When you check your SASSA SRD grant application, you will see a status code or message that tells you where your application stands. This guide explains every SASSA status code you might encounter, what each one means, and what action you should take. Bookmark this page as your complete reference for all SASSA status messages.
All SASSA Status Codes and Their Meanings
Below is a comprehensive list of every SASSA status code explained in plain language. SASSA uses these codes to communicate the outcome of your SRD grant application. Each code reflects the result of automated verification checks that run against government databases.
Click on any status to read the full detailed guide where available.
Pending
SASSA Status Pending means your application is still being reviewed. SASSA is running verification checks against the Department of Home Affairs, SARS, UIF, NSFAS, and other databases. No decision has been made yet. This is a normal stage that most applications go through. It can take anywhere from a few days to two weeks. You do not need to reapply — simply wait and check your status regularly.
Approved
SASSA Status Approved means your application has been accepted. You have passed all eligibility checks and qualify for the R370 SRD grant for that month. Your payment will be processed according to SASSA’s payment schedule. If you provided bank details, the money will be deposited into your account. If you chose Post Office collection, you will receive an SMS when payment is ready to collect.
Declined
SASSA Status Declined means your application was rejected because you did not meet one or more eligibility requirements. The decline notification should include a specific reason. You have the right to appeal the decision within 30 days through the SASSA appeals portal. Your application will also be automatically reassessed the following month.
NA (Not Available)
SASSA Status NA means the system cannot find a record for your ID number, or no application has been submitted for the current period. This could mean you have not yet applied, your application was not received, or there is a technical issue with the system. If you believe you have applied, try checking again later or contact SASSA on 0800 60 10 11.
Customer Check Failed
Customer Check Failed means SASSA could not complete one or more of the automated checks on your application. This is different from a specific decline reason — it indicates a general failure in the verification process. The issue could be with the DHA system, SARS, UIF, or another database that was temporarily unavailable. Contact SASSA for more details on which check failed.
Identity Verification Failed
Identity Verification Failed means SASSA could not match your personal information with the Department of Home Affairs records. Common causes include a typo in your ID number, a name mismatch, failing to complete the verification link within 72 hours, or outdated DHA records. This can usually be fixed by correcting your details on the SRD portal or visiting a Home Affairs office.
Means Test Failed
Means Test Failed means SASSA’s records indicate that your monthly income exceeds the R624 threshold. The means test checks your financial status through SARS records, bank account information, and other data sources. If you believe this is incorrect — for example, if you lost your job recently and the records have not been updated — you can appeal the decision within 30 days.
Status Check Failed
Status Check Failed means the system encountered a technical error while trying to retrieve your status. This is not a reflection of your application outcome — it is a system problem. It usually happens when the SASSA servers are overloaded or undergoing maintenance. Try checking your status again after a few hours or use an alternative method such as USSD (*120*69277#) or the Moya App.
Alternative Income Source
This status means SASSA detected that you have another source of income besides formal employment. This could include UIF payments, NSFAS funding, maintenance income, trust payouts, or income from informal work that was reported to a government database. If this income source no longer applies or was recorded in error, you can appeal through the appeals portal.
UIF Registered
This status means SASSA found that you are currently registered with and receiving benefits from the Unemployment Insurance Fund. UIF benefits count as income, which disqualifies you from the SRD grant. If your UIF benefits have ended but the database has not been updated, contact UIF to update your records and then appeal the SASSA decision.
NSFAS Recipient
This status means SASSA’s checks show that you are receiving funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. NSFAS support is considered a form of financial assistance that puts you above the eligibility threshold for the SRD grant. If your NSFAS funding has ended, contact NSFAS to update your status and then submit an appeal to SASSA.
SARS PAYE
This status indicates that the South African Revenue Service has you registered as a PAYE (Pay As You Earn) taxpayer. This means SASSA believes you are formally employed and earning a salary. If you have lost your job and are no longer earning, the SARS database may not yet reflect this change. You should visit a SARS branch to update your employment status and then appeal your SASSA decline.
Government Employee
This status means SASSA’s records show that you are employed by a government department or state-owned entity. Government employees have a regular income and do not qualify for the SRD grant. If you are no longer a government employee, you will need to provide proof of resignation or termination and submit an appeal.
Age Outside Range
This status means your date of birth, as recorded in the Department of Home Affairs system, shows that you are either under 18 or over 59 years old. The SRD grant is only available to individuals between 18 and 59. If your date of birth is recorded incorrectly at DHA, visit your nearest Home Affairs office to have it corrected.
