The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) administers the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, a vital support system for unemployed South Africans.
However, some applicants may encounter the frustrating “Alternative income source identified” status message.
This message suggests SASSA detected income in your bank account, potentially disqualifying you from the grant.
What Does “Alternative income source identified” Mean?
SASSA uses various data sources to verify income eligibility for the SRD grant.
If their system detects income exceeding the threshold in your bank account, you might receive this status message.
This doesn’t necessarily mean you’re ineligible, but it triggers a need for further explanation.
Can I appeal the “Alternative income source identified” status?
Yes. SASSA provides an online reconsideration process for applicants who believe the decision is incorrect.
What documents do I need to appeal the “alternative income source” status?
Gather documents that support your claim of financial hardship. These might include:
- Proof of unemployment (e.g. retrenchment letter, confirmation of job seeking efforts)
- Affidavits from family or friends confirming their financial support (not mandatory, but helpful)
- Bank statements highlighting the nature of the deposits identified as “alternative income”
How to Appeal the “Alternative income source identified” Status
There are two ways to appeal this decision:
- Online:
- Visit the SASSA SRD Reconsideration portal: https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/reconfirmation/auth.
- Enter your South African ID number and phone number.
- Request a PIN and wait for the verification SMS.
- Verify your information and ensure it’s accurate.
- Choose the month your appeal pertains to and select “Alternative income source” as the reason for appeal.
- Explain your situation in the designated field. Be clear and concise.
- In-person:
- Visit your nearest SASSA local office.
- Explain your situation to a SASSA official and request an appeal form.
- Complete the form accurately and provide any supporting documents.
How long does it take to appeal the “alternative income source” status?
Processing times can vary, but SASSA aims to resolve appeals within a reasonable timeframe.
Regularly check the online portal or contact your local SASSA office for updates.
What happens if my appeal for the “alternative income source” status is rejected?
If your appeal is unsuccessful, you can enquire about further steps.
There might be an option to submit additional evidence or escalate your case within SASSA.
What is an alternative income source for the SRD grant?
SASSA considers any income deposited into your bank account an “alternative income source.”
This could include:
- Salary payments
- Unemployment insurance benefits
- Temporary disability grants
- Regular deposits from family or friends
How much income disqualifies you from the SRD grant?
SASSA doesn’t explicitly state a specific income threshold for disqualification.
However, the grant prioritizes those with no other means of financial support.