SASSA R370 Appeal Guide 2026 — How to Appeal a Declined Application

If your SASSA SRD R370 application was declined, you have two options: submit a formal appeal or cancel and reapply. This guide covers both paths — how to appeal, how to check your appeal status, what the deadlines are, and when it makes more sense to reapply instead.

What to Do First If Your Application Was Declined

Before appealing, log into srd.sassa.gov.za and check the reason for your decline. SASSA will show a reason code next to your declined status. Knowing the reason determines whether you should appeal or reapply:

Appeal if the decline reason is incorrect — for example, SASSA flagged an income source that does not apply to you, or there was an identity verification error.

Reapply if your circumstances have changed since your original application — for example, you were previously employed but have since lost your job, or a previous grant has ended.

Both options are free. Do not pay anyone to appeal or reapply on your behalf.

How to Submit a SASSA R370 Appeal

Deadline: You must submit your appeal within 90 days of receiving your decline notification.

Steps:

Go to srd.sassa.gov.za on your phone or computer
Log in with your 13-digit ID number and registered cellphone number
Find your declined application and click “Appeal” or “Submit Appeal”
Select the reason for your appeal from the options provided
Add any supporting information or documentation if prompted
Submit your appeal and note your reference number

You can also submit an appeal in person at your nearest SASSA office. Bring your ID document and your application reference number.

How to Check Your SASSA Appeal Status

Go to srd.sassa.gov.za
Log in with your ID number and registered cellphone number
Select “Appeal Status” from your dashboard
Your current appeal status will display — pending, approved, or declined

You can also check via WhatsApp by messaging 082 046 8553 and following the prompts, or by calling the SASSA helpline on 0800 60 10 11.

How Long Does a SASSA Appeal Take?

SASSA aims to process appeals within 90 days of submission. In practice this can vary — check your status regularly at srd.sassa.gov.za rather than waiting for an SMS notification.

If your appeal is taking longer than 90 days with no update, contact SASSA directly:

📞 0800 60 10 11 (toll-free, Monday to Friday)

📱 WhatsApp: 082 046 8553

What Happens If Your Appeal Is Approved?

If SASSA approves your appeal:

Your grant is reinstated at R370 per month
Payments are backdated to the month you originally applied — you will receive all missed payments in a lump sum
You do not need to reapply — your grant continues automatically from the approval date
Update your banking details at srd.sassa.gov.za if needed before the first payment is processed

What Happens If Your Appeal Is Declined?

If your appeal is also declined, you have two remaining options:

1. Appeal to the Minister of Social Development You can escalate your case to the Minister within 90 days of the appeal decision. This is a formal process — contact your nearest SASSA office for guidance on how to submit a ministerial appeal.

2. Reapply for the SRD R370 grant If your circumstances have genuinely changed since your original application, you can submit a fresh application at srd.sassa.gov.za. A new application is assessed independently of your previous declined application.

How to Cancel Your SASSA Application and Reapply

If you want to cancel your existing application and start fresh — for example because your original application had incorrect details — here is how:

Go to srd.sassa.gov.za
Log in with your ID number and registered cellphone number
Select “Cancel Application”
Confirm the cancellation
Once cancelled, submit a new application immediately at the same portal

Important: Once you cancel, your original application reference number is no longer valid. Your new application will be assessed from scratch and the 90-day processing window starts again. Only cancel and reapply if you have a genuine reason — such as incorrect information on the original application or a change in your circumstances.

Common Reasons for Decline and How to Address Them

Means Income Source Identified SASSA’s system detected a linked income source — this could be a UIF payment, NSFAS allowance, or government salary. If this is incorrect, submit your appeal and include documentation proving the income does not apply to you, such as a UIF rejection letter or proof of employment termination.

Identity Verification Failed There is a mismatch between your details and the Department of Home Affairs records. Visit your nearest SASSA office in person with your original ID document to resolve this before appealing.

Existing Grant Holder SASSA’s system shows you are receiving another grant. If this is incorrect or the other grant has since ended, appeal and include proof that the other grant is no longer active.

Employed / UIF Contributor SASSA’s system shows you are currently employed or registered as a UIF contributor. If you have since lost your job, reapply with updated details rather than appealing — a fresh application with current employment status is faster than appealing an older record.

Received NSFAS Allowance Students receiving NSFAS funding are not eligible for the SRD grant at the same time. If your NSFAS funding has ended, you can reapply for the SRD grant with updated details.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I appeal a declined SASSA SRD R370 application? Go to srd.sassa.gov.za, log in with your ID and cellphone number, find your declined application, and click “Appeal.” You must submit within 90 days of the decline notification.

How long does a SASSA appeal take? Up to 90 days. Check your appeal status regularly at srd.sassa.gov.za rather than waiting for an SMS.

Will I receive backdated payments if my appeal is approved? Yes. If your appeal is approved, SASSA will pay all months from your original application date — you will not lose any payments due to the appeal process.

Can I reapply after being declined instead of appealing? Yes. If your circumstances have changed, reapplying at srd.sassa.gov.za may be faster than appealing. Both options are free.

Can I cancel my SASSA application and reapply? Yes. Log into srd.sassa.gov.za, select “Cancel Application,” and submit a new application once cancelled. Only do this if your original application had incorrect information or your circumstances have changed.

What is the deadline to appeal a SASSA decision? 90 days from the date you received your decline notification. After 90 days, you can no longer appeal that specific decision — you would need to submit a fresh application instead.

Can I appeal more than once? If your first appeal is declined, you can escalate to a ministerial appeal within 90 days of that decision. Contact your nearest SASSA office for guidance on the ministerial appeal process.

How do I check my SASSA appeal status? Log into srd.sassa.gov.za with your ID and cellphone number and select “Appeal Status.” You can also check via WhatsApp at 082 046 8553 or call 0800 60 10 11.

What if I missed the 90-day appeal deadline? You can no longer appeal that specific decision. Submit a fresh application at srd.sassa.gov.za if you still meet the eligibility requirements.

Is there a fee to appeal a SASSA decision? No. Appealing is completely free. Do not pay anyone to submit an appeal on your behalf.