SASSA Alternative Income Source Identified Appeal
When applying for a SASSA grant, the system will automatically reject any application whose bank statement deposits exceed the set threshold (depending on the grant you are applying for). These will often be classified as ‘alternative income sources’. However, immediate action is required if you still meet the financial distress criteria. You can contest the decision through an appeal or proper reapplication for the grant. While at it, you must provide supporting documents to show that you rightfully fall into the eligibility income threshold. This article is a guide on why you may receive the Alternative income source message and how to fix it.
What are the reasons behind ‘Alternative Income Source Identified’?
To be eligible for the SRD R370 grant, you must meet the income threshold—the cumulative deposits into your bank account or e-wallet in the prior month should not exceed R624. If not, your application will be automatically declined. The payments include all crypto, bank, and digital payments from different sources over the stated period, hence the term ‘alternative income’. Any payments from SASSA added to your account are excluded when taking the income threshold test. Other reasons include:
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Deposits from spouse/ partner into a shared account.
Although it may not be your income, deposits made into your account by another account holder still count as alternative funds.
Freelance or part-time work
If you make money from your part-time jobs or side gigs, you could accumulate enough to exceed the income limit in a month.
Digital wallet deposits
If you also make multiple mobile money transfers to an e-wallet, you can accumulate and breach the threshold.
Any time SASSA detects cumulative deposits in your account that exceed R624, you will receive the ‘alternative income identified’ error in your grant application.
Also Check: SASSA Appeal for SRD R370 Declined for September 2024
SASSA alternative income source identified appeal
If you meet the eligibility criteria for the grant you are applying for, you must first fix the alternative income error using the SRD appeals process.
Appeal the decision
To appeal the decision, first gather all your bank statements for the relevant period that clearly show your income and expenses. Your name and ID should match the details in your SASSA application. With these in hand, access SASSA’s official website on the appeals page (https://srd.sassa.gov.za/appeals). Enter your ID number and phone number to access your account. Explain the financial hardship you are going through and how the grant will help you.
Verify bank details
Review the bank account details you provided in your initial application to ensure they are correct and in your name. Any discrepancies could cause the detection of income that may not be yours. If you have recently changed your bank account details, update them on the platform.
Understand income thresholds
There are set income limits that should not be exceeded so you can be eligible for the different SASSA grants. For SRD eligibility, your monthly cumulative income from all sources should not exceed R624. Therefore, go through your bank statements in the past months to check whether any deposit triggered the ‘alternative income’. In case of any such deposits, which could be a gift or loan repayment, explain this to SASSA in your appeal with the supporting evidence.
Avoid e-wallet transactions
Digital and mobile money transfers also count when it comes to the income threshold test. Therefore, if you use an E-wallet for transactions, it would be best to avoid them during the period of the SASSA grant application. The transactions will likely be mistaken as income.
Verify your information
Before you submit the appeal, double-check to ensure that all the information you have provided is accurate and up to date. If there are errors or changes, you can update them directly in the portal.
Explain the exceptional deposits.
Another vital thing to note when filing an appeal is to give an explanation, accompanied by supporting documents, of all the one-time payments in your account. This will help SASSA understand the nature of the deposits so they can assess your eligibility.
Also Check: Identity Verification Issues with SASSA Reconsideration
How to avoid the Alternative Income identification error?
Before applying for a SASSA grant or submitting an appeal, there are tips to avoid the ‘alternative income identification’ error.
Ensure that the bank details you submit only reflect your name and ID. Remember to exclude any shared accounts with your partner/ spouse.
Remember to update SASSA in case of a change in the bank details you use for payments.
Ensure that your records show the income history for the entire month to allow SASSA to set the eligibility threshold tailored to your circumstances.
Also Check: Why is my SASSA R370 Grant Still Pending?
Conclusion
If you receive the ‘alternative income source identification’ notification after applying for a SASSA grant, no need to worry. This status means that during the assessment of your application, SASSA found evidence that suggests you have another source of income. You can still prove your eligibility by appealing the decision. Follow the steps above to ensure that you receive the much-needed financial assistance.
