SASSA Status Check Failed in 2024? Step by Step Guide

Seeing the words “Failed” next to your SASSA grant application status can be really disheartening. You were counting on that money from the South African Social Security Agency to help pay for basic living expenses. But don’t panic just yet! There are some common reasons why this happens, and steps you can take to get your application approved.

In this guide, we’ll explain the top three causes for a failed SASSA status. We’ll then walk through exactly what you need to do to fix each issue, so you can get access to the crucial grant money you qualify for.

What are the 3 Main Reasons for a Failed SASSA Status?

There are a few key reasons why your SASSA grant status might show as failed after submitting an application:

1. Incorrect or incomplete personal details
2. Missing information or documents
3. Technical glitches with SASSA’s systems

Let’s take a closer look at each of these reasons, and how to resolve them properly.

Reason 1: Incorrect Personal Details

The most common reason for a failed SASSA status is providing incorrect personal details when submitting your application. SASSA uses this information to verify your identity in their databases.

Specifically, they need:

• Your 13-digit SA ID number
• Your cellphone number
• Your full name exactly as it appears on your ID
• Your grant reference number (if you applied before)

Even a tiny mistake like a single digit being wrong can cause big problems. SASSA’s system will be unable to verify your identity against the Department of Home Affairs records. This will lead to an “Identity Verification Failed“ message when you check your application status.

How to Fix Incorrect Personal Details?

To fix this, you’ll need to update your personal details through the SASSA online portal. Here are the steps:

1. Visit srd.sassa.gov.za and click “Application Status”
2. Enter the ID number and phone number you used to apply
3. Click “Verify OTP” and enter the one-time PIN sent to your phone
4. Your application details will load – review each field carefully
5. Correct any typos or errors in your ID number, name, number etc
6. Resubmit the form with the right personal information

Double and triple check that you have entered every single detail 100% accurately before resubmitting. Even the smallest mistake can derail your application again.

Reason 2: Incomplete Application

Another major cause of failed SASSA status is an incomplete application that’s missing key information or documentation. All the necessary fields must be filled out in full, and you need to provide supporting documents like:

• Copy of your green ID book or smart card
• Proof of residential address
• Bank statements
• Affidavits or life certificates if required

If any part of your application is incomplete or lacks documents, SASSA won’t have enough information to process and approve your grant. So the status will show as failed when you try to check it.

How to Fix SASSA Incomplete Application?

Fixing an incomplete application is similar to fixing personal details:

1. Log into srd.sassa.gov.za
2. Verify your ID/phone to get access to your application
3. Go through each section slowly, reading all instructions
4. Fill in any incomplete fields with the correct information
5. Upload or attach any missing supporting documents
6. Review everything carefully before resubmitting

Treat this as submitting a brand new application. Read each question fully and provide all details asked for, including documents. Don’t leave any sections blank!

Reason 3: Technical Errors

In some cases, seeing a failed SASSA status has nothing to do with your application itself. Sometimes there are simply technical glitches happening with SASSA’s online systems that cause errors.

This could be temporary issues with their website, failed database connections, or scheduled maintenance windows where the system goes offline. During these periods, any grant applications or status checks you try may show as failed.

How to Fix SASSA Technical Errors?

If you suspect this is the reason, the first thing to do is wait a while and then try checking your status again later that day. Most technical issues on SASSA’s side are resolved within several hours.

However, if the problem persists for more than 12-24 hours, then it’s a good idea to contact the SASSA toll-free helpline at 0800 60 10 11. The support staff can investigate what technical issues may be occurring, and advice you on next steps.

They may ask you to visit your nearest SASSA office during SASSA working hours to resolve the issue in person if it’s an ongoing technical problem.

What If Your Application Was Rejected?

Okay, so you’ve updated all your personal information to be 100% correct. You’ve gone through your application with a fine comb to ensure it’s complete. And you’ve allowed sufficient time in case it was just a temporary technical glitch.

But after all that, your SASSA Grant status is still showing as failed. This probably means that for whatever reason, your application has been rejected by SASSA after reviewing.

Don’t lose hope though! SASSA provides an appeals process that allows you to challenge their decision on your grant application rejection.

According to the regulations, you have 30 days from the date of rejection to submit an appeal. This applies to any SASSA grant, including:

• Older Person’s Grant
• Disability Grant
• Child Support Grant
• Foster Child Grant
• Care Dependency Grant
• Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant

Here are the steps to appeal a rejected SASSA grant application:

1. Visit the SASSA appeals website at https://srd.sassa.gov.za/appeals/appeal
2. Enter your 13-digit SA ID number and phone number
3. Click “Send PIN” and enter the one-time PIN sent to your phone
4. On the appeals form, explain in writing why you disagree with the rejection
5. Attach any additional supporting documents that justify your appeal
6. Complete and submit the form

Make sure to appeal within that 30-day window. Appeals submitted after this period will likely be denied automatically.

After submitting your appeal, be patient. SASSA has up to 90 days to review appeals and make a decision, though most are processed faster.

During this time, it’s a good idea to keep checking your application status regularly through the SASSA website or helpline. You should also monitor your phone for any calls or messages from SASSA regarding your appeal.

If you don’t receive any update after 90 days, you can contact the SASSA helpline again on 0800 60 10 11. Request an update on the status of your appeal directly.

You also have the option of visiting your nearest SASSA office in person. Simply tell them you are following up on a grant appeal submitted on X date, using your ID number as reference. The office staff can investigate the matter further.

The Key Takeaways

As you can see, having your SASSA status show as “Failed” isn’t the end of the world. By following the proper steps, you can resolve most common issues like:

• Correcting any incorrect personal details
• Completing any missing parts of your application
• Waiting out any technical glitches on SASSA’s side
• Appealing if your application was rejected

The most crucial things are:

• Being extremely careful to provide 100% accurate personal information
• Ensuring you complete every single part of the application fully
• Providing all required supporting documentation
• Acting quickly to update, resubmit, or appeal within the stipulated windows

Crossing your t’s and dotting your i’s when it comes to details will go a long way to getting your grant approved quickly. SASSA has to verify identities and eligibility properly, so mistakes will lead to application failures.

If you run into any roadblocks along the way, don’t hesitate to call the SASSA helpline on 0800 60 10 11 for assistance from the staff. Or you can visit your nearest SASSA office during working hours.

By following this guide step-by-step and not giving up, you’ll be able to successfully resolve any “Failed” SASSA grant status. The outcome will be getting access to the grant money designed to provide social relief.

Remember, this vital financial support exists to help South African citizens meet their basic needs during times of vulnerability. Don’t get discouraged – persist through any application setbacks, and you’ll get the help you’re entitled to.