The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) introduced the Special Relief of Distress (SRD) grant in May 2020 to provide financial assistance to those who have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some applicants have received a ‘Referred SAFPS’ status, which means that their application is under review due to the applicant being flagged by the South African Fraud Prevention Services (SAFPS).
If you have received a ‘Referred SAFPS’ status, it is important to understand what it means and what steps you can take to resolve the issue. The SAFPS is a database that stores information about individuals who have been involved in fraudulent activities. If your name appears on this database, your application for the SRD grant will be flagged, and you will need to take action to resolve the issue.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to appeal a ‘Referred SAFPS’ status. By submitting an appeal, you can request that SASSA reconsider your application and provide evidence to support your claim. However, it is important to note that the appeal process can take time, and you may need to provide additional documentation to support your claim.
Understanding SRD Grant and SAFPS
The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant is a temporary financial assistance program provided by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to individuals who are in dire need of financial assistance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant is intended to provide support to those who are unemployed, do not receive any other form of social grant or income, and are not receiving any other form of government assistance.
The South African Fraud Prevention Services (SAFPS) is an organization that investigates fraud cases and maintains a database of individuals who have been identified as perpetrators of fraud. When an individual applies for the SRD grant, SASSA checks the applicant’s information against the SAFPS database to determine if the applicant has been identified as a perpetrator of fraud.
If an applicant’s information matches the information in the SAFPS database, the application is marked as ‘Referred SAFPS’. This means that the applicant has been registered as a perpetrator of fraud by SAFPS and is not eligible for the SRD grant.
It is important to note that being marked as ‘Referred SAFPS’ does not necessarily mean that the applicant has committed fraud. It could be a case of mistaken identity or an error in the database. However, SASSA is required to follow the SAFPS protocol and cannot approve an application that has been marked as ‘Referred SAFPS’.
If an applicant receives a ‘Referred SAFPS’ status, they can appeal the decision by visiting the SRD website and following the appeal process. The outcome of the appeal will be communicated to the applicant through SMS.
It is important to ensure that all information provided in the SRD grant application is accurate and truthful to avoid being marked as ‘Referred SAFPS’.
Why Your SRD Grant May Be Referred to SAFPS
When applying for the SRD grant, some applicants may receive a “Referred SAFPS” status. This means that the South African Fraud Prevention Services (SAFPS) has identified the applicant as a potential fraudster, and the application has been flagged for further investigation.
SAFPS is responsible for identifying and preventing fraudulent activities in South Africa. They work with various organizations, including SASSA, to identify individuals who may be involved in fraudulent activities. When an individual applies for the SRD grant, their application undergoes a Fraud Risk Scoring process, which involves checking their details against SAFPS’s database of known fraudsters.
There are several reasons why an individual’s SRD grant application may be referred to SAFPS. These include:
- The applicant has previously been involved in fraudulent activities, such as identity theft or fraudulent benefit claims.
- The applicant’s personal details, such as their ID number or bank account information, do not match the information on SAFPS’s database.
- The applicant has provided false information on their application form.
If an applicant’s SRD grant application is flagged as “Referred SAFPS,” they will receive a notification informing them of the status. The notification will also provide instructions on what to do next.
It is important to note that receiving a “Referred SAFPS” status does not necessarily mean that an individual is guilty of fraudulent activities. It simply means that there is a potential risk, and further investigation is required to determine the validity of the application.
If an individual receives a “Referred SAFPS” status, they should follow the instructions provided by SASSA and SAFPS to resolve the issue. This may involve providing additional documentation or information to verify their identity and eligibility for the SRD grant.
Immediate Steps to Take If Your SRD Grant Is ‘Referred SAFPS’
If you have applied for the SRD grant and found out that your application status is ‘Referred SAFPS,’ there are immediate steps you can take to rectify the situation. Here are some of the things you can do:
Contact SAFPS
The first thing you should do is contact the South African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS) to find out why your application has been referred. You can call them at 011 867 2234 or email them at [email protected]. They will provide you with the necessary information and guide you on what to do next.
Review Your Personal Information
It is essential to review your personal information and ensure that it is accurate. Check your name, ID number, and contact details to make sure they are correct. If there are any errors, you must correct them as soon as possible.
Check for Fraudulent Activity
It is also crucial to check for any fraudulent activity that may have affected your application. Check your credit report and bank statements to ensure that there are no unauthorized transactions. If you suspect that your identity has been stolen, you must report it to the authorities immediately.
