Many beneficiaries of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant find themselves in a frustrating situation: their application status for previous months in 2022, 2023, and even 2024 shows as "approved," but no payment dates are reflected. 

This has left many wondering if they will ever receive these much-needed funds. This article delves into the common reasons behind this issue and offers expert advice on what steps to take, if you continue to perform SRD Status Check and you see no change whatsoever, this is all the information you need.

Why Your SRD Grant Has No Pay Date Despite Approval

It is crucial to understand that SASSA's approval process is not a one-time event. Eligibility for the R350 SRD grant is re-evaluated every single month. An "approved" status for a specific month simply means you met the criteria at that point in time. The lack of a pay date indicates a subsequent problem in the final verification and payment-processing stage.

Here are the most common reasons this happens:

  • Failed Monthly Means Test: After an initial approval, SASSA cross-references your details with data from other government departments and financial institutions, like the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and major banks. If this monthly check detects any incoming funds into your bank account that exceed the income threshold for that specific month, your grant payment for that month will be halted, even with an "approved" status.

  • Incorrect or Outdated Banking Details: This remains a primary obstacle. If you have changed your bank account, closed it, or provided incorrect details initially, SASSA has no valid destination for the funds. The payment cannot be processed and will remain pending until you update your information. SASSA will not pay grants into a third-party account; the bank account must be in the applicant's name.

  • Failed Bank Account Verification: Your bank account must be successfully verified by SASSA. This process, known as "validation," confirms that the account is active, legitimate, and registered in your name. If there is a name mismatch (e.g., using a nickname instead of your full government name) or if the account is dormant, the verification will fail, and no pay date will be assigned.

  • Issues with the "Cash Send" Option: Beneficiaries who chose the "Cash Send" or mobile money transfer option often face delays. This method requires a stringent verification process to link your ID number conclusively with your registered cell phone number. If this verification fails for any reason, or if the number is registered to someone else, the payment will be blocked. SASSA has consistently advised beneficiaries to switch to a personal bank account for more reliable payments.

  • System Backlogs and Administrative Delays: Given that SASSA processes millions of applications and payments monthly, administrative backlogs are inevitable. Your payment might be approved and simply be sitting in a queue awaiting final processing and disbursement.

Expert Insight: What Should You Do?

If you find yourself in this situation, it is essential to be proactive. The responsibility falls on the applicant to ensure all information provided to SASSA is current and accurate. Simply waiting is often not enough.

Here are actionable steps you can take:

  • Verify and Update Your Details Immediately: The first and most critical step is to visit the official SASSA SRD website (srd.sassa.gov.za). Carefully review your personal details and, most importantly, your banking information. If anything is incorrect or outdated, use the online portal to submit the correct details.

  • Switch from "Cash Send" to a Bank Account: If you have been using the "Cash Send" option and experiencing persistent issues, the most effective solution is to provide your own personal bank account details to SASSA via their website. This is the most reliable payment method.

  • Regularly Check Your Status for Each Month: Do not just look at the current month. Go back and check the status for each specific month in 2022, 2023, and 2024 for which you are expecting payment. The portal often provides a reason for non-payment for each period.

  • Appeal Unfair Rejections: If your status for a particular month changed from "approved" to "rejected" and you believe it was in error (for example, if SASSA incorrectly identified income), you have the right to appeal. Appeals must be lodged with the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA), not SASSA, within 90 days of the rejection.

Understanding Unclaimed Grants

It is important to act promptly. In the past, SASSA has set deadlines for beneficiaries to collect unclaimed grants from previous cycles. Funds that are not claimed by the specified deadline are required by law to be returned to the National Treasury. To avoid forfeiting your approved grants, it is vital to resolve any outstanding payment issues as soon as possible.

How to Contact SASSA for Further Assistance

If you have tried all the above steps and your issue remains unresolved, you should contact SASSA directly.

  • SASSA Toll-Free Helpline: 0800 60 10 11

  • SASSA Head Office: 012 400 2322

  • Email for Inquiries: grantenquiries@sassa.gov.za

When you contact them, ensure you have your South African ID number and the cell phone number used for your application ready to provide to the agent.