SASSA Referred Status – Meaning, Reasons & Fixations
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is a national agency of the South African government created to administer South Africa’s social security system. One of the statuses that applicants may encounter during the application process is the “Referred” status. This status can cause some confusion and concern among applicants, but understanding its meaning and implications can help alleviate these concerns.
Meaning of SASSA Referred Status
Understanding the SASSA Referred Status
When you apply for a grant from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), your application goes through several stages of review. One of these stages may result in your application being marked with a “referred” status. This status is an indication that your application has been flagged for additional review.
Reason for Additional Review
The primary reason for this additional review is to ensure the eligibility of the applicant and to prevent fraudulent activities. SASSA has a responsibility to ensure that only eligible individuals receive grants, and part of this responsibility involves conducting thorough checks on all applications.
Suspicion and Internal Verification
If there is any suspicion about the information provided in your application, SASSA will hold your application and conduct an internal verification. This could be due to inconsistencies in the information provided, or if the information provided matches with data that is already in their system or other government databases.
Fraud Risk Scoring Verification Process
As part of the internal verification, SASSA uses a Fraud Risk Scoring verification process. This process involves checking the applicant’s ID, phone number, and other details against a database to determine if these details have been used in any fraudulent activity. If the Fraud Risk Scoring verification process finds a match, it could be a sign of identity theft or fraud, and the application will be further scrutinized.
Implications of the Referred Status
While the “referred” status may cause concern for applicants, it’s important to remember that it is a standard part of SASSA’s review process. It does not necessarily mean that there is a problem with your application or that you will be denied a grant. It simply means that SASSA is taking the necessary steps to verify the information provided and ensure that the grant is awarded to eligible individuals.
In conclusion, the SASSA referred status is a crucial part of the application review process designed to ensure eligibility and prevent fraud. While it may cause some delay in the processing of your application, it is a necessary step in ensuring the integrity of the social security system.
Reasons for SASSA Referred Status
There are several reasons why an application might be referred. The most common reasons include:
Missing Phone Number and Email
The absence of your email or phone number in your application could lead to a ‘referred’ status. It’s important to verify that your SASSA application includes your current email and phone number.
Your Personal Details or ID Information Found in Other Databases
One potential trigger for the ‘referred’ status in your SASSA application could be the discovery of your personal details or identification information in other governmental aid databases. These databases could include those maintained by the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), the South African Revenue Service (SARS), or any other database indicating that you are already a recipient of some form of governmental support.
The presence of your details in these databases could suggest a duplication of benefits, which necessitates further investigation to ensure the equitable distribution of social security benefits. This is why your application might be flagged as ‘referred’ and subjected to additional scrutiny. Remember that the information you provide in your SASSA application is accurate and up-to-date to avoid such complications.
Incomplete or Incorrect Documents
Another reason for the ‘referred’ status in your SASSA application could be the discovery of your personal details or identification information in other governmental aid databases. These databases could include those maintained by the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), the South African Revenue Service (SARS), or any other database indicating that you are already a recipient of some form of governmental support.
The presence of your details in these databases could suggest a duplication of benefits, which demands further investigation to ensure the equitable distribution of social security benefits. This is why your application might be flagged as ‘referred’ and subjected to additional scrutiny. It’s crucial to ensure that the information you provide in your SASSA application is accurate and up-to-date to avoid such complications.
Duplicate Applications
If you’ve applied for the SRD grant multiple times or have used identical details across different SASSA grant applications, the SASSA system may flag your application as potentially fraudulent, leading to a ‘referred’ status.
Remember, SASSA processes only one application per unique ID card number. Don’t submit multiple applications as it doesn’t expedite the process but instead complicates it.
Fraud Activity Suspected or SAFPS Record
If your personal information appear in the database of the South African Fraud Prevention Services (SAFPS) or any other list of criminal databases, your application status could be designated as “referred” for additional scrutiny. If you believe your details have been erroneously included in their database, you have the option to reach out to SAFPS directly for removal.
In the event of misplacing your SASSA card or if your mobile phone, which is linked to your account, is lost or stolen, it’s imperative to notify SASSA without delay. This precautionary measure is to prevent any unauthorized access or fraudulent activities on your account. SASSA will promptly take action to block potential fraudsters and assist you in reclaiming your grant.
Mistake in Changing Banking Details
If you have submitted incorrect details while applying for a new SASSA card or during its renewal, it may result in your SASSA status being marked as “Referred”.
The reasons mentioned above are typical scenarios that could lead to your SASSA status being displayed as referred. However, there might be other causes, which can be verified by reaching out to SASSA.
How to Solve the SASSA Status Referred
By now, you are familiar with the various potential causes for your SASSA R350 status being marked as referred. Let’s discuss now, how to address this issue.
