SASSA for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (2026)

How to Check Your SRD Status & Get Help if You’re Declined. A specific guide for asylum seekers and special-permit holders.

If you’re a refugee, asylum seeker or special-permit holder living in South Africa, the SASSA SRD R370 grant is one of the few forms of support available.

This guide helps you navigate the application and status-check process, which can be confusing without a South African ID.

This guide is written specifically for refugees, asylum seekers and special-permit holders. We’ll walk through:

  • Who qualifies for the SRD R370 grant in 2025
  • How to apply correctly as an asylum seeker or special-permit holder
  • All the ways to check your SASSA status
  • Common decline reasons and how to fix them
  • How to appeal to the Independent Tribunal (ITSAA) if you are wrongly declined
  • The 2025 court ruling about the R624 income limit and what it means for you

1. Can Refugees and Asylum Seekers Get the SRD R370 Grant?

Yes – thanks to a High Court ruling in June 2020 that declared the initial exclusion unconstitutional. This ruling ordered the government to include asylum seekers and special-permit holders.

Court Mandate:

The government was ordered to include:

  • Asylum seekers with valid or recently expired Section 22 permits.
  • Special-permit holders (e.g., from Zimbabwe, Angola, Lesotho).

1.1 Basic SRD R370 eligibility (for everyone)

As of 2025, the SRD grant is R370 per month. You may qualify if:

  • You are 18 to 59 years old and live in South Africa.
  • You are unemployed and do not receive any other state grants (SASSA, UIF, NSFAS).
  • You pass the “insufficient means” check (income below the threshold).

1.2 Extra rules for refugees, asylum seekers & special-permit holders

You can apply if you hold a valid Section 24 permit (refugee), Section 22 permit (asylum seeker), or a valid special permit.

Your documents must be:

  • Registered with Home Affairs.
  • Recognised on the SASSA / SRD system by your asylum file number or special-permit number.

💡 Tip on expired permits:

If your permit expired due to Home Affairs renewal delays, court rulings have recognized this issue. Seek advice from an NGO or legal clinic.

2. The Income Threshold and the 2025 Court Ruling (R624 Issue)

SASSA currently uses a monthly income threshold of R624. If your bank shows more, you are often declined as “alternative income source identified.”

2025 High Court Ruling:

The court ruled that the fixed R624 threshold is unconstitutional and invalid. Government was ordered to progressively increase the threshold in line with the cost of living.

What this means:

  • SASSA may still use R624 temporarily while updating regulations.
  • Future declines based on small deposits may be easier to challenge on appeal.

3. How to Apply for SRD as a Refugee, Asylum Seeker or Special-Permit Holder

The application is online only and must be done via the official SRD website.

  1. Step 1-2: Go to SRD website & Choose ID Type

    Go to the official SRD website. Look for and select the dedicated section for “Asylum Seekers and Special Permit Holders” or your specific ID type.

  2. Step 3: Enter your File or Permit Number

    Enter your Asylum Seeker File Number or special permit number exactly as it appears on your document. The system checks this against Home Affairs records.

  3. Step 4: Add your Cellphone Number

    Use a number you control, as SASSA sends an OTP and uses it for all communication. If you change your number later, you must update it on the SRD system.

  4. Step 5-6: Complete Questions & Consent

    Be honest about your employment and any other support. You must consent to SASSA checking your bank accounts (for income) and government databases (UIF, NSFAS) to proceed.

4. How to Check Your SASSA SRD Status (Refugees & Asylum Seekers)

You can check your status in several ways using your file/permit number and registered cell number.

Online SRD Status Check

Go to the official SRD status check page. Select “Asylum Seeker/Special Permit” (or similar), enter your file/permit number, and the registered cellphone number.

WhatsApp Status Check

Save the SASSA WhatsApp number (e.g., 082 046 8553), send “Hi,” and follow the menu for “Status check.” Enter your file/permit number when asked.

Call Centre

Phone the SASSA Call Centre (toll-free) and provide your Asylum File Number or permit/passport number and registered cell number verbally.

5. What Your SRD Status Means (and What to Do)

“Pending”

SASSA is still verifying details or running the income check. If pending for weeks, ensure your banking and permit details are correct. No appeal needed yet.

“Approved”

Good news! Payment will be released on or after the shown date, usually via your provided SA bank account or a cash send option.

“Declined” – with a reason

Common reasons: “Alternative income source identified” (due to R624 check), “UIF registered,” or “Identity verification failed” (mismatch with Home Affairs). You must appeal if you think this is wrong.

6. How to Appeal if Your SRD Is Declined (Refugees & Asylum Seekers)

If declined, you must appeal to the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA).

Important Appeal Timelines:

You must appeal within 30 days of the month being declined, and not exceed 90 days from the rejection decision.

How to Submit Your Appeal:

  • Appeals are submitted via the official SRD appeal platform (ITSAA), not the SASSA office.
  • Enter your Asylum file number or special-permit number and registered cell number.
  • Choose the declined month, select the reason, and provide a short explanation in your own words.

What to Explain on Appeal:

If declined due to “alternative income source identified”, explain that any deposits were once-off aid, very small, or belong to someone else, and that you do not have regular income above the threshold.

Appeals typically take 60–90 days. If successful, you receive back pay for the upheld months. If the Tribunal dismisses your appeal, you still have the right to seek legal advice for judicial review.

7. Common Problems for Refugees & Asylum Seekers – and How to Tackle Them

  • Expired permits or pending renewals

    If SASSA declines you purely because your permit expired while you were waiting for Home Affairs to renew, mention this clearly in your appeal and keep proof of your renewal appointments/emails.

  • Using someone else’s bank account

    This risks the income test seeing other people’s money. If you must use a shared account, keep records and clearly state which deposits belong to you in your appeal.

  • Lost phone number

    You must update your number via the SRD site or contact SASSA. Without a working number, you will miss OTPs, status updates, and appeal outcomes.

8. Quick FAQ for Refugees & Asylum Seekers

1. Can I apply for SRD if my asylum permit has expired?

Yes, especially if you can show you are trying to renew but Home Affairs is backlogged. Explain this clearly in your appeal.

2. Can I get other SASSA grants as an asylum seeker?

SRD is the main grant. Recognized refugees with permanent status *may* be eligible for other grants if they meet normal requirements.

5. Will the R624 income limit stay the same?

Probably not. A 2025 High Court judgment found keeping the R624 limit is unconstitutional and ordered it to be increased, though new regulations are still pending.

9. Final Word: You’re Not Asking for Favour – You’re Claiming a Right

It is easy to feel like you’re “begging” when you apply, but the courts have said clearly: the Constitution protects everyone’s right to social assistance, including non-citizens in vulnerable situations.

Your Legal Right:

When you apply, check your status, or appeal a wrong decision, you’re not asking for charity. You’re exercising a legal right that activists fought for in court. Stay patient, keep your documents safe, and don’t be scared to appeal.

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