SRD Referred Status: What It Means and How to Get Help

Understand why an SRD application may show “referred,” how possible fraud checks affect the status, and when to contact SASSA.

7/20/20264 min read

If your SRD status shows “Referred,” SASSA’s system may have identified a possible fraud, identity or application-security concern that requires additional attention.

A referred status is not the same as an ordinary declined result. Do not pay anyone who claims they can remove it. Use official SASSA channels to confirm what verification or corrective action is required.

What Does “SRD Referred” Mean?

SASSA has stated that a referred status can indicate suspected fraudulent activity associated with an SRD application.

This may happen when the system needs additional confirmation that:

The application belongs to the correct person.
The ID number has not been used improperly.
The registered cellphone number is controlled by the applicant.
Personal or banking information has not been changed without permission.
The applicant’s identity can be verified.

The word “referred” does not identify the exact problem. SASSA must confirm what action is required for the individual case.

Why an Application May Be Referred

1. Possible Fraud Risk

SASSA may flag an application when its systems identify information that requires additional fraud checks.

This does not automatically prove that the applicant committed fraud. It means that the issue must be resolved before the application or payment can proceed.

2. The ID Number May Already Be in Use

If an ID number appears to be connected to another SRD application, SASSA may require the genuine identity holder to confirm ownership.

Contact SASSA immediately if you never submitted the other application.

3. Cellphone Information May Have Changed

An unfamiliar or unauthorised cellphone-number change can prevent the genuine applicant from receiving messages and accessing the application.

Use the official facility for reporting an unauthorised number change if someone altered your number without permission.

4. Identity Verification Is Required

SASSA may ask the applicant to complete biometric or another form of identity verification.

Follow only the instructions provided through an official SASSA platform. Never send a facial photograph, ID copy or OTP to an unknown person.

5. Personal Information Does Not Match

Incorrect names, surnames, ID details or contact information may prevent the system from confirming the applicant’s identity.

Check that your personal information corresponds with Department of Home Affairs records.

What to Do When Your Status Is Referred

Go directly to https://srd.sassa.gov.za and check the status again.
Read any official instruction displayed for the relevant month.
Confirm that your ID number and personal details are correct.
Check whether you still control the registered cellphone number.
Contact SASSA on 0800 60 10 11.
Explain that your SRD status shows “referred.”
Ask which verification or fraud-resolution process applies to your case.
Visit a local SASSA office if instructed.
Take your valid identity document when visiting.
Keep any reference number or confirmation supplied.

Do not repeatedly change your banking details or contact number unless they are incorrect or SASSA instructs you to do so.

If You Suspect Someone Used Your ID

Take the following precautions:

Tell SASSA that you suspect an unauthorised application.
Use the official option for reporting an unauthorised cellphone-number change if applicable.
Review your registered SRD contact and banking details.
Secure your email, cellphone and banking accounts.
Contact your mobile network if your SIM card may have been compromised.
Keep screenshots of suspicious messages or changes.
Report confirmed identity theft or fraud to the South African Police Service.

Do not confront a suspected fraudster or share additional information with them.

Referred Versus Other SRD Statuses

Referred

A possible fraud or identity concern requires additional attention from SASSA.

Identity Verification Required

SASSA requires the applicant to complete an identity-confirmation process, which may include biometric verification.

Pending

The monthly application has not yet completed its ordinary assessment.

Declined

SASSA made a negative eligibility decision for that month. An appeal may be available if the applicant disagrees.

Approved but No Payment Date

The eligibility decision was positive, but banking verification or payment scheduling may still be incomplete.

Check the exact wording displayed. The correct next step depends on the status.

Should You Submit an Appeal?

A referred status is not necessarily a final declined decision. First contact SASSA and complete the required fraud or identity-resolution process.

If SASSA later declines a particular month and you disagree with the reason, use the official appeal process for that month.

Submitting an appeal cannot replace a required identity-verification or fraud-resolution step.

What Not to Do

Do not pay anyone to remove the referred status.
Do not give an OTP, PIN or password to a stranger.
Do not send an ID photograph through an unknown WhatsApp account.
Do not use third-party status-check websites requiring sensitive information.
Do not repeatedly submit new applications using different details.
Do not change accurate banking information in an attempt to clear the status.
Do not ignore an official verification request.

Scammers may specifically target applicants experiencing a referred status because they know the applicant wants a quick solution.

When to Visit a SASSA Office

Visit an official SASSA office if:

The call centre directs you there.
You cannot complete the required verification online.
You do not have a suitable smartphone or internet access.
You cannot access the registered cellphone number.
Your ID information continues to fail verification.
You believe another person used your identity.
The status remains unresolved after following the official instructions.

Take your valid identity document and any reference supplied by SASSA. Confirm any additional requirements before travelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does referred mean my SRD application was declined?

Not necessarily. It usually indicates that an identity, fraud or security concern requires further attention.

How long does a referred status take to resolve?

There is no single guaranteed timeframe. It depends on the issue and the verification required.

Can someone clear the status for a fee?

No. Do not pay anyone who promises to remove a referred status or guarantee approval.

Should I change my banking details?

Only if they are incorrect, unauthorised or SASSA instructs you to change them. Banking changes do not automatically resolve an identity concern.

Can I appeal a referred status?

First resolve the referral through SASSA. An appeal is generally used after a monthly application has received a declined decision.

What if I do not own the registered cellphone number?

Contact SASSA and use the official contact-update or unauthorised-number process that applies to your situation.

Official Help and Sources

** Official SRD website: https://srd.sassa.gov.za
Report an unauthorised cellphone change: https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/auth
SASSA toll-free number: 0800 60 10 11
Last reviewed: 20 July 2026

SASSA has stated that a referred status can indicate suspected fraudulent activity and that the beneficiary should contact SASSA to resolve the matter. South African Government statement

SASSA has also advised that local offices can assist beneficiaries who cannot complete biometric identity verification using their own technology. South African Government verification guidance

SA Grant Guide is an independent information website and is not affiliated with SASSA. We cannot access referred cases, perform identity verification or remove fraud flags. Always use official SASSA channels when submitting personal information.

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