Submit Your SASSA Appeal Online – Updated 2025 Guide

If your SASSA SRD R370 grant application was declined, you still have a chance to get approved through the official appeal process. 

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the Department of Social Development (DSD) have made it possible for applicants to appeal online, without visiting an office. 

What is a SASSA appeal and who handles it?

A SASSA appeal is a formal request to have your declined Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant application reviewed again. 

Instead of SASSA re-evaluating it internally, your appeal is reviewed by the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA), a separate body under the DSD.

This system was created to ensure fairness for applicants who believe they were wrongly rejected or whose information was not properly verified. 

The Tribunal has the power to overturn SASSA’s original decision if it finds that you meet all the eligibility criteria.

Who can submit a SASSA appeal in 2025?

Only applicants whose SRD R370 applications were declined can submit an appeal. 

According to the official srd.sassa.gov.za website, you must meet these basic requirements:

1. You are a South African citizen, permanent resident, asylum seeker, or refugee registered in South Africa.
2. You are between 18 and 59 years old.
3. You have no income, no employment, and are not receiving UIF, NSFAS, or another SASSA grant.
4. Your application for the specific month was declined.
5. You submit the appeal within 90 days of the date the rejection was issued.

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

Why was my SASSA SRD application declined?

SASSA performs automatic checks using government databases to confirm your eligibility. 

If any of the following issues appear, your application may be rejected:

1. Alternative income source identified: Your bank account shows deposits exceeding R624 for that month.
2. UIF registered: You are listed as employed or receiving Unemployment Insurance Fund benefits.
3. NSFAS beneficiary: You are getting a student allowance from NSFAS.
4. Government payroll registered: You are receiving income from a public sector job or another government grant.
5. Identity verification failed: Your ID or personal details do not match Department of Home Affairs records.

The appeal process gives you a chance to challenge these findings and prove your eligibility.

How to submit your SASSA appeal online (step-by-step)

The appeal process is quick and completely online. Here’s how to submit it correctly:

1. Visit the official DSD SASSA Appeals website: https://srd.dsd.gov.za/appeals
2. Enter your South African ID number and the cellphone number used in your SRD application.
3. You’ll receive a One-Time PIN (OTP) via SMS. Enter it to verify your identity.
4. Select the month for which your application was declined.
5. Read the reason for the decline, then click “Submit Appeal.”
6. Provide additional information if requested, and confirm your submission.

Once submitted, your appeal will be sent directly to the Independent Tribunal for review.

How long does it take to process a SASSA appeal?

According to the Department of Social Development, appeals are typically reviewed within 60 to 90 days after submission. 

However, the time may vary depending on the number of appeals received each month.

The Independent Tribunal reviews your case independently of SASSA and uses updated information from institutions such as SARS, NSFAS, and UIF. 

Once a decision is made, you’ll be notified by SMS. If approved, payment will be processed for the month you appealed.

How to check your SASSA appeal status

To track your appeal online, follow these steps:

1. Go to https://srd.dsd.gov.za/appeals.
2. Enter your ID number and cellphone number.
3. Click “Track Appeal Status.”

You’ll see one of three results:

1. Pending: Your appeal is still being processed.
2. Approved: Your appeal was successful, and payment will be made soon.
3. Rejected: The Tribunal upheld the original decision.

Always check your appeal status regularly, as updates can appear anytime within the review period.

What to do if your appeal is rejected or delayed

If your appeal remains pending after 90 days, contact SASSA or the DSD Appeals Helpline for assistance. 

You can call 0800 601 011 or email grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za.

If your appeal is rejected again:

1. Read the rejection reason carefully on the portal.
2. Make sure your personal and banking details are correct on srd.sassa.gov.za.
3. You can reapply in future months if your circumstances change — SASSA reviews each month’s eligibility separately.

Appeal outcomes are final, but applicants may seek legal review through the High Court if there is evidence of an administrative error.

What happens after a successful appeal?

Once your appeal is approved, you’ll receive payment for the month that was originally declined.

The money will be deposited into your registered bank account, or can be collected at Shoprite, Boxer, Checkers, Pick n Pay, or any other SASSA-approved retailer.

Your SRD grant status will then show as “Approved” with a payment date, and you can continue checking future months through the regular srd.sassa.gov.za portal.