How Long Does it Take for SASSA to Approve Grant Application?

Why Is Your SASSA Application Still Pending?

Applied for a SASSA grant but still waiting for approval? Wondering if delays are normal or if something went wrong? Here’s what actually happens after submission and how long it takes.

How Long Does it Take for SASSA to Approve Grant Application?

SASSA usually approves applications within 7 to 21 working days, depending on the grant type and verification process. SRD R370 grants may take up to 30 working days. Always ensure your documents are correct to avoid delays and check your status regularly using official SASSA platforms.

Understanding the SASSA Grant Approval Timeline

SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) manages various social relief grants like the Child Support Grant, Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant, and the SRD R370 Grant (previously R350). Approval times differ depending on the type of grant, supporting documents, and verification results.

Average Approval Time

In 2025, the typical timeframe for SASSA to process and approve an application is:

• 7 to 21 working days for most permanent grants.
  
• Up to 30 working days for the SRD R370 grant.
  

However, these are only estimates. The real time may vary based on application volume, verification issues, or missing documents.

Step-by-Step: What Happens After You Apply?

Here’s how SASSA processes your application:

Submission Confirmation

You receive an SMS or online confirmation. This means SASSA has received your application but hasn’t started verifying it yet.

Identity Verification

SASSA checks your ID number with the Department of Home Affairs to ensure it’s valid and matches your personal records.

Income & Means Testing

For means-tested grants like the SRD, SASSA examines your financial data from banks, UIF, SARS, and other government sources.

Fraud & Duplicate Check

They compare your application with existing grants to detect duplicate claims or fraud attempts.

Final Approval or Rejection

Once verification is complete, your application is either approved or rejected. If approved, payment dates follow shortly after.

How Long Each Stage Takes?

Stage	Estimated Time
Submission Confirmation	Same day
Identity Verification	1–3 working days
Means Test	3–10 working days
Fraud Check & Decision	3–7 working days
Total (Average)	7–21 working days

Note: SRD R370 grants may take longer due to monthly re-evaluation.

What Causes Delays in SASSA Approval?

Sometimes, even a simple error can delay your grant. Common reasons include:

• Incorrect personal information (e.g. ID mismatch)
  
• Missing or outdated documents
  
• System errors during load-shedding or peak periods
  
• Bank account not verified
  
• High application volume, especially during month-end
  

Tip: Always double-check your application for errors before submitting.

How to Track Your SASSA Application Status?

You don’t need airtime or data to check your SASSA status. Here are your options:

For SRD R370 Grant

• Online Portal:
  Visit srd.sassa.gov.za
  → Click “Check Status”
  → Enter ID & phone number
  
• WhatsApp:
  Send “status” to 082 046 8553
  
• USSD (no airtime needed):
  Dial 1347737# and follow the prompts
  

For Other SASSA Grants

• Call Centre: 0800 60 10 11 (Toll-free)
  
• Visit your nearest SASSA office with your ID
  

What If Your Application Is Rejected?

If your grant is declined, you can appeal within 30 days. Here’s how:

1. SRD Appeals:
   Go to srd.dsd.gov.za
   → Log in
   → Submit appeal for the declined month
   
2. Other Grants:
   Visit a SASSA office in person and fill out an appeal form. You may need to provide updated documents or proof of eligibility.
   

When Will You Get Paid After Approval?

Once your application is approved:

• You’ll get an SMS with your pay date
  
• Payments are processed within 3–7 working days after approval
  
• For SRD grants, SASSA sends payments via bank deposit or cash send options
  
• For other grants, payment is made via Postbank, your registered bank, or SASSA gold card
  

Real Data: Approval Trends in 2025

According to SASSA’s April 2025 report:

• Over 1.5 million SRD applications were processed monthly
  
• 73% of permanent grants were approved within 15 working days
  
• Delays mostly affected rural applicants due to incomplete documentation or network issues
  

Tips to Speed Up SASSA Approval

Follow these steps to avoid unnecessary delays:

• Submit correct documents (ID, proof of income, medical report if needed)
  
• Use your own phone number and bank details
  
• Check your status weekly
  
• Appeal rejected applications quickly
  
• Update expired documents (e.g. medical forms must be recent for disability grants)
  

Common Questions About SASSA Application Processing

Q: Does SASSA work on weekends?

A: No, SASSA processes applications only on weekdays, excluding public holidays.

Q: Can I apply more than once if I was rejected?

A: Yes, but only after appealing or correcting the original issue.

Q: How long do SRD reapplications take?

A: Monthly SRD assessments can take up to 10 working days.

Final Takeaway

SASSA typically takes 7 to 21 working days to approve grant applications, depending on the grant type and your documentation. SRD grants may take up to 30 working days due to strict monthly evaluations. Always keep your details accurate and follow up regularly to avoid delays.

For latest updates, visit the official sassa.gov.za portal.