SASSA SRD Not Approved — What It Means & How to Appeal 2026

Not Approved on your SASSA SRD status means SASSA has reviewed your application for a specific month and determined you do not meet the qualifying criteria. This is the same as a Declined result — just different wording depending on which platform you use to check.

You can appeal this decision within 90 days. Most applicants do not realise this and miss the window.

What Does SASSA SRD Not Approved Mean?

Not Approved means SASSA completed its verification checks and found a factor that disqualifies you from receiving the R370 SRD grant for that month.

Key facts:

• Not Approved is month-specific — being Not Approved in one month does not permanently disqualify you
• Your application automatically re-enters assessment next month
• “Not Approved” and “Declined” are the same outcome — the wording varies by platform:
  • srd.sassa.gov.za (portal): Declined
  • WhatsApp (082 046 8553): Not Approved
  • USSD (1203210#): Not Approved

Why Was My SASSA SRD Not Approved?

Income Above the Threshold

SASSA checks your ID number against SARS records every month. Any income recorded above R624 per month — including part-time work, freelance income, or even once-off payments — can trigger a Not Approved result.

SARS data can also contain errors. If you have not earned income but SARS shows otherwise, this is a data issue worth appealing.

Existing SASSA Grant Detected

If SASSA’s database shows another social grant registered to your ID number, your SRD application will be Not Approved. See the existing grant detected guide for more information.

Identity Verification Failed

If SASSA could not verify your identity against the Department of Home Affairs database, your application may move from Pending to Not Approved after several failed verification attempts. See the identity verification failed guide.

UIF Registered and Receiving Benefits

If UIF records show active unemployment benefit payments to your ID, SASSA treats this as income and will Not Approve your SRD application.

NSFAS Bursary Recipient

Students receiving a NSFAS bursary or student allowance are not eligible for the SRD R370 grant. SASSA flags NSFAS funding as financial support.

Not Approved vs Declined — Is There a Difference?

Functionally, no. Both mean your application was unsuccessful for that month:

Both can be appealed using exactly the same process within 90 days.

How to Appeal a Not Approved SASSA SRD Status

If you believe the Not Approved decision is incorrect, you have the right to appeal:

1. Go to srd.sassa.gov.za
2. Log in with your ID number and registered phone number
3. Navigate to the Appeals section
4. Select the specific month you want to appeal
5. Choose your reason and submit

For the full step-by-step guide, see the how to appeal SASSA SRD guide.

⚠️ You have 90 days from the date of the Not Approved decision to submit your appeal. After 90 days, the window closes for that specific month.

What If My Situation Has Changed?

If the reason for Not Approved was correct (e.g., you were employed) but your situation has since changed (e.g., you lost your job):

• For past declined months: Submit an appeal explaining your situation changed and provide any supporting documentation
• For current and future months: Your application will be automatically re-assessed. If you now qualify, your status should change to Approved in the next monthly cycle

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I appeal a Not Approved SASSA status?

Yes. You can appeal any Not Approved or Declined decision within 90 days of that specific decision. Log in at srd.sassa.gov.za and navigate to the Appeals section.

Does Not Approved mean I cannot apply again?

No. Your application is re-evaluated automatically every month. You do not need to reapply after a Not Approved decision. If your circumstances change, you may be approved next month without any action from you.

How long do I have to appeal Not Approved?

You have 90 days from the date of the specific Not Approved decision. After 90 days, you cannot appeal that month’s decision. Act as soon as possible.

Is Not Approved the same as being blacklisted by SASSA?

No. Not Approved is a monthly assessment result — it does not blacklist you or permanently affect your eligibility. Each month is a fresh assessment. Being Not Approved in April does not mean you will be Not Approved in May.

Act Before the 90-Day Deadline

Go to srd.sassa.gov.za and submit your appeal. The clock started on the date SASSA issued the Not Approved decision.

For the full step-by-step process, see the how to appeal SASSA SRD guide.
For the full appeal overview, see the SASSA SRD appeal guide.
To understand declined status, see the SASSA declined status guide.