With more than 16 million South Africans depending on the SASSA Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant in 2025, even the smallest mistake can result in delayed payments or outright rejection. As demand grows amid economic strain, getting every step right—from initial application to appeal—has never been more critical.
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Here are the 11 most common SRD errors and how to fix them:
1. “System error” during application
- Cause: Temporary technical issues like high traffic, server maintenance, or network problems.
- Fix:
- Wait 30 minutes to 1 hour, then retry.
- Clear your browser’s cache and cookies.
- Use a different browser or device.
- Try again during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening).
- It the error persists, visit https://srd.sassa.gov.za for assistance.
2. “ID number already in use”
- Cause: If you haven’t applied before, this may indicate fraud. It can also occur due to a duplicate application.
- Fix:
- Check if you’ve already applied.
- If not, perform a status check.
- Suspect identity fraud? Call the SASSA fraud hotline: 0800 701 701.
3. “Invalid banking details”
- Cause: Incorrect or mismatched banking details can trigger verification checks, slowing down the process. Even if you were approved, SASSA would still need to verify that the banking match to initiate payment.
- Fix:
- Verify account number, branch code, and bank name.
- Ensure your bank account is in your name and active.
- Try another payment method like Postbank or Cash Send.
- Update your banking details via the SRD website.
4. “Identity verification failed”
- Cause: Main reason ID verification is done, according to SASSA, is to ensure the bank account belongs to the beneficiary who has been approved for payment. As mandated by law, SASSA also source applicant’s personal details – like name, ID number, etc – from a variety of other state agencies and financial institutions in order to verify the applicant’s eligibility for the grant. If there’s even a slight mismatch, the verification may fail.
- Fix:
- Double-check your ID number and name (spacing and hyphens matter).
- Ensure Home Affairs records are updated if you’ve changed your name.
- Visit your nearest SASSA office with your ID.
5. “ID number not found” in Status Check
- Cause: Your ID may not be synced with the SASSA system yet, or it’s invalid/expired. It may also be due to the server issues at the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).
- Fix:
- Confirm your ID is 13 digits and correct.
- If newly submitted, wait 24–48 hours before checking again.
- Try alternate methods like the SASSA’s official WhatsApp: 0820468553 — use it for real-time assistance with the agency personnel.
6. “Service unavailable” or website timeout
- Cause: it may be due to a busy SASSA website traffic, technical issues, scheduled maintenance, or worse still cybersecurity threats. In that case, SASSA may need to temporarily shut down the website to address these concerns.
- Fix:
- Try again during off-peak hours (4am–7am).
- Clear cache/cookies or switch devices.
- Use WhatsApp or USSD / *120*3210# channels
7. “Pending bank verification” Status
- Cause: Incomplete or incorrect personal details. Other times, it may be due to a large volume of applications, leading to processing delays.
- Fix:
- Wait 3–7 business days.
- Ensure your account is active.
- If it persists beyond 14 days, update your banking details info.
8. “Payment failed” or “bank not verified”
- Cause: Closed/inactive bank accounts or mismatched OF
- Fix:
- Verify account matches your ID.
- Contact your bank for confirmation.
- Switch to a SASSA/Postbank account of necessary.
- File an appeal with the Independent Tribunal if unresolved.
- Note: The appeal outcome will be communicated within 60–90 days.
9. “Appeal period expired”
- Cause: SASSA sets specific appeal periods for different types of grants. Each grant has a set window—typically 30 to 90 days.
- Fix:
- Late appeals are not accepted.
- Reapply in the next application cycle.
- Set calendar reminders and apply early.
10. “Appeal already submitted” or upload errors.
Cause: Only one appeal per cycle is allowed; upload failures are often due to file issues.
- Fix:
- Confirm your appeal status online.
For upload errors:
Keep files under 2MB.
Use PDF or JPG/PNG formats.
Try a different browser/device.
Visit a SASSA office if needed.
11. Income or Biometric Errors
- Cause: Overestimated income or skipped facial verification. In simple terms, it indicate that there are inconsistencies in your application details. Identity theft checks may also trigger this.
- Fix:
- Ensure declared income is below the R624/month threshold.
- Complete SASSA’s eKYC with a stable connection and good lighting.
- If unresolved, appeal with supporting documentation at your local SASSA office.
ALSO READ: SASSA SRD Grant April 2025/26 application: 4 costly mistakes to avoid
How to reapply successfully
- Visit the official SRD website to reapply.
- Check that all personal details, income info, and documents are correct.
- Save your reference number after applying.
- Monitor your status check.
Despite growing pressure for in-person application options, SRD remains an online-only process. A recent court ruling by the Institute for Economic Justice calls for in-person alternatives, but SASSA has not implemented changes yet. Read more on this in our Budget 2025 summary.
Need Help? Contact SASSA Directly:
- Toll-Free Call Centre: 0800 60 10 11
- WhatsApp: 082 046 8553
- Email: grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za
- Social Media: @OfficialSASSA
- Visit: Your nearest SASSA office with your ID and any supporting documents
For more essential updates on SASSA, grants, and social support: Visit NOWinSA.co.za – Stories Shaping South Africa Today
