If your recent SASSA grant application was unfortunately rejected, there are a number of potential reasons for the decline coded into their system. Understanding the specific verbatim codes can help you determine next steps.
Common Coded Reasons a SASSA Application May Be Declined
Some of the frequent unique reasons for a SASSA grant application being declined include:
This coded decline reason indicates that your total income exceeded the threshold allowed for that SASSA grant type. For example, the monthly income cut-off to qualify for the R350 SRD grant is currently set at R624. Any deposits over this figure entering your bank account would automatically disqualify you.
Tip: Proactively disclose any external income sources like small salaries or rental income when first applying.
This reason means the personal details you submitted could not be successfully matched and validated against official identification records held by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). Issues that can lead to failed validation include:
Minor spelling discrepancies in names
Incorrect ID numbers
Mismatching dates of birth
Tip: Carefully enter your details exactly as they appear in green bar coded ID books or smart card IDs.
This coded reason indicates that checks found you already actively receive one or more other SASSA social assistance grants. Their system does not allow concurrent multiple grants, so applying for extra relief will automatically decline the newer application.
Tip: Confirm first if the grant type you are applying for would disqualify your existing SASSA-registered relief.
debtor
This reason code means SASSA previously paid you grant installments that were later found to be invalid because you did not actually meet qualifying criteria at that time. New payments halt until you repay debts from those past erroneous amounts.
Tip: Setup an affordable repayment plan to start reconciling outstanding erroneous amounts as soon as possible.
If you are registered to receive financial assistance from bodies like the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), you will not qualify for SASSA poverty relief grants. Any interlinked registration on their system leads to automatic declined status.
Tip: Proactively inform SASSA agents if you receive any form of tertiary education funding.
If you are flagged on SARS systems as claiming or eligible to claim UIF benefits, you will not qualify for SASSA grants. Any registration for standard or pandemic special UIF assistance must be disclosed early in the application process.
Tip: Reveal upfront if you have ever registered for UIF to avoid declined status.
gov_payrol_registered
This reason code indicates you were previously employed within any government body or state owned enterprise, which renders you ineligible to apply for SASSA poverty relief aimed primarily at assisting the unemployed.
Tip: Disclose any past or current public sector employment history when first applying.
age_outside_range (>60)
This code signifies your age was above the allowed maximum threshold set for that specific grant type such as applying for a child grant when you are 62 years old – triggering automatic rejection.
Tip: Verify and meet strict age requirements before submitting applications.
age_outside_range (<18)
Similarly, this code indicates your age fell below the minimum required for that grant type, such as submitting an old age pension application while still being 25 years old.
Tip: Carefully check qualifying age ranges perimeter for each grant before applying.
deceased_record_on_dha
This unlikely reason code indicates SASSA systems found a date of death linked to your ID number on the official Home Affairs database – automatically rendering all grant assistance invalid going forward.
Tip: Updates DHA records immediately if inaccurate information was transmitted.
If the SASSA fraud prevention team flags the mobile number used on your application as suspicious, linked to known fraudulent activities or prior abuse, they will automatically decline the application.
Tip: Only use reputable cell phone numbers not linked with prior flagged issues.
This reason code indicates that SASSA systems discovered you are registered as a perpetrator of fraud with the South African Fraud Prevention Services (SAFPS). Any interlinked past fraud disqualifies applicants from grant assistance.
Tip: If incorrect fraud association records exist, request SAFPS to revise records prior to grant application.
As shown above, decline reasons can either relate to eligibility criteria and age limits, omitted income disclosure or suspected fraud risk. Understanding the exact verbatim code provides critical information to plot your best path forward if declined.
Next Steps if Declined By SASSA
If your grant application faces rejection, follow these steps:
1. Establish precisely why your specific application failed through SASSA Status Check.
2. Collect documentation needed to address those issues e.g updated income statements.
3. Book an appointment at your nearest SASSA office to engage directly with agents.
4. Formulate a plan, reapply correctly and persistently follow up.
With the correct approach, required paperwork and patient perseverance, grant assistance access can still be achieved even after initial disappointment.
I’m Anele Zulu, a South African social worker dedicated to serving my country’s most vulnerable. With my degree and field expertise, I empower underprivileged communities through compassionate support and tireless advocacy on this website. My goal is simplifying access to services so families can uplift themselves