Resolving the SASSA referred status involves a three-step process.
Finding the Exact Reason of Your Referred Status
The initial step involves determining the precise cause for the referred status on your SASSA application. Begin by reviewing all the potential reasons mentioned earlier to ascertain the specific cause for your application’s status.
If you fail to determine the cause, it’s necessary to reach out to SASSA to identify the reason. There are three methods you can use to contact them:
Reach Out to SASSA via their Helpline
Here are the steps to follow when calling the helpline:
Click here to get all contact details of Sassa
Contact SASSA on WhatsApp
If you don’t want to communicate via phone, you can reach out to SASSA through their WhatsApp number, 0820468553. Initiate a conversation with SASSA on WhatsApp, inquiring about the reason behind your referred status. They will first proceed with an identity verification process. Once your identity is confirmed, they will clarify the cause of your application’s referred status and guide you through the steps to address the issue.
Visit the SASSA Office In Person
If you’re more comfortable with in-person interactions over digital communication methods, you can opt to visit a SASSA office to determine the exact reason for your application’s referred status.
Solving the Issue from Your Side
Once you’ve determined the solution by communicating with SASSA, it’s time to tackle the issue. Please note that if SASSA states that your application has been randomly marked as “referred” for a comprehensive review, there’s no need for any action on your part. However, if they’ve pinpointed a specific problem with your application, you’ll need to address it based on their guidance.
Often, the problem stems from your record being listed in the SAFPS (South African Fraud Prevention Services) database. If this is the case and you’re certain that you’ve never participated in any fraudulent activity and your name’s inclusion in SAFPS records is a mistake, you should approach SAFPS and request the removal of your name from their records. If your request is deemed legitimate and they verify that you don’t have any fraudulent records, they will remove your name.
SASSA may require you to undergo bio-metric verification. If this is the case, you will need to make a visit to the SASSA office to complete the bio-metric verification procedure.
Sending Email to SASSA with Proof
Upon successfully addressing the issue, it’s necessary to send an email to SASSA at [email protected], attaching proof that you’ve resolved the issue on your end. SASSA will then evaluate your request and update your application status accordingly.
It may take SASSA up to two weeks to alter your application status after they’ve received your proof.
That concludes the process of rectifying your referred application issue. Now, you simply need to wait for SASSA. Your application status will be updated in due course!
What Does “Referred SAFPS” Mean
The status “Referred SAFPS” on your SASSA application indicates that your application has been flagged by the South African Fraud Prevention Services (SAFPS). This typically means that your ID number has been used to commit fraud or is linked to high-risk activities.SAFPS is an organization that investigates fraud cases. When you receive this message, it means your application went through a Fraud Risk Scoring process, and SAFPS found you have a record of committing fraud.
If your SRD grant application is declined and you receive the message “Referred SAFPS”, it means you’re considered a risk to SASSA. However, in some instances, the “Referred SAFPS” reason for rejecting your application might not be true. Therefore, it is recommended that you can submit an R350 grant appeal to resolve the issue.
When you submit an appeal, SASSA will review your application. If you want to submit an R350 grant appeal, you should do so within 30 days of receiving the ‘Referred SAFPS’ message.
To submit your appeal, follow the steps below:
The result of your appeal will be communicated to you via SMS. If you want more information about how to fix the “Referred SAFPS” issue, you can call SASSA on its toll-free number at 0800 601 011.
What is meant by Referred Link Risk Mobile
“Referred Link Risk Mobile” is a status message that some applicants for the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) may encounter. This status indicates that a fraudulent application was received from the mobile number used for the application.
If an applicant receives this status, it means that their ID numbers were involved in fraudulent or high-risk activities2. These individuals are registered as a perpetrator of fraud with the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS).
To resolve this issue, applicants are advised to contact SAFPS immediately. Once the issue has been sorted, they may email [email protected] with proof that they have cleared the problem12. It may take some time for the status to be changed, however, SASSA asks that applicants be patient.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the “Referred” status in SASSA applications is a decisive part of the review process aimed at ensuring eligibility and preventing fraud. It is triggered by various factors, including missing contact information or the presence of the applicant’s details in other governmental aid databases. While this status may cause some delay and concern, it is a necessary step in maintaining the integrity of South Africa’s social security system. Understanding its implications can help applicants to process the appeal more effectively and ensure that social security benefits are distributed equitably.
Hi there, I am Mbale nhle. As a passionate admirer and analyst of SASSA, I am dedicated to bringing you the most accurate and up-to-date information. My passion for SASSA drives me to dig deeper and explore all aspects of it. I strive to ensure that every piece of news and information you read here is timely, accurate, and insightful. Trust me and keep visiting for all the latest on SASSA!