In conclusion, if your SRD grant application status is ‘Referred SAFPS,’ there are immediate steps you can take to rectify the situation. Contact SAFPS, review your personal information, and check for fraudulent activity to ensure that your application is processed promptly.
Long-Term Measures to Prevent Future Referrals
If you have been referred by SAFPS for your SRD grant application, it is important to take measures to prevent future referrals. Here are some long-term measures that can help you avoid future referrals:
Monitor Your Credit Report
One of the most important things you can do to prevent future referrals is to monitor your credit report regularly. This will help you identify any suspicious activity or unauthorized access to your personal information. You can get a free credit report from any of the major credit bureaus once a year. Make sure to review your credit report carefully and report any errors or discrepancies immediately.
Secure Your Personal Information
Another important step you can take to prevent future referrals is to secure your personal information. This includes your ID number, bank account details, and other sensitive information. Make sure to keep your personal information safe and secure at all times. Avoid sharing your personal information with anyone unless you trust them completely. Be wary of phishing scams and other fraudulent activities that can compromise your personal information.
Update Your Information Regularly
Finally, it is important to update your information regularly to avoid future referrals. This includes your contact information, bank account details, and other relevant details. Make sure to keep your information up-to-date and accurate at all times. If you change your address or phone number, make sure to update your information with SASSA as soon as possible.
By following these long-term measures, you can reduce the risk of future referrals and protect your personal information from unauthorized access.
Seeking Professional Help
If you have been rejected for the SRD grant due to a “Referred SAFPS” status, it can be a frustrating and confusing process. However, seeking professional help can be a great way to navigate the system and get the assistance you need. Here are some options to consider:
Legal Assistance
If you suspect that your application was rejected unfairly or due to an error, you may want to consider seeking legal assistance. A lawyer can help you navigate the appeals process and ensure that your rights are being protected. They can also help you gather evidence and make a strong case for why you should receive the grant.
Financial Counselling
If you are struggling with financial issues, seeking the help of a financial counsellor can be a great way to get back on track. They can help you create a budget, manage your debts, and develop a plan for moving forward. They can also provide guidance on how to access other forms of financial assistance, such as loans or grants.
It is important to note that seeking professional help can be expensive, so it may not be an option for everyone. However, there are also many free resources available, such as community legal clinics and financial counselling services. It is worth exploring these options to see if they can provide you with the assistance you need.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if your SRD grant application has been rejected with a ‘Referred SAFPS’ status, it means that you have been flagged as a perpetrator of fraud by the South African Fraud Prevention Services (SAFPS). To resolve this issue, applicants need to follow the steps outlined by SASSA, which includes visiting the SRD website, submitting an appeal, and providing the necessary documentation to prove their identity.
It is important to note that applicants have only 30 days after their SRD grant is rejected to submit an appeal. Therefore, it is crucial to act quickly and provide all the necessary information to avoid delays in receiving the grant.
Additionally, applicants should ensure that they provide accurate and truthful information when applying for the SRD grant to avoid being flagged by SAFPS. Any false information provided during the application process can result in being flagged and rejected from receiving the grant.
Overall, by following the necessary steps and providing accurate information, applicants can resolve the ‘Referred SAFPS’ status and receive their SRD grant payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I fix my referred SASSA status?
If your SRD grant application status says “Referred SAFPS,” it means that you are registered as a perpetrator of fraud by the South African Fraud Prevention Services (SAFPS). To fix this, you can visit the SRD website and apply for reconsideration. Click on “click here to apply for reconsideration” and provide your ID number and mobile number. Follow the prompts to complete the reconsideration of your application.
What does SRD mean when it says referred?
When your SRD grant application status says “Referred,” it means that SASSA has randomly selected your application for further verification. It may be because your ID number was previously involved or used in fraudulent activities.
What is the meaning of referred status?
A “Referred” status means that your SRD grant application has been selected for further verification by SASSA. It may take some time for your application to be processed, so it is important to be patient.
Why is my SRD grant application still pending?
If your SRD grant application is still pending, it may be because SASSA is still processing your application. You can check the status of your application on the SRD website.
How can I check the status of my SRD grant application?
To check the status of your SRD grant application, you can visit the SRD website and enter your ID number and mobile number. You will then be able to see the status of your application.
What proof do I need to provide to clear a referred status for my SRD grant application?
To clear a “Referred” status for your SRD grant application, you may need to provide additional documentation or proof of your identity. It is important to follow the instructions provided by SASSA and provide all necessary documents in a timely manner.