As a SASSA applicant, you need to wait up to 90 days to get an update on your SRD application’s Pending Status. If you see a ‘Bank Details Pending’ status, you must provide your payment information to SASSA. If a reapplication pending status appears, you should opt for reconsideration.

This article will guide you on how to resolve all SASSA pending statuses, the timeframe involved, tips for approval, and reasons for lengthy pending statuses.

How to Fix SASSA Pending Status?

According to SASSA, three types of Pending Status that shows up on your SRD applications: 

1. Bank Details Pending

If you see a ‘Bank Details Pending’ status on your application, it means SASSA received your SRD application or reapplication, but you didn’t provide your bank details. To fix this, go to the SRD website, select 'South African ID Holders,' click on the Menu tab, choose ‘Update Application', enter your ID number and phone number, and add your payment method.

2. Reapplication Pending

When your SRD R370 application is declined, and you haven’t submitted a reapplication, you may see a ‘Reapplication Pending’ status. To resolve this, visit the SASSA reconsideration webpage, enter your 13-digit South African ID number and registered phone number, click on ‘Send Pin,’ enter the OTP, and proceed.

3. Period (i.e. October) Pending

The Period Pending Status means your SRD application for a specific month is under review by SASSA. Applications can become pending for many reasons, such as the verification process and incomplete personal or contact information. To resolve this, you’ll need to wait at least 90 days for an update. 

Complete Process of SASSA Status Check:

To check your application status, use the Status Checker Tool. Here’s a quick step by step guide:

  1. Visit the SASSA Status Checker Tool.

  2. Enter your 13-digit South African ID number and 10-digit registered phone number.

  3. Click the ‘Check Status’ button.

You’ll see your current month’s status. If your grant is approved, a pay date will be displayed. Just a tip: click on ‘Save This Number’ under the ID and phone number tab to avoid re-entering your details each time you check your status throughout the month.

When Will the SASSA Pending Status Be Updated?

If you’re wondering how long does sassa pending take, you should wait at least three months. According to SASSA, applicants can expect an official response within 14 to 90 days. This waiting period is necessary for SASSA to verify your documents and information against government databases and ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria given in the recently amended SRD regulations.

Here’s an overview of the SASSA pending status waiting period in days and months: 

SASSA Pending Status Limit

Waiting Period

Waiting Period (Months)

Minimum

14 Days

Less than a Month

Average

30 Days

1 Month

Maximum

90 Days 

3 Month

How to Get an Approved Status on SRD Application?

To reduce your SASSA Pening period and get your SRD application approved fastly, applicants need to double-check all of these points: 

1. Confirm Your Eligibility

First, confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria and SRD Requirements for the SRD R370 grant. According to SASSA's policy, applicants must:

  1. Be a South African citizen, refugee, asylum seeker, permanent resident, or holder of a special permit.

  2. Be registered on the DHF or SASSA’s Social Grant Database.

  3. Be between 18 and 60 years old.

  4. Not reside in government funded institutions.

  5. Be unemployed or have insufficient income.

  6. Have an income of less than R370 per month.

  7. Not be receiving other social grants.

2. Provide Complete Information

To get your Social Relief Distress (SRD) grant application approved, make sure your provided information is correct. Here’s what you need to include:

  1. 13-digit South African Identity Card Number (or Valid File Number, Passport).

  2. Registered Mobile Number. 

  3. Bank Details (Payment Method).

  4. Appeal Month.

  5. Attached Documents.

  6. Name and Surname.

  7. Home Address.

If you’ve made any errors, you can correct your application details by following the SASSA Reconfirmation method.

3. Give a Valid Phone Number 

It’s crucial to provide your valid 10-digit phone number. The New Amendment Notice mentions that any person who becomes untraceable or doesn’t respond to SASSA’s SMS on the phone will have their applications rejected. 

If you’ve lost your SRD phone number after application submission, you can resolve this by going to SRD contact page, entering your ID card number and phone number, and providing new phone number details. 

4. Submit the Correct Bank Details

As mentioned above, failing to attach your payment method can get you a ‘Bank Details Pending’ status, and can unnecessarily prolong your approval process. Be sure to provide them in your initial application. 

5. Agree to Terms and Conditions

For your SRD application acceptance, You must checkmark the ‘I have read and agree to the Declaration and Consent Documents’ option. 

6. Complete Biometric Verification

You biometric facial verification must be successfully completed when wanting to change your SRD phone number. Unable to confirm your identity can cause long SASSA pending status and application rejection. 

Why is My SASSA Application Still Pending?

Obviously, SASSA verification is a lengthy process that takes a maximum three months to complete. Here are the departments with which SASSA checks your R370 application information:

1. Department of Home Affairs (DHA) 

First, your identity is checked with DHA to ensure you are the resident of South Africa. 

2. South African Revenue Services (SARS)

Next, your financial records, bank statements, and income statements are verified against SARS. 

3. Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF)

SASSA contacts UIF to analyze if you’re receiving any unemployment or insurance benefits.

4. National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)

Your records are matched with NSFAS database to observe if you’re getting any kind of financial aid. 

5. Department of Social Development (DSD)

Your information is checked against DSD to check whether you’re getting any other social grants or not. 

6. National Credit Regulator (NCR)

SASSA also confirm with NCR that you aren’t receiving any credit or loans.

7. Fraud Risk Scoring System

Finally, your details undergo an efficient fraud risk scoring system to detect any scam or fraudulent activities. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. How to Check If Your SRD Grant is Approved?

Generally, SASSA will SMS you on your registered phone number about your application approval. You can also use the Status Checker Tool to find out your pay date.

2. How Can I Fix a Declined Status After My SRD Application Was Pending For So Long?

To fix your SRD Declined Status, applicants must lodge an appeal on the DSD website by entering their ID card and cellphone number details. 

3. Can I Lodge a Complaint Against Long SASSA Pending Status?

You can report long pending status to SASSA team at their toll-free number (+27) 800 60 10 11, contact them on Whatsapp Number, emailing them at , or by visiting their office. 

4. Why My SASSA Status Is Approved, But No Payment Date Is There? 

Typically, if you have changed your banking details or entered the wrong payment details, then you’ll most likely get an approved but no pay date status. Update the details and check again during the month.

5. Should I Simply Wait After My Application Has Been Pending for Over 90 Days?

No, after 90 days of SASSA pending status, you should contact the SASSA team or walk into any nearby SASSA office to get an update on your application. Be sure to check the opening hours of the SASSA offices to avoid any inconvenience.