The R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant has become an essential form of support for millions of South Africans struggling to make ends meet. If you’ve applied for the grant, you may have come across different statuses when checking your application. One of the very first statuses you’ll encounter is the ‘Active’ R350 Grant Application Status. Understanding what this status means can help you stay informed and prepared for the next steps.
What Does ‘Active’ R350 Grant Application Status Mean?
When you see the ‘Active’ R350 Grant Application Status, it means that your application has been successfully submitted to SASSA and is now being processed. This is the first stage of your application process, indicating that your application is now live in the system.
At this point, there’s no need to take any additional action. SASSA is reviewing your information to ensure that you meet the qualifications for the R350 SRD grant. The ‘Active’ status does not yet indicate approval or rejection, only that your details have been received and are being worked on.
What Happens After ‘Active’ Status?
After your R350 grant application shows as ‘Active’, the next status you’ll likely encounter is ‘Pending’.
Understanding ‘Pending’ Status
When your application status shows as ‘Pending’, it means that SASSA is still in the process of reviewing your application. This involves checking your personal information to ensure that it meets the criteria set for the SRD grant. SASSA verifies details such as whether you are unemployed, whether you are receiving any other government support, and whether your income level qualifies you for the grant.
During this stage, your application is still under evaluation, and no payment has been scheduled yet. Processing times can vary depending on the number of applications being handled, so you may need to wait a while before your status updates again.
What Should You Do While Your Application is ‘Pending’?
When your R350 grant application status is ‘Pending,’ it’s a good idea to check back regularly. SASSA encourages applicants to stay informed by visiting the SRD website or using the SASSA WhatsApp line to track their application progress. Monitoring your application status ensures that you catch any issues early on and address them promptly if necessary.
What Happens When Your R350 Grant Application is Approved?
Once SASSA completes the review of your application, your status will change from ‘Pending’ to ‘Approved’. This means that you have been deemed eligible for the R350 SRD grant. At this stage, SASSA will request your banking details or provide instructions for alternative payment methods.
It’s important to ensure that the banking details you submit are accurate. If you do not have a bank account, you can choose other payment methods, such as receiving your grant via the Post Office or at select retail stores like Shoprite, Pick n Pay, or Boxer.
Regularly Check for Payment Dates
Once your R350 grant application status changes to ‘Approved,’ SASSA will inform you of the payment dates. For example, in May 2022, payment dates were released ahead of time so beneficiaries could know when to expect their funds. Keeping an eye on these dates helps you plan when to collect or receive your grant money.
How to Check Your R350 Grant Application Status
You can check your R350 grant application status in several ways:
- Online: Visit the SASSA SRD grant portal at https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status.
- WhatsApp: Send “Hi” to SASSA’s WhatsApp number 082 046 8553, then follow the prompts.
- Call Center: Dial the SASSA toll-free number at 0800 60 10 11 for updates or inquiries regarding your application status.
What Causes Delays in Grant Approval?
While SASSA strives to process all applications promptly, there are times when delays occur. Some common reasons for delays include:
- Incomplete Information: If your application is missing details or contains incorrect information, it could cause a delay.
- Verification Process: SASSA cross-checks your information with other government systems, such as the Department of Home Affairs and UIF. If discrepancies arise, it may take time to resolve them.
- High Volume of Applications: Since millions of South Africans apply for the SRD grant, the sheer number of applications can slow down the process.
If your application remains in ‘Pending’ status for an extended period, consider contacting SASSA to inquire about the delay or review the information you submitted to ensure it’s correct.
Read More: 3 Easy Ways to Collect Your SASSA SRD Grant Without a Bank Account (Fast and Simple)
What to Do If Your R350 Grant Application is Rejected?
If your R350 grant application status shows as ‘Rejected,’ SASSA will provide a reason for the rejection. However, you are allowed to appeal the decision if you believe you meet the eligibility criteria. The appeal process is straightforward and can be completed online through the SRD portal or via the SASSA WhatsApp line.
When filing an appeal, make sure you carefully review the reason for rejection and provide any missing or additional information that might support your claim.
The ‘Active’ R350 Grant Application Status is the first indicator that your application has been received by SASSA and is being processed. After this, you can expect the status to change to ‘Pending’ as SASSA reviews your details. Once your application is approved, SASSA will request your banking information or provide alternative payment options. It’s important to stay informed by regularly checking your application status through the available online and mobile channels.
The R350 SRD grant is a vital lifeline for many South Africans, so keeping track of your application status is crucial to ensuring that you receive the financial support you need during these challenging times.
