Why is my SASSA R350 still Approved but No Payment?

The SASSA R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant is a vital support mechanism for unemployed South Africans, especially during difficult economic times. However, one of the most common concerns raised by beneficiaries is: Why is my R350 grant approved but no payment has been made? Today we will just discuss the reasons behind payment delays despite approval and offer practical steps to resolve the issue quickly. Once time again, firstly people look Sassa status and then take further action.

Understanding the Approval Process

When your SRD application shows as “Approved”, it means that SASSA has verified your eligibility for the grant during that payment cycle.

However, approval does not always equal immediate payment.

Payment is a separate stage that depends on several factors including your banking information, contact details, and payment method.

Common Reasons for Payment Delays Despite Approval

Incorrect or Missing Banking Details

• If your banking info is incorrect or missing, SASSA cannot process the payment.

• Solution: Update your details via the SASSA SRD portal under the How do I change my banking details section.

Pending Bank Account Verification

• SASSA verifies that the bank account belongs to the applicant.
• Delays may occur if the bank verification process is incomplete.

Exceeding Financial Eligibility Criteria

• The SRD grant uses a means test. Your bank account should not reflect monthly deposits over R624.
• If you exceed this limit, your payment may be withheld even if your status is “approved”.

Inaccurate Contact Information

• SASSA communicates payment details via SMS or WhatsApp.
• If your cell number or email is outdated, you may miss important updates or verification prompts.

Selection of Cash Send Payment Method

• The Cash Send option can cause delays due to ID and cellphone number mismatches during verification.
• Switching to a bank account may speed up processing.

High Volume of Applications

• Payment delays may occur due to high traffic on the SASSA system, especially during peak periods.
• Processing thousands of applications and payments takes time.

Technical Glitches in SASSA’s System

• System errors can sometimes delay the updating of payment dates or the actual transfer.
• SASSA periodically resolves these issues but it may take time.

Steps to Resolve Payment Delays

Verify and Update Banking Details

• Visit: https://srd.sassa.gov.za
• Scroll to the banking details update section

• Ensure:

• The account is registered in your name
• The information matches your ID

Confirm Compliance with Eligibility Criteria

• Keep your bank balance below R624/month
• Avoid receiving large e-wallet transfers or deposits that might flag your application

Update Contact Information

• Make sure your cell number and email address are current.
• This ensures you receive OTPs and updates from SASSA.

Consider Changing Payment Method

• If you selected Cash Send and face delays, change to direct deposit.
• Do this by logging into the SRD portal and updating your payment option.

Contact SASSA for Assistance

• Toll-Free Helpline: 0800 60 10 11

• Provide:

• Your 13-digit ID number
• Application reference (if available)
• Clear explanation of your issue

While receiving an “approved” status is a positive step, it doesn’t always guarantee immediate payment.
Delays can occur due to incorrect information, verification issues, system backlogs, or banking problems.

❓ Why is there no payment date despite approval?

Your bank account might still be under verification, or there’s a delay in the payment batch.

❓ How long does it take to receive payment after approval?

Normally 7–14 days, but this can vary based on your payment method and banking verification.

❓ Can I change my payment method after approval?

Yes. Use the SRD portal to update your payment option bank account is the most reliable.

❓ What should I do if my application is declined?

Lodge an appeal via the DSD Appeals Portal with valid motivation and documents.