Your R370 Was Declined for Income? Here’s How to Challenge It in 2026
If your SASSA SRD R370 application shows “Means Income Source Identified” or “Alternative Income Source Identified,” it means SASSA’s system has detected income or deposits in your bank account that exceed the eligibility threshold for the grant. Your application has been declined on this basis.
This page explains exactly what the status means, what counts as income, and how to appeal if you believe the decline is incorrect.
What “Means Income Source Identified” Means
SASSA performs a monthly means test on every SRD R370 applicant. This test checks your bank account activity across all accounts registered to your ID number. If your account shows deposits or incoming funds exceeding R624 per month, your application will be declined with this status.
R624 is the current income threshold for the SRD R370 grant. It is one of the strictest thresholds in the SASSA system because the grant is designed specifically for people with no significant income.
The means test runs every single month. Even if you were approved last month, a change in your bank account deposits can cause a decline the following month.
What Counts as Income Under the SASSA Means Test
SASSA checks all funds deposited into any bank account registered to your ID number, including accounts at multiple banks. The following are all considered income:
- Salary or wages from employment
- UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund) payments
- NSFAS student allowances
- Pension payments
- Payments from the Road Accident Fund (RAF)
- Regular transfers from family members or friends
- Money received from piece jobs or casual work
- Any other regular or semi-regular deposits
What does not count as income:
SASSA’s regulations state that once-off payments and gifts should not automatically disqualify an applicant. A court ruling in late 2024 specifically found that treating once-off payments as income was unconstitutional. However, in practice SASSA’s system flags deposits regardless of their nature, which is why incorrect declines happen frequently.
If a once-off payment from a family member caused your decline, this is grounds for an appeal.
What “Means Income Source Identified Undefined” Means
This variation of the status means SASSA’s system detected a potential income source but could not identify exactly what it is. This often happens when:
- Deposits appear in your bank account that SASSA cannot categorise
- Your account shows regular incoming transfers without a clear source
- There is a data mismatch between SASSA’s systems and your actual financial activity
“Undefined” does not mean the decline is definitely correct. It means SASSA’s automated system flagged something it could not fully verify. You have the right to appeal and provide clarification.
How to Appeal a “Means Income Source Identified” Decline
You have 90 days from the date of your decline notification to submit an appeal. Do not wait. Submit your appeal as soon as possible.
Step 1 — Gather your documents
Collect evidence showing that the income SASSA detected does not disqualify you. Depending on your situation, this may include:
- Bank statements for the past 3 months showing the nature of any deposits
- A written explanation of any once-off payments or transfers received
- Proof that regular deposits are from a specific non-income source (for example, a family member confirming they sent money as a gift, not wages)
- Proof of employment termination if you recently lost your job
- UIF rejection letter if your UIF claim was not approved
Step 2 — Submit your appeal at srd.sassa.gov.za
- Go to srd.sassa.gov.za
- Log in with your ID number and registered cellphone number
- Navigate to the Appeal or Application for Reconsideration section
- Select the month or months your application was declined
- Enter your reasons for appeal clearly and specifically
- Upload your supporting documents
- Submit and note your reference number
Step 3 — Monitor your status
Check srd.sassa.gov.za regularly after submitting. SASSA may send SMS notifications requesting additional documents. Respond to these promptly as delays in responding can slow down your appeal outcome.
Step 4 — Wait for the decision
Appeals typically take between 60 and 90 days to be reviewed and decided. If you have not received any response after 90 days, contact SASSA directly:
- 📞 0800 60 10 11 (toll-free, Monday to Friday)
- 📱 WhatsApp: 082 046 8553
What to Do If You Genuinely Exceed the Income Threshold
If you are currently earning or receiving more than R624 per month, you do not qualify for the SRD R370 grant. The decline is not an error.
Once your income drops below R624 per month, you can reapply at srd.sassa.gov.za. Your eligibility is reassessed fresh each month, so a change in your financial circumstances in one month can make you eligible the following month.
Important: Court Ruling on the Income Threshold
In late 2024, the Pretoria High Court ruled that the R624 income threshold and certain other SRD regulations were unconstitutional. The court ordered the government to progressively increase the grant amount in line with inflation and ruled that once-off payments and gifts should not count as income.
At the time of writing, the government has not yet implemented the changes ordered by the court. R624 remains the working threshold SASSA applies monthly. This situation is evolving. Check www.sassa.gov.za for updates on any changes to the income threshold following the court ruling.
Tips to Avoid Future “Means Income Source Identified” Declines
Use a personal account that only you use. Shared accounts or accounts that receive deposits from multiple sources are more likely to trigger this status.
Avoid large once-off deposits during the month SASSA runs its check. While once-off payments should not count under the court ruling, SASSA’s automated system can still flag them. If possible, discuss timing with family members who send you support.
Keep your bank account details accurate and up to date on SASSA’s system. Outdated account information can cause mismatches that lead to automated declines.
Check your status every month at srd.sassa.gov.za, not just when you expect a problem. Early detection of a decline means more time to appeal within the 90-day window.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “means income source identified” mean on SASSA? It means SASSA’s monthly means test detected deposits or income in your bank account exceeding R624 per month. Your SRD R370 application has been declined on this basis.
What is the SASSA income threshold for the SRD R370 grant in 2026? R624 per month. If your bank account shows more than R624 in total incoming deposits for the month, your application may be declined. Note that a court ruling in 2024 found this threshold unconstitutional, but the government has not yet implemented changes.
Can I appeal a “means income source identified” decline? Yes. Submit your appeal at srd.sassa.gov.za within 90 days of your decline notification. Include bank statements and a written explanation of any deposits SASSA may have incorrectly counted as income.
How long does the appeal take? Between 60 and 90 days. Check your status regularly at srd.sassa.gov.za and respond promptly to any SMS notifications requesting documents.
What if someone sent me a once-off payment and now I am declined? A once-off payment or gift from a family member should not disqualify you under the 2024 court ruling. You can appeal and include a written explanation confirming the payment was a once-off gift, not regular income.
Does SASSA check all my bank accounts? Yes. SASSA checks all accounts registered to your ID number across all banks, not just the account you registered with SASSA.
What if I was earning money but I have now stopped? Reapply for the SRD grant in the month after your income stops. Each month is assessed independently. If your bank deposits are below R624 in the new month, you may be approved.
What is the appeal deadline for a SASSA means income decline? 90 days from the date you received your decline notification. After 90 days you can no longer appeal that specific month and will need to apply fresh for the current month.
Will I receive backdated payments if my appeal is approved? Yes. If your appeal is approved, SASSA will backdate payments to the month your application was originally declined.
Information on this page is sourced from official SASSA announcements and verified against www.sassa.gov.za. For official queries contact SASSA directly at www.sassa.gov.za or call 0800 60 10 11.
