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 Change SASSA R350 Phone Number

How to Change SASSA R350 Phone Number

SASSA has made it possible to change your SRD R350 grant phone number so you can benefit from their services as a South African. Here's how.

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.

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.

No Featured Image

How Do I Apply For SASSA Asylum Seekers?

Asylum seekers can get financial aid. Find out if you qualify for SASSA SRD and how to apply for SASSA asylum seekers and the benefits available to you.

How Do I Recover My Cancelled R350 Application?

How Do I Recover My Cancelled R350 Application?

We will look at how an applicant can recover the cancelled R350 application and all other issues relating to the cancellation of the SASSA R350.

How to Check Balance On SASSA Card

How to Check Balance On SASSA Card

You can check your SASSA Card balance via USSD without airtime, WhatsApp, Easypay, or the official SASSA website.

‘Alternative Income Source Identified’ What Does It Mean?

‘Alternative Income Source Identified’ What Does It Mean?

This article explains what the SASSA status “Alternative income source identified” means.  

How Do I Appeal To SASSA R350 Grant

How Do I Appeal To SASSA R350 Grant

You can check your status for more information. Should your application be unsuccessful, kindly note you can submit an appeal.

How To Write An Affidavit For SASSA Child Grant

How To Write An Affidavit For SASSA Child Grant

How To Write An Affidavit For SASSA Child Grant. Here’s everything you should know about writing affidavits for the SASSA child grant.

How Much Is the SASSA Grant Money?

How Much Is the SASSA Grant Money?

This article covers the details of these increases, including the amount per grant, payment dates, and more. How Much Is the SASSA Grant Money

How to Check SASSA Status On the Moya App

How to Check SASSA Status On the Moya App

You can check the status of your SASSA account by either using the Moya app or getting in touch with SASSA directly.

How to Block A Lost SASSA Card

How to Block A Lost SASSA Card

How to Block A Lost SASSA Card. This article explains the steps you should take to block a lost SASSA card. 

How Do I Apply For R350 Grant?

How Do I Apply For R350 Grant?

SASSA Status Check: How to Check the Status of your SRD Grant

SASSA Status Check: How to Check the Status of your SRD Grant

SASSA Status Check: This write-up will elaborate on checking the status of you and other pertinent details

Why Is SRD Approved for One Month And Not the Other?

Why Is SRD Approved for One Month And Not the Other?

Why Is SRD Approved for One Month? This article explains everything you want to know about issues that can affect grant approval.