can someone pls explain. I have tried to appeal but nothing fortcome I’d no 870302089083

    Reply
  15. I’ve been waiting for SMS for verity my identity..I don’t get my 350 since January till this month,I want to change my number for 350,the number it’s blocked.so I can’t do the appeal.so please can you help me , I’m not working I depend on 350

    Reply

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