Time-Sensitive: You have 30 days from receiving your declined status to appeal (up to 90 days may be considered). Appeal each declined month separately.

How to Appeal in 5 Simple Steps

1

Check Your Decline Reason

View your status to understand why your application was declined

Check Status →
2

Gather Supporting Evidence

Collect documents that prove the decline reason is incorrect

3

Visit Appeals Portal

Go to the official ITSAA website

Open Appeals Portal →
4

Submit Your Appeal

Enter your details and select declined month(s)

5

Track Your Appeal

Check status regularly (60-90 day review period)

Detailed Appeal Instructions

Step 1: Visit the ITSAA Appeals Website

The Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA) handles all SRD appeals independently from SASSA.

Official Appeals Portal: https://srd.sassa.gov.za/appeals/
⚠️ Important: Do not visit SASSA offices for SRD appeals. All appeals must be submitted online through the ITSAA portal.

Step 2: Enter Your Personal Information

You will need:

  • Your 13-digit South African ID number
  • The cellphone number you used for your SRD application
  • Access to that cellphone (for OTP verification)

Step 3: Select Months to Appeal

Choose which declined month(s) you want to appeal. Remember:

  • You can appeal multiple months at once
  • Each month requires a separate appeal submission
  • Appeal only months you believe were incorrectly declined

Step 4: Provide Your Reason

Clearly explain why you believe the decline was incorrect. Be specific and honest.

Writing Tips:
  • State your decline reason
  • Explain why it's incorrect
  • Mention any supporting evidence
  • Keep it brief but clear

Common Decline Reasons & How to Appeal

Income Source Identified

SASSA found evidence of income above R350 per month

Appeal Strategy:

Provide proof that income has ended, or show actual income is below threshold

UIF Registered

You are registered with Unemployment Insurance Fund

Appeal Strategy:

Show proof of UIF benefits ending or that you never received benefits

NSFAS Registered

System shows NSFAS funding

Appeal Strategy:

Provide proof of de-registration or that funding has ended

Identity Verification Failed

Details don't match Home Affairs records

Appeal Strategy:

Update your Home Affairs information or provide ID verification documents

Bank Verification Failed

Bank account shows income above threshold

Appeal Strategy:

Explain deposits that aren't income (loans, gifts, etc.)

What Happens After You Appeal?

📨

Day 0: Appeal Submitted

You submit your appeal through the ITSAA portal and receive confirmation.

🔍

Days 1-30: Under Review

ITSAA begins reviewing your case. They may verify information with various databases.

Days 30-60: Assessment

Independent assessors review your appeal against eligibility criteria.

Days 60-90: Decision

You receive the final decision via SMS. If approved, payment will be processed for backdated months.

How to Check Your Appeal Status

You can check your appeal status at any time using the same ITSAA portal:

  1. Visit srd.sassa.gov.za/appeals
  2. Enter your ID number and phone number
  3. View the status of your submitted appeals

Common Appeal Statuses:

  • Pending - Under review
  • Approved - Appeal successful, payment will follow
  • Declined - Appeal unsuccessful

Contact ITSAA for Appeal Queries

📞 Phone

012 312 7727

Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm

📧 Email

[email protected]

Expect reply within 5 business days

📠 Fax

086 534 3124

086 216 3711

📮 Mail

Independent Tribunal (ITSAA)
Private Bag X901
Pretoria, 0001

Tips for a Successful Appeal

✅ Do This

  • Appeal as soon as possible (within 30 days)
  • Be honest and accurate
  • Provide clear explanations
  • Keep copies of your submission
  • Check your appeal status regularly
  • Respond if ITSAA requests more info

❌ Don't Do This

  • Don't wait longer than 90 days
  • Don't provide false information
  • Don't submit duplicate appeals
  • Don't go to SASSA offices for SRD appeals
  • Don't expect instant results
  • Don't ignore requests for information

Appeal Process FAQs

Can I appeal more than once?

No, the ITSAA decision is final for each month. However, if your circumstances change in future months, you can reapply and the new application will be assessed independently.

Will I get backdated payment if my appeal succeeds?

Yes, if your appeal is approved, SASSA will process payment for the month(s) you successfully appealed.

Can I appeal even if I didn't apply that month?

No, you can only appeal months for which you submitted an application that was subsequently declined.

What if ITSAA also declines my appeal?

The ITSAA decision is final for SASSA purposes. However, you can approach the High Court for judicial review within 180 days under the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act.

Ready to Appeal?

Don't let an incorrect decline stop you from getting the support you need

Submit Your Appeal Now

Remember: Appeal within 30 days for best results