Why Was Your SASSA Grant Declined Due to “Alternative Income Source Identified”?
If your SASSA SRD R350 grant was declined with the reason “Alternative Income Source Identified,” you’re not alone. Many applicants receive this message, often without understanding why.
This guide will explain:
✅ What “Alternative Income Source Identified” means
✅ How SASSA checks for other income sources
✅ How to appeal if your grant was wrongly declined
✅ Common reasons for declined SASSA grants & how to fix them
📌 Quick Answer: If SASSA has identified money going into your bank account, they may assume you have another income source, making you ineligible for the R350 SRD grant. However, you can appeal the decision if you believe it was made in error.
1. What Does “Alternative Income Source Identified” Mean?
When SASSA reviews SRD R350 grant applications, they check if applicants have other sources of income.
If SASSA detects deposits of R624 or more per month into your bank account, they assume you have another income source and decline your application.
📌 This does NOT mean you have a formal job – it just means money was deposited into your account.
How SASSA Checks for Alternative Income
SASSA uses bank verification systems to track:
✔️ Deposits made into your registered bank account.
✔️ Incoming payments from jobs, family, or other sources.
✔️ Whether you receive money from another government benefit (e.g., UIF).
2. Common Reasons for SASSA Declining Due to Alternative Income Source
Your SASSA grant may be declined for the following reasons:
| Reason | Explanation | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| You received R624+ in deposits | If your bank account had a deposit of R624 or more, SASSA assumes you have another income source. | If the money was temporary support (not a salary), you can appeal. |
| You received UIF payments | If you claimed Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) benefits recently, SASSA may assume you’re earning an income. | Check your UIF status at www.ufiling.co.za and appeal if you’re no longer receiving it. |
| A family member sent money | If someone deposited money into your bank account (even as a gift), SASSA might assume it’s a stable income. | Explain in your appeal that it was once-off support. |
| Your bank details were linked to someone else’s account | If your bank account is used for another person’s transactions, SASSA may detect it as “income.” | Make sure your SASSA bank details are correct. |
📌 Important: If your grant was declined incorrectly, you can appeal!
3. How to Appeal a SASSA Declined Grant (Step-by-Step Guide)
If you believe your SASSA grant was unfairly declined, you can submit an appeal within 30 days of receiving the rejection notice.
📌 How to Appeal Your SASSA Declined Grant Online
1️⃣ Go to the SASSA Appeals Website:
🌐 https://srd.sassa.gov.za/appeals
2️⃣ Enter your South African ID number & registered cellphone number.
3️⃣ Click “Submit” and select the month you are appealing for.
4️⃣ Choose the reason for your appeal (e.g., No Alternative Income, UIF stopped, etc.).
5️⃣ Submit your appeal and wait for SASSA to review it.
📞 How to Appeal SASSA Decline via Phone
✅ Call SASSA: 0800 60 10 11
✅ Ask to appeal your declined grant.
✅ Provide your ID number & reason for appeal.
📌 Processing Time: Appeals usually take 30-60 days to be reviewed.
4. How to Avoid “Alternative Income Source Identified” Issues in the Future
To prevent your SASSA grant from being declined again, follow these tips:
✔️ Avoid receiving R624 or more in your bank account if possible.
✔️ Use a different account (like a relative’s) for one-time deposits.
✔️ If someone is sending you money, let them send it in cash instead of your bank account.
✔️ If you’re no longer receiving UIF, update your UIF status on https://www.ufiling.co.za.
📌 Remember: SASSA only approves the SRD R350 grant for people with no alternative income.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Why was my SASSA SRD grant declined due to alternative income?
SASSA detected deposits of R624 or more in your bank account, which they classify as alternative income.
❓ Can I still receive the SASSA R350 grant if someone deposits money in my account?
🚨 Maybe not. If the deposit is R624 or more, SASSA may decline your grant.
❓ How do I check my SASSA status?
✅ Go to https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status and enter your ID number.
❓ How long does the SASSA appeal process take?
⌛ 30 to 60 days, depending on the case.
❓ Can I reapply if my appeal is rejected?
✅ Yes! If your appeal fails, you can reapply for the next payment cycle.
How to Fix Your SASSA Grant Decline Due to “Alternative Income Source Identified”
If your SASSA SRD R350 grant was declined due to “Alternative Income Source Identified,” don’t panic!
🔹 Check your bank deposits to see if any incoming money caused the rejection.
🔹 Submit an appeal on the SASSA website if the decline was incorrect.
🔹 Avoid receiving R624+ deposits in your account to prevent future declines.
📞 Need Help? Contact SASSA:
✅ SASSA Helpline: 0800 60 10 11
✅ SASSA Website: https://srd.sassa.gov.za
✅ Appeals Portal: https://srd.sassa.gov.za/appeals
🚀 Was this guide helpful? Share it with other SASSA beneficiaries!
Read More
📌 🔗 SASSA Grant Enquiries – How to appeal if your SASSA grant is affected.
📌 🔗 SASSA OTP Withdrawal Online – Can flagged income sources impact cardless withdrawals?
📌 🔗 SASSA Card Renewal – What to do if alternative income affects your card renewal.
📌 🔗 SASSA Funeral Policy – How an alternative income source affects funeral benefits.
📌 🔗 Easypay Loans SASSA – Does taking a loan affect your SASSA eligibility?
📌 🔗 SASSA Payment Methods – How flagged income sources impact your payment options.
📌 🔗 SASSA in Full – What SASSA stands for and its role in financial aid.
