What to Do When Your SRD Status Shows “Referred SAFPS”?

Receiving a “Referred SAFPS” status on your Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant application from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) can feel confusing and stressful. 

This status means your application has been flagged and sent to the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS) for further verification to ensure the integrity of the grant system. It’s not necessarily an accusation of wrongdoing, but it requires prompt action to resolve.

What to Do When Your SRD Status Shows “Referred SAFPS”? (Quick Answer)

If your SRD status shows “Referred SAFPS,” it means SASSA has flagged your application for potential fraud and referred it to SAFPS for verification. To resolve this:

1. Verify your status on the official SASSA SRD portal: https://srd.sassa.gov.za/.
2. If you believe the referral is a mistake, lodge an appeal within 30 days via the SASSA appeals portal: https://srd.sassa.gov.za/appeals/.
3. Provide clear evidence (e.g., ID, proof of eligibility) to support your case.
4. Await a decision from the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA), which may take 60–90 days.
5. If declined, consult a legal expert to explore further action.

What Does “Referred SAFPS” Mean?

The “Referred SAFPS” status indicates that SASSA has identified a potential issue with your SRD application, prompting a referral to SAFPS for fraud verification. SAFPS is a non-profit organization that helps organizations like SASSA detect and prevent fraudulent activities. This referral ensures that only eligible applicants receive the R370 monthly SRD grant (as of 2025).

Why Was My Application Referred?

Your application may be flagged for several reasons:

• Discrepancies in Details: Inconsistencies in your ID number, contact details, or banking information may trigger a referral.
• Suspected Fraudulent Activity: A prior record of fraud linked to your ID, even if not initiated by you, could raise red flags.
• System Errors: Technical glitches or mismatched data in SASSA’s database may incorrectly flag your application.

This status does not automatically mean you’ve done something wrong—it’s often a routine check to protect the system.

Why SAFPS Verification Matters

SASSA collaborates with SAFPS to maintain the integrity of the SRD grant program, which supports millions of South Africans facing economic hardship. The verification process helps:

• Prevent fraudulent claims that could drain resources from eligible applicants.
• Protect applicants from identity theft or unauthorized use of their details.
• Ensure compliance with South Africa’s social assistance laws.

If your status is “Referred SAFPS,” act quickly to clarify your eligibility and avoid delays in receiving your grant.

How to Appeal a “Referred SAFPS” Status

If you believe your SRD application was incorrectly flagged, you can appeal the decision through the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA). Follow these steps:

Step-by-Step Appeal Process

1. Visit the SASSA Appeals Portal: Go to https://srd.sassa.gov.za/appeals/ to start the process.
2. Log In or Register: Use your existing SASSA account or create a new one with your ID and contact details.
3. Access the Appeal Form: Navigate to the appeals section and select the SRD grant appeal option.
4. Complete the Form: Provide accurate details, including:
   • Your application reference number.
   • Reasons for your appeal (e.g., “I believe my application was flagged in error”).
   • Supporting documents, such as your ID, proof of income, or bank statements.
5. Submit the Appeal: Double-check your submission and send it via the portal.
6. Track Your Appeal: Check the portal regularly for updates. The ITSAA typically takes 60–90 days to review cases.

Tips for a Successful Appeal

• Be Clear and Honest: Explain why you believe the referral is incorrect. For example, if your ID was misused, state this explicitly.
• Provide Evidence: Attach documents that prove your eligibility, such as payslips or proof of unemployment.
• Act Promptly: Appeals must be lodged within 30 days of receiving the “Referred SAFPS” status.

What Happens If You’re Accused of Social Grant Fraud?

Providing false information or engaging in fraudulent activities when applying for an SRD grant is a serious offense in South Africa. If SASSA confirms fraudulent activity, you could face:

• Legal Action: A lawsuit with a potential minimum sentence of 7 years in prison (updated for 2025 legal standards).
• Fines: Penalties up to R50,000, depending on the severity of the offense.
• Permanent Ban: Exclusion from all SASSA grants indefinitely.

To avoid these consequences:

• Ensure all information in your application is accurate.
• Report any suspected misuse of your ID to SAFPS or SASSA immediately.
• Only apply if you meet the SRD eligibility criteria (e.g., unemployed, no other income, South African citizen or permanent resident).

What If Your Appeal Is Declined?

If the ITSAA declines your appeal, you still have options to pursue your case:

Next Steps After a Declined Appeal

1. Consult a Legal Expert: Contact an attorney specializing in social assistance or administrative law to review your case.
2. Gather Evidence: Collect documents proving your eligibility, such as:
   • Valid South African ID or permanent residency papers.
   • Proof of no income (e.g., bank statements, UIF records).
   • Correspondence with SASSA or SAFPS.
3. File a Lawsuit: Your attorney can help you initiate legal action against SASSA in the High Court or Magistrate’s Court.
4. Attend Court Hearings: Be prepared to present your case with your lawyer’s support.
5. Await the Court’s Decision: If the court rules in your favor, SASSA may be ordered to reconsider your application or reinstate your grant.

Legal Considerations

Pursuing legal action can be costly and time-consuming. Before proceeding, weigh the costs against the potential benefits (e.g., receiving the R370 monthly grant). Free legal aid may be available through organizations like Legal Aid South Africa (https://www.legal-aid.co.za/).

How to Prevent Future SAFPS Referrals

To avoid future issues with your SRD application:

• Double-Check Your Details: Ensure your ID, phone number, and banking information are correct before submitting.
• Monitor Your Status: Regularly check your SRD status on https://srd.sassa.gov.za/ to catch issues early.
• Protect Your Identity: Report any suspicious activity involving your ID to SAFPS (https://www.safps.org.za/) or your local police station.
• Stay Informed: Follow SASSA’s official channels for updates on SRD grant policies and requirements.

Conclusion

A “Referred SAFPS” status on your SRD application is not the end of the road—it’s a call to action. By understanding the reasons behind the referral, lodging a timely appeal, and providing clear evidence, you can resolve the issue and secure the support you’re entitled to. 

If your appeal is declined, legal recourse is an option, though it requires careful consideration. Stay proactive, keep your records clean, and use official SASSA channels to navigate the process confidently.

For further assistance, visit https://srd.sassa.gov.za/ or contact SASSA’s toll-free number: 0800 60 10 11.