SASSA R350 Grant: What ‘Referred SAFPS’ Means

By Trev Gami •  Updated: 01/23/24 •  5 min read

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) specifically provides the R350 Social Relief Distress (SRD) to the privileged and those in greatest need. Therefore, SASSA conducts thorough screening of the applicants to ensure that only the individuals who deserve the grant get it. As a result, other SRD grant applicants might be declined, and the reason they get is ‘Referred SAFPS.’  Wondering what this status means? Keep on reading to learn what ‘Referred SAFPS’ means. 

- ADVERTISEMENT -

SASSA R350 Grant What ‘Referred_SAFPS’ Means?

If your SRD grant application is declined and you receive the message Referred_SAFPS, it means you’re considered a risk to SASSA. SAFPS refers to South African Fraud Prevention Services, an organization that investigates fraud cases. Therefore, when you get this message, it means your application went through a Fraud Risk Scoring process, and SAFPS found you have a record of committing fraud.  

Before SASSA approves your R350 grant application, your phone and ID numbers are put through a Fraud Risk Scoring process. If the result shows that you’re a fraud risk, SAFPS will flag you for the fraudulent activity you have committed. For this reason, you’ll receive the ‘Referred_SAFPS’ message.

SASSA also refers grant applications to other databases, such as the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), to ensure that only deserving people receive the SRD grant. Once your details have been flagged, your application for SRD R350 will be declined. Make sure you have a clean record before submitting your application for the SASSA grant. 

How Do I Fix SASSA Referred SAFPS?

In some instances, the Referred SAFPS reason for rejecting your application might not be true. Therefore, it is recommended that you can submit an R350 grant appeal to rectify the issue. When you submit an appeal, it means SASSA will be compelled to review your application. 

If you want to submit an R350 grant appeal, you should do so within 30 days of receiving the ‘Referred_SAFPS’ message. To submit your appeal, follow the steps below. 

The result of your appeal will be communicated to you via SMS. If you want more information about how to fix the Referred SAFPS issue, you can call SASSA on its toll-free number at 0800 601 011. 

What Does Self-Exclusion Response Mean in SASSA Status?

SASSA processes millions of applications, but some fail due to various reasons. If your application is declined and you receive a rejection status with the message “Self Exclusionary Response Found,”

- ADVERTISEMENT -
it means the information you have provided shows that you’re already getting other support funds that exceed R350 per month. Applicants who stay in government facilities do not qualify to get the grant, and they may also receive the same message.  

Applicants should carefully read the declaration and consent forms so they know if they are eligible to get the grant. If you have other sources of income, your application for a SASSA grant may be declined. 

How Do I Remove Myself From Self-Exclusion?

If you feel that the Self-Exclusion response does not reflect your real situation, you can appeal the decision by submitting a reconsideration request. Follow the steps below to submit your request.

Applicants should submit an appeal within 30 days after getting the rejection status to the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA). The tribunal will review your appeal and communicate the outcome via SMS. To get a positive result, you should provide credible documents to support your claim. The tribunal checks all the details, so be sure to avoid the same mistakes that could have contributed to the denial of the grant in the first place. 

When you submit an appeal, you can also track it to check progress. You can do this by visiting the SRD website above and logging in with your details. Choose the option that says track application status

SRD grant is meant for disadvantaged South Africans, and this is why SASSA conducts thorough verification of each applicant. If you were once involved in fraudulent activities, SAFPS will flag your details, and your grant application will be rejected. Additionally, people getting other forms of grants and living in government facilities are not eligible for financial aid. However, applicants have a right to appeal rejections for their grant applications if they feel think they have been unfairly treated.      

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

How To Apply For Jobs at SASSA

How To Apply For Jobs at SASSA

SASSA Status: ‘Self Exclusionary Response Found’ Meaning

SASSA Status: ‘Self Exclusionary Response Found’ Meaning

There are times when applicants trying to access the SASSA SRD grant may receive a status message like "Self Exclusionary Response Found."

How Much Is the SASSA Pension in 2025?

How Much Is the SASSA Pension in 2025?

How Much Is the SASSA Pension. We have created an easy guide to the SASSA Pension in 2024 to help you ensure you get the help you need.

How to Get R350 Grant From Post Office

How to Get R350 Grant From Post Office

In this article, we are going to provide the new findings about your grant at the post office and other related payment issues.

How to Receive Notification Of Payment From SASSA

How to Receive Notification Of Payment From SASSA

If you have received notification Of Payment from SASSA, read carefully and comprehend the information that has been supplied

SASSA R350 Grant Forms: How to Fill the Form for a Successful Application

SASSA R350 Grant Forms: How to Fill the Form for a Successful Application

SASSA R350 Grant Forms: Read on to learn how to fill out the SASSA R350 grant for a successful application.  

How To Apply For Grant-In-Aid Support From SASSA

How To Apply For Grant-In-Aid Support From SASSA

Keep reading this article to learn more about how to apply for a grant in aid support from SASSA.

What Are the Requirements to Qualify for a SASSA Pension?

What Are the Requirements to Qualify for a SASSA Pension?

Requirements to Qualify for a SASSA Pension. Read on to learn the requirements for one to qualify for a SASSA pension.

How to Withdraw SASSA Relief Fund From Absa ATM

How to Withdraw SASSA Relief Fund From Absa ATM

This article explains everything you want to know about withdrawing SASSA relief funds from Absa ATM

How Much is SASSA Grant for Old Age 2025?

How Much is SASSA Grant for Old Age 2025?

We'll also discuss how much is SASSA Grant for Old Ageand, what happens to the grant payments after a recipient's death.

How to Change SRD Contact Details

How to Change SRD Contact Details

Changing your personal information on the SASSA SRD website is done to ensure you get a relief grant with correct and up-to-date information

How to Cancel UIF for R350

How to Cancel UIF for R350

How to Cancel UIF for R350. Has your application for SASSA R350 been declined? Is your SASSA R350 the reason for the decline stating “UIF registered”?

How to Proceed with the ‘Gov Payroll Registered’ SRD Status

How to Proceed with the ‘Gov Payroll Registered’ SRD Status

This article will guide you through the steps of appealing the rejection and explain why your SRD application may be approved but lacking a pay date.

Here’s How to Reinstate Your SASSA SRD Grant

Here’s How to Reinstate Your SASSA SRD Grant

Here's How to Reinstate Your SASSA SRD Grant. In this article, you will learn all about the reinstatement of the SRD grant.

How Long Will SASSA R350 Grant Last?

How Long Will SASSA R350 Grant Last?

In this article, we will look at how long the SASSA R350 last, its continuation, payment duration, and other alternatives to the SASSA grant.