It is unclear what the “pending” SASSA status of an application for the R350 grant means for the applicant’s application or what stage of the process they are currently in.
In South Africa, SASSA is the government agency responsible for administering SASSA social grants to individuals who are financially disadvantaged and can’t support themselves without an income. In accordance with SASSA guidelines, grants are distributed to eligible applicants.
To provide social security benefits to South African citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic, SASSA introduced the Social Relief of Distress grant.
What A “Pending” Status Means
SASSA grant applicants have reported that their application for the R350 grant has remained on “pending” for more than a year, leaving them confused as to what this means.
An SASSA status check or an SRD grant status check are always options. Alternatively, you can visit the official SASSA website as well as the SRD SASSA website.
A “pending” status indicates that SASSA has not yet approved your SRD R350 application if you see a “pending” status on your application.
SASSA is currently scanning your information with third parties, including the Department of Home Affairs database, to verify your eligibility as a grant beneficiary.
SASSA must also go through millions of applications, so you may soon see your SASSA status change from “pending” to confirmed.
Also, read How To Get Your Sassa One Time Pin (OTP)
How Long It Takes For An SRD Application To Be Approved
You shouldn’t expect to hear anything about your grant application within the first week after submitting it, as SASSA warns it can take up to 90 days for it to be approved.
Those who meet the eligibility criteria for SASSA R350 grants will receive payments every month. To ensure that the applicant is still eligible for that particular month, the application will be verified each month.
Why Your Application Was Rejected
Don’t submit an application until you meet all eligibility requirements, otherwise, your R350 grant application will be rejected and your grant funds won’t begin to flow.
Third parties like the Department of Home Affairs verify the information you provided on your SRD grant application form.
In the event that SASSA discovers that you are now earning an income, your social relief grant will no longer be available, and the agency will stop paying you. You will also be rejected if you are receiving another SASSA grant at the same time.
What Happens If Your Application Is Approved?
SASSA will confirm your bank account through a secure site after your application is approved and you’ve submitted your banking details.
Electronic confirmation will also be used for this request. It is the right of any applicant to request confirmation that this request is coming from SASSA, in order to protect themselves from potential fraud.
Payments are processed within 7 days of application approval. It should be noted, however, that SASSA has not set a specific date for the grant’s payment. In some cases, it may take up to two days for your SRD grant payments to appear in your bank account, depending on which provider you bank with.
Also, read How to Apply for SASSA Grants
SRD Grant Application Appeals
Your pending application may be appealed if it is rejected by SASSA. In the event that you believe that your rejection was inaccurate or unfair, you can submit an appeal.
You can appeal your rejection within 90 days of receiving it. SASSA advises people, however, to appeal within 30 days of receiving the decision.
If you are waiting for your current application to be processed, you do not need to submit a new one. In order to avoid delays, do not reapply and submit multiple applications.
As soon as SASSA receives your application, you’ll receive an SMS that will tell you the outcome of the appeal.
What to Do If Your Status Is ‘Pending’
You don’t need to panic if your application status is ‘Pending.’ The authorities need time to conduct a thorough assessment during this routine stage of the process. You can, however, speed up the process by taking proactive measures:
- Double-Check Information: Ensure all the information you provide is accurate and up-to-date.
- Prepare for Verification: Be prepared for potential follow-up questions or requests for additional documents.
- Be Patient: While waiting for a decision, refrain from submitting multiple applications, as this can further delay the process.
Common FAQs About R350 Grant
How long does the verification process usually take?
The verification process duration varies based on the volume of applications and the complexity of the verifications required. It’s advisable to regularly check the status of your application for updates.
Can I still reapply if my status is ‘Pending’?
No, it’s important to wait for a decision on your pending application before considering reapplication. Submitting multiple applications can cause confusion and delay the process further.
Is there a way to expedite the approval process?
Unfortunately, the approval process follows a standardized timeline to ensure fairness. Attempts to expedite might not yield results and can even slow down the process.
What happens if my application is ultimately rejected?
If your application is rejected, you will receive a notification explaining the reasons for the rejection. You can review and rectify any errors before reapplying.
How often can I apply for the R350 grant?
The frequency of applications depends on the guidelines set by the program. Check the official guidelines or website for information on reapplication.
Conclusion
As part of the evaluation process for R350 grant applications, the ‘Pending’ status is a natural step. Every application undergoes a thorough review and verification process.
Being patient and understanding the reasons for this status will help you gain the support you need. It might take time to get from ‘Pending’ to ‘Approved,’ but the relief at the end is worth it.
Also, read Srd.Sassa.Gov.Za Banking Details Submission
I am Eddie Ross, the owner of this website and a South African entrepreneur. For those who rely on the SASSA, I am passionate about providing useful resources and tools. As well as providing step-by-step guides on how to apply for grants and benefits, how to check SASSA status, and other helpful information, I also provide step-by-step guides on how to use SASSA.
