Seeing the status “Referred SAFPS” when you apply for South Africa’s special COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant can be worrisome. But understanding what this obscure status code means—and knowing how to appeal it—can help get your critical grant approved.
SAFPS stands for South Africa’s Fraud Prevention Service division. When reviewing applications for emergency SRD grants in 2024, South Africa’s Social Security Agency (SASSA) screens applicants through the SAFPS criminal database.
If your ID number or phone details match any history of grant fraud, the SAFPS system automatically flags your status as “Referred Sapfs” and application gets rejected. This means SASSA suspects you of previous social grant lying or abuse. So more fraud investigation is required before approving your application.
Why You Might be Flagged Inaccurately?
Frustratingly, many SRD applicants get flagged by SAFPS in error. Situations where you might be inaccurately referred include:
ID typo: A simple number error in your ID triggers a false match in the SAFPS system.
Partial name match: Your name partially matches another fraudster’s listed name.
Mobile number reuse: If a previous holder of your mobile number committed grant fraud, the connection to that outdated record causes an incorrect flag.
Proving Your Innocence to SASSA
If SASSA denies your SRD application citing a Referred SAFPS status—and you know this fraud flag is a mistake—you must appeal the decision to restore approval.
Gather convincing evidence of your grant eligibility according to SASSA’s published guidelines, including:
Recent bank statements and payslips
Certified copies of your ID, proof of residence, marriage certificate if relevant
Sworn affidavits from community members confirming your eligibility
Submit your full appeal via SASSA’s online SRD portal within 30 days of rejection. Explain in detail why you deserve reconsideration and cannot resolve financial distress without the special COVID grant.
Follow up persistently via calls and visits until you receive a reconsideration outcome. With truthful evidence confirming your innocence, SASSA can manually override the inaccurate system flag.
Avoid Grant Fraud
While unfair accusations cause understandable anger and stress, the SAFPS system does crucially stop many real SRD scams. Protect South Africa by always providing accurate life details when applying for grant support.
If discovered committing intentional lies or identity fraud to illegally claim grants, you risk:
Over R40,000 in fines
Up to 10 years imprisonment
Permanent blacklisting from all future grants
Check Status Regularly
After appealing an inaccurate Referred SAFPS status when applying for South Africa’s 2024 SRD grant:
Check your appeal status weekly through the SASSA login portal
Submit any further documents requested promptly
Follow up again after 6 weeks if still stuck pending
Notify SASSA immediately if your employment status changes
Stay persistent and informed until your rightful special grant is rightly restored.
I’m Anele Zulu, a South African social worker dedicated to serving my country’s most vulnerable. With my degree and field expertise, I empower underprivileged communities through compassionate support and tireless advocacy on this website. My goal is simplifying access to services so families can uplift themselves
