SASSA Referred Status: Complete Guide for Quickly Approval
Seeing the message “SASSA Referred Status” may leave you confused about your application. This can leave you feeling a bit uncertain has your application been approved, denied, or simply placed on hold? Here’s some good news: a SASSA Referred Status doesn’t always mean rejection.
Through personal experience and thorough research, I’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to understanding SASSA Referred Status. We’ll explore the common reasons why applications get flagged for review, provide clear steps on how to handle this status effectively, and ultimately help you achieve clarity on your SASSA application journey.
SASSA Referred Status Meaning
SASSA referrals typically mean that the SASSA authentication team has held your application for further authentication and verification of your details. This period normally lasts for 90 days, sometimes more.
During this time period, the SASSA team ensures your details and your financial status to check whether you are actually a deserving person for the specific grant. In this time frame, SASSA may check your other dealings with organizations like SASSA or financial schemes.
They also check your national assets and taxation details in the documentation of other government bodies to check your other income sources or businesses from which you are receiving any income. It’s very similar to the SASSA means test, which they conduct for verification.
SASSA referred status doesn’t necessarily mean rejection, but rather indicates your application has been flagged for further review. This review could be triggered by several factors, each with its implications. Here are some of the common reasons you might encounter this status:
Quality Assurance (Random Verification)
SASSA takes fraud prevention and responsible allocation of funds seriously. Therefore, they might randomly select applications for internal verification. Take it as a troubleshooting mechanism, which guarantees the validity of the information provided. While doing this, SASSA employees carefully match up your application with the agency’s records to validate the provided details.
Data Discrepancies
It could happen that the data that you provided on your application does not tally with the facts they have on their records. It could be any simple error such as a misspelling of the ID number to a mismatch in the address. While not a major issue, these discrepancies trigger a “Referred” status for further verification to ensure everything aligns.
Missing Information or Documents
The application process, by nature, is often exhausting, and it’s easy to miss a section or neglect to attach a requested document without realizing it. Sometimes, your personal information or ID card details may match other government aid databases (such as UIF, NSFAS, or SARS). If you are already receiving support from the government through another program, your application might be flagged as “referred.”
Backlogs or Technical Glitches
While less common, the “Referred” status might be a consequence of temporary technical issues within the SASSA system. This doesn’t necessarily require any action from you, but if the status persists for an extended period (more than a week or two), contacting SASSA for clarification could be helpful.
Duplicate Applications
Submitting multiple applications for the same grant can trigger a “Referred” status. SASSA only considers one application per person. Avoid duplicate submissions as they can delay the processing time.
Possible Reasons for SASSA Referred
When SASSA is holding your application for further processing, it doesn’t always mean that you did something wrong. Due to the large number of applicants, SASSA sometimes encounters duplication of details in their database, which can cause delays.
In case you did something wrong, there is no need to worry about it; SASSA will notify you about the problem within approximately 90 days. Let’s look at some possible reasons why you are facing a referred status.
Fraud Activity Suspected or SAFPS Record
On the other hand, if SASSA suspects any fraudulent activity connected to the applicant ID number or turns on the red light of the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS), the applicant is referred to detect early warning signs. If you have dealt with no fraudulent activities, cooperate with SASSA and provide any urgent requirement documentation to clear your name.
Mistake in Changing Banking Details
A mismatch between the new bank details you provided and SASSA’s records could result in a “Referred” status for verification. Double-check your banking information before applying or updating to ensure accuracy.
Renewing or Applying for a New SASSA Card
Updating an expired SASSA card or fresh application can result in your account showing a temporary status as “Referred” as SASSA confirms and verifies your particulars. This is usually a part of the standard procedure and shouldn’t be something to worry about. Also, check the How to Claim SASSA Funeral Benefits.
How to Solve the SASSA Referred Status?
In most cases, SASSA will contact you directly if they need additional information for verification. Allow them sufficient time to complete their review process.
Gather Documents
Have all required documents like your ID, proof of address, bank statements, or any other documents you might have submitted readily available. This will expedite the process if SASSA requests them.
Contact SASSA (if needed)
If a week plus has gone by without any notifications issued, then I suggest you contact SASSA to get this resolved.
- Contact the SASSA national office on their toll-free center at 0800 69 10 11.
- Go to the SASSA office near to you in person.
Appeals and Reconsiderations
There is an option to appeal for application reconsideration.
Can I Call a Helpline to Ask More Questions?
For SASSA-related queries, reach out through the following channels:
By Phone
Dial the helpline number 0800 60 10 11 to contact the National SASSA help center.
SASSA Regional Office Numbers
- Eastern Cape: 043 707 6335
- Free State: 051 410 8339
- Gauteng: 011 241 8320
- KwaZulu Natal: 033 846 3400
- Limpopo: 015 291 7505
- Mpumalanga: 013 754 9462
- Northern Cape: 053 802 4900
- North West: 018 397 3333
- Western Cape: 021 469 0235
By Email
- For general grant inquiries, payment, and card queries, email grantenquiries@sassa.gov.za.
- If you have specific questions about the SRD Social Relief grant, use srd@sassa.gov.za.
- To securely report any social grant fraud, email reportfraud@sassa.gov.za.
- For non-grant-related questions, comments, or complaints, use complaints@sassa.gov.za. Remember to include your full name, ID number, contact details, and comprehensive case details in the email.
Via Website
Visit the SASSA website and click on “Contact Us” to access additional options.
FAQS:
How do I check my SASSA 350 payment date?
Visit srd.sassa.gov.za and enter your ID number and application reference, call the SASSA hotline at 0800 60 10 11, or check your balance through the Moya app or by dialing 1203210# or 12069277#.
What is referred to as SAFPS?
“Referred SAFPS” likely indicates your SASSA application triggered a check with the South African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS). SAFPS investigates potential fraud. If flagged, SASSA might need more verification or suspect past fraudulent activity with your ID.
When will my referred status ever change to approved, and be paid?
Unfortunately, “referred” doesn’t guarantee approval or a timeframe. Contact SASSA to understand the reason for the referral. Approval can take weeks after resolving the issue.
What should I do if my application is referred?
If your application is referred, you should follow the instructions provided by SASSA. This may include submitting additional documents or attending an interview to clarify any discrepancies.
Conclusion
By equipping yourself with this knowledge, you’ve taken a significant step towards navigating the complexities of a “Referred” SASSA application status. Remember, a calm and proactive approach, coupled with the right information, can significantly improve your chances of a swift and positive outcome.
Don’t hesitate to utilize the resources provided – the SASSA hotline and local offices are there to assist you. With a little persistence and the understanding gained from this guide, you can move closer to resolving your “Referred” status and securing the SASSA grant you deserve.
