SASSA "Referred" SRD R370 Grant Status

What a "Referred" SRD R370 Status Implies

When your SASSA SRD R370 application status is updated to "Referred," it means that the standard automated verification processes have encountered a situation that requires more detailed examination by SASSA officials. It is not an outright approval or decline but signals that your application has been set aside for a more in-depth, often manual, review.

This status can occur at various stages of the application or monthly re-verification process. It generally means that there's some complexity, data discrepancy, or potential red flag associated with your application that needs to be investigated further before a final decision on your eligibility for that period can be made. It's a step beyond the routine "Pending" status, indicating a specific point of attention.

Potential Reasons for an SRD R370 Application Being "Referred"

While SASSA may not always provide explicit details for a "Referred" status immediately, common underlying reasons include:

• Data Mismatches Across Multiple Databases: Information provided in your application (e.g., income, employment status, other grant details) might significantly conflict with data SASSA pulls from SARS, DHA, UIF, banks, or other government databases in a way that automated rules cannot resolve.
• Potential Fraud Flags: The system might have flagged your application due to characteristics that are sometimes associated with fraudulent applications. This doesn't mean you have committed fraud, but that certain patterns require a human to review the case. This could be related to checks against the South African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS) database.
• Complex Verification Scenarios: Your specific circumstances might be unusual or complex, not fitting neatly into standard verification pathways (e.g., recently changed citizenship status, intricate financial setups that look like income but might not be).
• Previous History with SASSA: If there were previous unresolved issues, debts, or fraud investigations linked to your ID number with SASSA, your application might be referred for closer scrutiny.
• Incorrect or Inconsistent Information Requiring Clarification: While minor errors might lead to "Identity Verification Failed," more ambiguous inconsistencies might lead to a "Referred" status for deeper checks.
• Errors in Capturing Bank Details that Flag Risk: While often leading to "Bank Verification Failed," sometimes peculiar issues with bank details might flag a risk profile that requires manual review first.
• Random Audits or Quality Checks: SASSA may also randomly select a percentage of applications for more detailed review as part of their quality assurance processes.

Performing a regular SASSA online status review is important to track changes from this status.

What Actions to Take When Your SRD R370 Status is "Referred"

A "Referred" status primarily requires patience, as SASSA needs time for its internal investigation. However, here are some considerations:

1. Allow Sufficient Time for Review: Internal investigations can take time. There isn't a standard fixed timeframe for a "Referred" status, as it depends on the complexity of the issue SASSA is looking into. It could be weeks or sometimes longer.
2. Ensure Your Contact Details are Correct: Double-check that the phone number and any other contact details registered with SASSA are accurate. If SASSA needs to contact you for clarification as part of their review, they will use these details.
3. Monitor Your Status Regularly: Keep checking your SASSA status for SRD R370 online via the official website. The status will eventually change once the review is complete (e.g., to Approved, Declined, or another status requiring action from you).
4. Avoid Unnecessary Reapplications: Unless specifically advised by SASSA, do not reapply while your current application is "Referred," as this can complicate matters. The "Referred" status means SASSA is actively looking at your *current* application.
5. Wait for SASSA to Contact You (If Needed): In some cases, SASSA might contact you directly if they require additional information or documentation to complete their review.
6. Contact SASSA (If Excessively Delayed or Concerned): If your status remains "Referred" for a very prolonged period (e.g., several months) without any update or communication, you may consider contacting the SASSA Toll-Free Call Centre at 0800 60 10 11.
   • Provide your ID number and explain that your status is "Referred" and you're seeking an update or information on whether you need to take any action.
   • Be aware that call centre agents may have limited visibility into the specifics of an internal review but might be able to confirm if the review is still active or provide general timelines.
7. Prepare Supporting Documents (Proactively): While waiting, think about any documents that might help clarify your situation if SASSA does request them (e.g., bank statements if you suspect an income query, proof of unemployment, updated DHA documents if there were identity ambiguities).

The key with a "Referred" status is that an active review is underway. The outcome of this review will determine the next steps for your SRD R370 grant application.