Department of Social Development Reports Only 2% of 10 Million SASSA SRD Appeals Approved

Overview: Department of Social Development Reports Only 2% of 10 Million SASSA SRD Appeals Approved

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has become a lifeline for millions of South Africans, particularly through the Special Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, which was introduced as a response to the economic devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in an attempt to curb corruption and fraud, The Department of Social Development has been tasked with improving the system. Only 2% of the 10 million appeals made by applicants for the SRD grant have been approved and this raises critical questions about the appeal process, the reasons behind the delays, and what the future holds for those still awaiting their grant approval.

What Are SRD Appeals?

The SRD grant is a temporary provision aimed at assisting individuals who are unemployed and not receiving any form of income, social grant, or UIF payment. When an applicant is rejected for this grant, they have the right to appeal the decision through SASSA’s appeals process. The appeal is essentially a request for a second review of the application, where the applicant provides additional information or clarifies any discrepancies that may have led to the initial rejection.

Why Are There Delays in the Appeal Process?

The sheer volume of appeals—over 10 million—has significantly strained SASSA’s capacity to process them in a timely manner. Several factors contribute to the delays:

1. Overwhelming Demand: The SRD grant was designed as a temporary relief measure, but the overwhelming demand has placed a burden on SASSA’s resources. With millions of appeals flooding the system, the processing time has inevitably slowed down.
2. Administrative Challenges: The appeals process requires thorough verification of applicants’ details, cross-referencing with other government databases, and ensuring that the applicants meet the eligibility criteria. This meticulous process is time-consuming and has been further complicated by administrative backlogs.

The Appeal Process: How Does It Work?

When an applicant’s SRD grant is denied, they can lodge an appeal through the SASSA website or via the SRD grant hotline. Here’s how the process works:

1. Submission: The applicant submits their appeal, providing any additional information or documentation that may support their case.
2. Review: The appeal is reviewed by SASSA officials, who cross-check the applicant’s information against various databases, including the Department of Home Affairs, UIF, and other government entities.
3. Decision: After a thorough review, SASSA makes a decision on the appeal. If approved, the applicant will receive the grant payment. If denied, the applicant is informed of the reasons for the rejection and may have limited recourse to further action.

Why Are So Many Appeals Being Rejected?

With only 2% of the 10 million appeals approved, there is growing concern about the fairness and transparency of the appeals process. Several reasons have been cited for the high rejection rate:

• Eligibility Criteria: Many applicants may not meet the strict eligibility criteria set by SASSA, such as having no other source of income or not being registered with UIF.
• Incomplete Applications: A significant number of appeals may be rejected due to incomplete or inaccurate information provided by the applicants.
• Verification Issues: SASSA has reported challenges in verifying applicants’ information, particularly in cases where there are discrepancies between the data provided and government records.

What’s Next for the Unapproved Appeals?

The low approval rate has left millions of South Africans in limbo, uncertain about their financial future. The Department of Social Development has acknowledged the backlog and the delays in the appeals process, and efforts are reportedly underway to address these issues. However, the exact timeline for resolving the backlog remains unclear.

For those whose appeals have been denied, SASSA has encouraged applicants to ensure that all information is accurate and complete before submitting a new appeal. Additionally, applicants are urged to regularly check their application status through the official SASSA channels to stay informed about any updates.

The SRD grant was introduced as a crucial safety net for millions of South Africans during an unprecedented time of crisis. However, the challenges faced by SASSA in processing the overwhelming number of appeals have highlighted significant gaps in the system. With only 2% of appeals approved, the future remains uncertain for many who rely on this grant for their basic needs. As SASSA and the Department of Social Development work to address these issues, the hope is that the appeals process will become more efficient, transparent, and fair, providing much-needed relief to those in need.

To lodge an appeal, Sassa beneficiaries must:

• Access the Social Relief of Distress grant appeal form online
• Use the ID number or cellphone number used to create the original application as it corresponds with that profile
• Use the security PIN that will be sent to that number upon accessing the form
• Select ‘appeal’ when prompted and then select the reason for the appeal from the options given  
• Those appealing must then wait for an sms notification that will be sent within three months or 90 days

Should the SMS notification not be received, the appeal status can be checked after 90 days. 

To send a query directly to DSD, call 012 312 7727 or email grantappeals@dsd.gov.za