Deceased in DHA
This status means the Department of Home Affairs has your ID number marked as belonging to a deceased person. This is a serious data error that must be corrected at a Home Affairs office immediately. Bring your original ID document, proof of address, and any other identifying documents. Once DHA updates your record, contact SASSA to have your application reassessed.
SASSA Debtor
This status means you owe money to SASSA from a previous overpayment, duplicate payment, or grant received in error. SASSA may withhold new grant payments until this debt is resolved. Contact your nearest SASSA office to discuss the debt and arrange repayment or request a review if you believe the debt is incorrect.
Fraud Risk
This status means your application has been flagged by SASSA’s anti-fraud detection system. This can happen if your ID number has been linked to multiple applications, suspicious activity, or identity theft. If you are a legitimate applicant and believe this flag is incorrect, contact SASSA on 0800 60 10 11 immediately to report the issue and request an investigation.
Incomplete Information
This status means your application was missing required details or you did not respond to a verification request within the required timeframe. Check the SRD portal to see if there are any outstanding steps you need to complete. Make sure your phone number is correct and that you respond promptly to any messages from SASSA.
What to Do After Checking Your SASSA Status Code
Once you know what your status code means, here is what to do next:
- If your status is Pending: Wait patiently and check again in a few days. No action is needed from your side.
- If your status is Approved: Wait for your payment notification via SMS. Confirm your banking details or collection method on the SRD portal.
- If your status is Declined or shows a specific decline reason: Review the reason carefully. If you believe it is incorrect, submit an appeal within 30 days at srd.sassa.gov.za/appeals/appeal. The appeal outcome takes 60 to 90 days. You can contact ITSAA at 012 312 7727 or email [email protected] for assistance.
- If your status is NA or Status Check Failed: Try checking again later using a different method. If the problem persists, contact SASSA for help.
How to Check Your SASSA Status
You can check your SASSA SRD grant status and see the code associated with your application using these free methods:
- Online: Visit srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status and enter your ID number and phone number.
- USSD: Dial *120*69277# from any network. MTN users can also use *134*7737#. An alternative code is *120*3210#.
- SMS: Send “STATUS” and your ID number to 32555.
- WhatsApp: Send a message to 082 046 8553.
- Moya App: Download the data-free Moya App on Android or iOS to check without using airtime or data.
For step-by-step instructions on each method, visit our how to check your SASSA status page. You can also browse our full SASSA status meanings hub and SASSA status check hub for more resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many different SASSA status codes are there?
SASSA uses more than 15 different status codes and messages for SRD grant applications. The main ones are Pending, Approved, Declined, and NA. Beyond these, there are specific codes like Means Test Failed, Identity Verification Failed, UIF Registered, NSFAS Recipient, SARS PAYE, Government Employee, Age Outside Range, Deceased in DHA, Fraud Risk, SASSA Debtor, Customer Check Failed, Status Check Failed, Alternative Income Source, and Incomplete Information.
What is the difference between Declined and Customer Check Failed?
A Declined status means SASSA completed its checks and determined you do not qualify based on a specific reason. Customer Check Failed means the system could not complete one or more checks — it is a technical or process failure rather than an eligibility determination. Customer Check Failed may resolve on its own when the system retries, while a Declined status requires an appeal or waiting for the next monthly reassessment.
Can my SASSA status code change from month to month?
Yes. SASSA reassesses every SRD grant application each month. Your status can change based on updated information in government databases. For example, you could be Declined one month due to UIF registration and then Approved the next month after your UIF benefits end. Always check your status at the beginning of each month.
What should I do if my SASSA status code does not match any of the ones listed here?
SASSA occasionally introduces new status messages or updates the wording of existing ones. If you see a code that is not listed on this page, take a screenshot and contact SASSA on 0800 60 10 11 or WhatsApp at 082 046 8553 for clarification. You can also check our SASSA status meanings hub for the latest updates.
Is there a difference between “Declined” and “Means Test Failed”?
Yes. “Declined” is the general status indicating your application was rejected, and it may include a specific sub-reason. “Means Test Failed” is one specific reason for being declined — it means your income was found to be above the R624 per month threshold. Think of Means Test Failed as a more detailed explanation within the broader Declined category. Read more about SASSA Means Test Failed for full details.