The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) specifically provides the R350 Social Relief Distress (SRD) to the privileged and those in greatest need. Therefore, SASSA conducts thorough screening of the applicants to ensure that only the individuals who deserve the grant get it. As a result, other SRD grant applicants might be declined, and the reason they get is ‘Referred SAFPS.’ Wondering what this status means? Keep on reading to learn what ‘Referred SAFPS’ means.
SASSA R350 Grant What ‘Referred_SAFPS’ Means?
If your SRD grant application is declined and you receive the message Referred_SAFPS, it means you’re considered a risk to SASSA. SAFPS refers to South African Fraud Prevention Services, an organization that investigates fraud cases. Therefore, when you get this message, it means your application went through a Fraud Risk Scoring process, and SAFPS found you have a record of committing fraud.
Before SASSA approves your R350 grant application, your phone and ID numbers are put through a Fraud Risk Scoring process. If the result shows that you’re a fraud risk, SAFPS will flag you for the fraudulent activity you have committed. For this reason, you’ll receive the ‘Referred_SAFPS’ message.
SASSA also refers grant applications to other databases, such as the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), to ensure that only deserving people receive the SRD grant. Once your details have been flagged, your application for SRD R350 will be declined. Make sure you have a clean record before submitting your application for the SASSA grant.
How Do I Fix SASSA Referred SAFPS?
In some instances, the Referred SAFPS reason for rejecting your application might not be true. Therefore, it is recommended that you can submit an R350 grant appeal to rectify the issue. When you submit an appeal, it means SASSA will be compelled to review your application.
If you want to submit an R350 grant appeal, you should do so within 30 days of receiving the ‘Referred_SAFPS’ message. To submit your appeal, follow the steps below.
- Visit SASSA’s official website at https://srd.sassa.gov.za.
- Go to the “Find the Application for Reconsideration” tab
- Tap on “Click Here to Apply for Reconsideration”
- Provide your ID number and mobile phone number
- Follow the prompts that appear to complete your application for reconsideration of your payment.
The result of your appeal will be communicated to you via SMS. If you want more information about how to fix the Referred SAFPS issue, you can call SASSA on its toll-free number at 0800 601 011.
What Does Self-Exclusion Response Mean in SASSA Status?
SASSA processes millions of applications, but some fail due to various reasons. If your application is declined and you receive a rejection status with the message “Self Exclusionary Response Found,” it means the information you have provided shows that you’re already getting other support funds that exceed R350 per month. Applicants who stay in government facilities do not qualify to get the grant, and they may also receive the same message.
Applicants should carefully read the declaration and consent forms so they know if they are eligible to get the grant. If you have other sources of income, your application for a SASSA grant may be declined.
How Do I Remove Myself From Self-Exclusion?
If you feel that the Self-Exclusion response does not reflect your real situation, you can appeal the decision by submitting a reconsideration request. Follow the steps below to submit your request.
- Go to https://srd.dsd.gov.za/
- Click on the green tab “Click here to lodge an appeal or check appeal status”.
- Enter your ID number and mobile phone number
- Click “Send Pin”, and you will get an SMS with the verification pin
- Enter the PIN and click the “Submit” button
- Choose the month you want to submit the appeal for
- Use the drop-down arrow to select the reason for appealing the rejection decision
- Tap “Submit”
Applicants should submit an appeal within 30 days after getting the rejection status to the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA). The tribunal will review your appeal and communicate the outcome via SMS. To get a positive result, you should provide credible documents to support your claim. The tribunal checks all the details, so be sure to avoid the same mistakes that could have contributed to the denial of the grant in the first place.
When you submit an appeal, you can also track it to check progress. You can do this by visiting the SRD website above and logging in with your details. Choose the option that says track application status.
SRD grant is meant for disadvantaged South Africans, and this is why SASSA conducts thorough verification of each applicant. If you were once involved in fraudulent activities, SAFPS will flag your details, and your grant application will be rejected. Additionally, people getting other forms of grants and living in government facilities are not eligible for financial aid. However, applicants have a right to appeal rejections for their grant applications if they feel think they have been unfairly treated.
