SASSA Status Pending And How Much Time it Takes To Resolve
Applying for a grant through the South African Social Security Agency can be stressful, especially when you see your application marked as SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) status pending. Many applicants worry about what this means, how long the process might take, and whether they need to take action.
This guide breaks down the reasons your application may be pending, the typical timeframes for approval, and the steps you can follow to help prevent delays. It also covers frequently asked questions that come up during the waiting period.
What “SASSA Status Pending” Means
When your application shows “Status Pending,” it means your details are still being reviewed by SASSA. The agency needs to verify your personal information, income eligibility, and banking details before approving payment.
SASSA checks your application against several databases, including:
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Department of Home Affairs (DHA): to confirm your identity and citizenship.
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South African Revenue Service (SARS): to check if you have taxable income.
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Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS): to ensure you are not receiving conflicting support.
This status is common for first-time applicants and during reapplications or appeals.
How Long It Takes to Resolve a Pending Status
The processing time can vary depending on the type of grant and how busy SASSA is at that time. As of 2025:
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SRD R370 Grant (previously R350): Reviews usually take 7 to 14 working days, but can extend to 30 working days if there are verification backlogs.
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Other grants (child support, old age, disability, etc.): Applications may take up to 90 days to finalize, as required by the Social Assistance Act.
If your status remains pending for more than the expected time, it often means SASSA is still waiting for a response from one of the external databases.
Steps You Can Take While Waiting
Here’s what you should do if your application still shows as pending:
- Check your details online
Visit the SASSA SRD website or use the WhatsApp service (082 046 8553) to confirm that your ID number, phone number, and banking details are correct. - Wait for the verification process
SASSA runs checks monthly. Even if you qualify, you may not see an “Approved” status until after the next verification cycle. - Look out for SMS updates
SASSA will notify you via SMS if you need to provide extra information or if your application is approved. - Escalate if it’s overdue
If more than 30 working days have passed for the SRD grant, or more than 90 days for other grants, you can call the SASSA helpline at 0800 60 10 11 or visit your nearest office to request an update. - Appeal if declined
If your pending status changes to “Declined” and you believe it’s incorrect, you can lodge an appeal with the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA) within 90 days of the decision.
FAQ’s
Why is my SASSA status still pending after 30 days?
This usually means your application is still being cross-checked with external databases like SARS or UIF. Sometimes, technical backlogs extend the process.
How often does SASSA update application statuses?
SASSA verifies applications every month before payments are processed, so updates are usually monthly.
Can I get back pay once my status is approved?
Yes. If your application is eventually approved, you’ll receive payments from the month you applied, provided you met the eligibility criteria during that period.
Does “Pending” mean I will be declined?
No. Pending simply means the review is not finished. Many pending applications are eventually approved once all verifications are cleared.
Waiting on a SASSA grant decision can feel uncertain, but “Status Pending” is a normal part of the process. Most applications are resolved within a few weeks, though sometimes it may take longer if extra checks are required.
The best thing you can do is make sure your details are correct, keep track of your application status, and be patient while SASSA completes the verification process. If delays go beyond the standard timeframes, don’t hesitate to contact SASSA directly.
