How to Fix a “Self Exclusion” Status by Appealing?

Is your SASSA status showing “Self Exclusionary Response Found” and you don’t know the meaning. There is no need to worry. This means that the information you submitted in your application makes you ineligible for the grant. 

This could be because you might earn more than R350 a month. So it means you earn enough not to need the grant. Also, it could be because you are staying in a government facility like a hospital or a prison. In such cases, SASSA believes you are already receiving support and therefore don’t qualify for this additional grant.

If you don’t have any income or aren’t in a government facility but your application still shows this status, don’t worry. I’ll explain what Self Exclusionary Response Found means, how to avoid it, and how to fix it. And it will help you to get your grant approved.

If your SASSA application status shows Self Exclusionary Response Found, don’t worry. You might have answered “Yes” to one of the following questions on the application form.

• Are you working? / Do you have a job?
• Are you earning more than R350 per month?

Saying “Yes” to any of these questions can make you ineligible for the grant. Because it shows you either have a job or earn above the minimum threshold set by SASSA Means Test. The SASSA SRD grant is specifically designed for individuals who are in urgent need. Those individuals need financial help and have no other sources of income.

Declaration And Consent Form

Before you apply for the grant, make sure to carefully read the Declaration and Consent form. Reading the form helps you to understand all the eligibility criteria. You should only apply for the grant if you truly qualify for the grant.

If you accidentally answered “Yes” on a question where your answer should have been “No,” don’t worry. I’ll show you how to avoid this mistake in the future. I’ll also explain how to correct your answer and how to appeal to get your grant approved.

There are following steps you can follow to avoid the issue of self exclusionary response funds.

Understand the Declaration and Consent Form

Before you start filling out your application, make sure to read the Declaration and Consent form. This document explains who is eligible for the SASSA SRD R350 grant. You should only apply only if you truly fulfil all the requirements it mentions.

Fill Out Your Application Carefully

Take your time when completing your application. Be truthful when answering questions about whether you have a job and how much you earn. If you do not work and your income is below R350 a month, you should answer “No” to those questions.

Be Honest with Your Information

Honesty is important when you fill out your application. If you are employed or if your monthly income exceeds R350, you must mention this. Providing false information can lead to your application being rejected.

Understand the Consequences of Lying

If SASSA knows that you have provided false information, they will immediately reject your application. This could also prevent you from receiving any future government help. Moreover, SASSA has the authority to take legal action against individuals who commit fraud. Make sure you are completely honest to avoid these serious issues.

If you accidentally answered “Yes” on your application but you actually qualify for the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant. There is no need to worry. Below are detailed steps to correct it and file an appeal:

Step 1. Update Your Answers

First, go to the SASSA Services Portal online. Once you’re logged in, change your answers from “Yes” to “No” wherever necessary on the application form. This step is important because it corrects your record before you appeal.

Step 2. File an Appeal with SASSA

To appeal your “Self Exclusion” status, follow these instructions given below:

• Visit the Department of Social Development (DSD) appeals website at https://srd.sassa.gov.za/appeals.

• Click on the click here to lodge an appeal or check appeal status.

• Enter your 13-digit South African ID number and the phone number you registered with. This is necessary to receive a SASSA OTP (One Time PIN).

• Enter the OTP you receive by SMS into the website.

• Choose the month your grant was initially rejected.

• Attach required documents like bank statements from the past six months. Also give proof of residence, and a copy of your ID.

• Clearly mention the reason for your appeal. You might say, I answered ‘Yes’ by mistake on some questions.

• Submit your appeal form.

Step 3: What to Expect After Submitting Your Appeal

• The Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA) will review your appeal. This review can take 60 to 90 days. 

• If ITSAA finds you are eligible, you will start receiving your SRD grant payments. 

• If ITSAA rejects your appeal, you will be notified about why you are ineligible for the grant.

Step 4: Keep Track of Your Appeal

It’s important to regularly check the status of your appeal to stay updated. You will also receive notifications via text message. You will be notified when there is an update or a final decision has been made on your appeal. This helps you stay informed throughout the process.

If you find that your SASSA application has the status “Self Exclusionary Response Found,” don’t worry. This status generally shows that you might not qualify for the grant. The reason behind this can be that you have an income or are receiving other government support. However, mistakes can happen. If you’ve accidentally provided incorrect answers on your application, there are some steps to avoid this.

You can also appeal if you have mistakenly given the wrong information. Update your answers on the SASSA Services Portal, submit the necessary documents. Also provide a clear reason about the situation on the appeals website. After submitting your appeal, the SASSA review process can take some time.

Keep checking the progress of your appeal status and stay informed throughout the process. If your appeal is successful, you will start receiving the grant payments. If not, the appeal decision will give you the reason why you were found ineligible. This will help you to understand what steps are necessary to apply again. By staying informed, you can overcome challenges of securing your SRD grant.