SASSA Appeal 2025 – How to Submit and Track Your Appeal

If your SASSA grant or SRD R370 application has been declined, you still have a chance to appeal. 

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has set up a process that allows applicants to request a review of their decision through the Department of Social Development (DSD).

Here’s a full guide on how to submit, track, and understand your SASSA appeal for 2025.

What is a SASSA appeal and why is it important?

A SASSA appeal is a formal request for SASSA and the DSD to review your application after it has been declined. 

It allows applicants to challenge a rejection if they believe they still qualify for the grant or if SASSA made an error in assessing their information. 

Appeals are handled by the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA), which was established under the Social Assistance Act. 

This ensures that each appeal is reviewed fairly, independently, and in accordance with the law.

The appeal system gives rejected applicants a second opportunity to prove eligibility without re-applying.

Who can appeal a SASSA decision in 2025?

Not everyone can appeal; only applicants whose SASSA SRD R370 or other social grant applications have been declined may submit one.

You are eligible to appeal if:

1. Your application status shows “Declined” for a particular month.
2. You believe you meet all eligibility criteria (age, citizenship, residency, and income).
3. You have not already appealed that specific month’s decision before.
4. You appeal within 90 days of the date your application was declined. 

Each month’s application is assessed separately, so if multiple months were declined, you must appeal each one individually.

What are the main reasons SASSA applications are declined?

SASSA may decline your SRD R370 application for several reasons. Some of the most common include:

1. Your ID or cellphone number doesn’t match government databases.
2. You are listed as receiving other income or benefits, such as UIF, NSFAS, or another SASSA grant.
3. Your bank balance or income exceeds the means-test limit (around R624 per month).
4. SASSA detected employment activity or tax income via SARS records.
5. You live outside South Africa or in a state-funded institution.

Understanding the reason for rejection helps you know what to fix or explain in your appeal.

How to submit your SASSA appeal online in 2025

Appeals are no longer handled directly by SASSA but through the DSD’s dedicated appeals website. 

Here is how to do it step-by-step:

1. Go to the official SASSA SRD Appeals website: https://srd.dsd.gov.za/appeals. 
2. Enter your ID number and the cellphone number you used when you first applied.
3. You will receive an OTP (SMS code) on your phone — enter it to verify your identity.
4. Select the month you want to appeal for and read the reason your application was declined.
5. Click “Submit Appeal”, and provide additional details or clarifications if required.
6. Confirm and submit your appeal request. You should receive a confirmation message once it has been lodged.

You do not need to visit a SASSA office for this because the process is fully digital.

What happens after you submit your appeal?

After you lodge your appeal, the Independent Tribunal reviews your application data, banking and employment information, and any new evidence you provide.

Here’s what happens next:

1. The Tribunal considers your appeal independently from SASSA.
2. You’ll receive an outcome notification via SMS once a decision is made.
3. Appeals are usually processed within 60 to 90 days, depending on workload.
4. If your appeal is approved, your grant will be paid retroactively for the month in question. 
5. If your appeal is unsuccessful, the decision of the Tribunal is final.

How to check your SASSA appeal status

To track the progress of your appeal:

• Visit https://srd.dsd.gov.za/appeals again.
• Enter your ID number and cellphone number, then click “Track Appeal Status.”
• The site will show whether your appeal is Pending, Approved, or Rejected.

Keep checking regularly, especially near the end of each payment cycle, so you know when to expect updates or payments.

What to do if your appeal is still pending or declined again

If your appeal remains pending after 90 days, you can contact the DSD Appeals Helpline or SASSA directly to ask for an update. 

The number is 0800 601 011, or you can email grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za. 

If your appeal is declined again:

1. Review the stated reason and ensure your personal information and bank details are accurate.
2. Correct any errors in your next month’s SRD application, as each cycle is evaluated separately.
3. If you still disagree with the Tribunal’s outcome, you may seek legal review, but this is rarely necessary.

Always keep your cellphone number and bank details active; if SASSA or DSD cannot reach you, your appeal decision or payment could be delayed.

Can you appeal more than once?

Yes, but only once per month of rejection. 

If your SRD grant was declined in multiple months (for example, May, June, and July 2025), you must lodge separate appeals for each. 

Each month is treated as a new decision based on your updated income data.