SRD status pending

A pending SRD status belongs to one month. SASSA checks every application again each month, so a month can be pending while the month before it was approved or declined. To see your status, use the SRD status check.

What pending means

SASSA’s list of SRD statuses says a pending month means your application was received and the check for that month hasn’t finished. Its advice is to check again later in the month.

SASSA has explained that the check is more than your bank account. It also confirms your citizenship with Home Affairs and checks UIF records, and while those checks aren’t finished, the status stays pending. The Minister of Social Development has told Parliament that these eligibility checks, including UIF, NSFAS and other data sources, run every month using data SASSA receives from those institutions.

The regulations say SASSA must approve or reject applications received before the 15th of a month before that month ends.

The three pending statuses

Bank details pending and reapplication pending won’t change on their own: they wait for you. See how to change your SRD banking details or how to apply.

How long pending can last

SASSA doesn’t publish a fixed time for how long a month can stay pending. Some months stay pending because SASSA needs something from you. The Minister told Parliament that an application stays pending until the applicant does what is needed, for example the facial check (eKYC), which only you can do.

If a month is still pending after the end of that month:

1. Log in on srd.sassa.gov.za and read the status and any message next to it. The Minister said you can see there why a grant is pending or not paid.
2. If SASSA asks you to verify your identity, request the link and complete the facial check. See what to do when identity verification fails.
3. If your status says referred, SASSA’s grant booklet says you log in, request a link to update your information and complete the facial check.
4. If nothing on the website explains it, call SASSA on 0800 60 10 11. The Minister said every SASSA office also has an official who helps with SRD queries, especially if you can’t use the website.

Can a pending month still be paid?

Yes, if it is approved. The regulations allow SASSA to pay a month in a later period, if funds are available. Approval and payment are separate steps, though: see approved but no payment date.

The date next to a status is not a payment date. SASSA has explained that it is the date your application was captured in the system.

What not to do

• Don’t apply again because a month is pending. A pending month means SASSA already has your application.
• Don’t keep changing your banking details while you wait. Change them only if they are wrong.
• Don’t pay anyone who promises to approve a pending month or “release” a payment. Checking your status is free.

If the month is declined

A pending month ends as approved or declined. If it is declined, the reason is shown next to the month. See SRD status declined: the reasons and what to do.