SASSA R350 Grant: What ‘Referred SAFPS’ Means

By Trev Gami •  Updated: 01/23/24 •  5 min read

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. 

- ADVERTISEMENT -

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. 

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,”

- ADVERTISEMENT -
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.

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.      

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

How to Get Proof Of Income From SASSA

How to Get Proof Of Income From SASSA

Learn about obtaining proof of payment, proof of income, and SASSA receipts. Discover the required documents for applying to SASSA for benefits

How to Change My Child Grant To Someone Else

How to Change My Child Grant To Someone Else

Here’s everything you need to know about making this change, as well as other alterations to the SASSA child grants you are already receiving.

How Long Does SASSA Take To Approve SRD Grant?

How Long Does SASSA Take To Approve SRD Grant?

We will share information about how long it takes to get SRD approval, SASSA validation, SASSA information cross-check, and many others. 

How to Apply for a SASSA Easy Pay Loan

How to Apply for a SASSA Easy Pay Loan

How Do I Appeal To SASSA R350 Grant

How Do I Appeal To SASSA R350 Grant

You can check your status for more information. Should your application be unsuccessful, kindly note you can submit an appeal.

Required Documents For SASSA Child Support Grant

Required Documents For SASSA Child Support Grant

There are a number of required documents for SASSA child support that you must provide with your SASSA child grant application

How to Get SASSA Reference Number

How to Get SASSA Reference Number

Each SASSA applicant gets a unique identifier, known as the application reference number. Read on to learn how to get a SASSA reference number. 

What to Do When Your SASSA Card Expires in South Africa

What to Do When Your SASSA Card Expires in South Africa

This piece will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to handle the situation when your SASSA card reaches its expiration date

How To Change SASSA Banking Details 

How To Change SASSA Banking Details 

This article will teach you how to change SASSA banking details, submit your bank details, and know the timeline and payment processes.

How to Change SASSA R350 Phone Number

How to Change SASSA R350 Phone Number

SASSA has made it possible to change your SRD R350 grant phone number so you can benefit from their services as a South African. Here's how.

How To Track SASSA R350 Grant Application

How To Track SASSA R350 Grant Application

We will look at how one can track SASSA R350 grant applications online, on WhatsApp, and other relevant information surrounding SASSA grant tracking.

How to Check SASSA Status On the Moya App

How to Check SASSA Status On the Moya App

You can check the status of your SASSA account by either using the Moya app or getting in touch with SASSA directly.

How to Confirm If You Still Qualify For R350 Grant

How to Confirm If You Still Qualify For R350 Grant

In this section, we will be giving tips on confirming if you still qualify for the R350 grant, the SASSA reapplying process, and the approval status. 

How to Withdraw Money from SASSA Account Without Card

How to Withdraw Money from SASSA Account Without Card

This article will show you how to withdraw money from SASSA without a card through ABSA’s Cash Send or FNB’s E-Wallet

How Many Children Can Get SASSA Grant?

How Many Children Can Get SASSA Grant?

Luckily, you can receive the grant for more than one child, provided you meet the criteria to apply for the grant. Here’s some more information to help