How to Fix the SASSA SRD “Means Income Source Identified” Status in 2025

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant to support unemployed South Africans with no other income sources. However, when checking your SRD R370 application status, you might encounter the “Means Income Source Identified” status, leading to rejection. 

This can be frustrating, especially if you believe you qualify. As someone who has navigated similar processes and researched SASSA’s guidelines extensively, I’ll guide you through what this status means, why it occurs, and how to resolve it effectively.

How to Fix the SASSA SRD “Means Income Source Identified” Status in 2025 (Quick Answer)

The “Means Income Source Identified” status means SASSA found income above the R624 monthly threshold, causing your SRD R370 grant application to be declined. To fix it:

1. Verify and update your income details on the SASSA portal.
2. Ensure your bank balance is below R624.
3. Appeal the decision within 30 days at srd.sassa.gov.za/appeals if you believe the rejection was incorrect.
4. Contact SASSA at 0800 601 011 for clarification.

What Does “Means Income Source Identified” Mean?

When your SASSA SRD application status shows “Means Income Source Identified,” it indicates that SASSA’s means test has detected income above the eligibility threshold of R624 per month (updated for 2025). The SRD grant is designed for individuals with little to no income, so any detected funds, such as salaries, pensions, other grants, or regular bank deposits, can lead to rejection.

SASSA conducts a monthly means test by cross-checking your bank account and personal details against government databases, including the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). Failing to disclose income sources or inaccuracies in your application can trigger this status.

Why Does the “Means Income Source Identified” Status Occur?

This status typically arises due to discrepancies or undetected income sources. Below are the common reasons and their explanations:

Reasons for the Status

Reason	Description
Income Amount	Monthly deposits exceeding R624 (e.g., salary, business income) disqualify you.
Income Frequency	Regular deposits, even if small, suggest a stable income source.
Income Type	Pensions, UIF, NSFAS, or other grants count as income; one-time payments may not.
Shared Bank Account	Income from a shared account (e.g., a spouse’s earnings) may be misattributed.
System Errors	Rare glitches in SASSA’s verification process can incorrectly flag income.

Common Scenarios

• Undisclosed Income: Failing to report small earnings, like freelance work or family support, can trigger rejection.
• Outdated Details: If your bank account or contact information doesn’t match your application, SASSA may misinterpret deposits.
• Other Grants: Receiving grants like Child Support or Disability automatically disqualifies you from the SRD grant.

How to Avoid the “Means Income Source Identified” Status

Preventing this status starts with transparency and accuracy during your application. Follow these practical steps to ensure your application aligns with SASSA’s requirements:

1. Provide Accurate Information

Double-check your name, ID number, and bank details against official documents. Even minor typos can lead to verification issues.

2. Disclose All Income Sources

Be upfront about any income, no matter how small, including:

• Casual work or side gigs
• Family support or gifts
• Other government grants (e.g., NSFAS, UIF) Omitting these can lead to rejection or penalties.

3. Review Bank Statements

Examine your bank account for unexpected deposits. For example, if a relative deposits money regularly, explain this in your application to avoid misinterpretation.

4. Update Personal Details

If your financial situation changes (e.g., you start a job or lose income), update your SASSA application immediately via https://srd.sassa.gov.za.

5. Use a Personal Bank Account

Avoid shared accounts to prevent someone else’s income from being linked to you. Ensure the account is in your name only.

6. Contact SASSA for Guidance

If you’re unsure about what to declare, call SASSA’s toll-free helpline at 0800 60 10 11 or visit a local SASSA office for clarity.

How to Fix the “Means Income Source Identified” Status

If your application has already been rejected due to this status, don’t lose hope. You can appeal the decision or correct errors. Here’s how:

Step 1: Verify the Rejection Reason

Check your status on https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status to confirm the exact reason. If it’s unclear, contact SASSA via:

• Phone: 0800 60 10 11
• Email: [email protected]

Step 2: Gather Supporting Evidence

Collect documents to prove your eligibility, such as:

• Bank statements showing no regular income above R624
• A letter explaining one-time deposits (e.g., gifts or loans)
• Proof of unemployment (e.g., a termination letter)

Step 3: Submit an Appeal

You have 30 days from the rejection notice to appeal. Follow these steps:

1. Visit https://srd.sassa.gov.za/appeals.
2. Click the “Application for Reconsideration” tab.
3. Enter your South African ID number and the phone number used in your application.
4. Receive and enter the PIN sent to your phone.
5. Select the month you’re appealing for and explain why the rejection was unfair (e.g., “The detected income was a one-time gift”).
6. Submit the appeal with supporting documents. Appeals can take 30–90 days to process, so check your appeal status regularly on the same portal.

Step 4: Update Banking Details

If the issue stems from incorrect or shared bank details, update them:

1. Go to https://srd.sassa.gov.za and select “Update Banking Details.”
2. Enter your ID number and follow the SMS link to submit a personal, active bank account. Processing takes 7–14 days.

What Happens If You Provide False Information?

Providing inaccurate or incomplete information can have serious consequences:

• Delays or Rejection: Errors in your ID, phone number, or income details can stall or cancel your application.
• Penalties: Intentionally submitting false information may lead to legal action or a ban from future grants.
• Investigations: SASSA may conduct interviews or cross-check your details with other agencies to verify your application.

Always be honest and thorough when applying or appealing to avoid these risks.

Additional Tips for SRD Grant Applicants

• Check Status Regularly: Use https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status or WhatsApp (082 046 8553) to monitor your application and payment dates.
• Know Payment Dates: SRD payments for April 2025 are scheduled from April 21–30. Confirm your exact date via the status check tool.
• Reapply if Necessary: If your appeal fails but your circumstances change (e.g., you lose income), reapply for the SRD grant.
• Explore Other Grants: If you’re ineligible for the SRD grant, check eligibility for other SASSA grants, like the Child Support or Disability Grant, at https://www.sassa.gov.za.

Conclusion

The “Means Income Source Identified” status can be a setback, but it’s not the end of the road. By understanding why it happens, ensuring your application is accurate, and appealing promptly with evidence, you can increase your chances of securing the SRD R370 grant. 

Stay proactive, keep your details updated, and don’t hesitate to seek SASSA’s assistance when needed. If you’ve faced this issue or have tips to share, let us know in the comments below!