What Does “Application Documents Outstanding” Mean?

Checking your SASSA SRD grant application status can bring surprises, good or bad. But seeing the words “Application Documents Outstanding” is undoubtedly a bad surprise. If you want that R370 payment, ignoring this message is not an option. 

But what does it mean? And more importantly, what documents are missing? In this guide, we’ll answer those questions and give you direction on how to fix this situation fast. So, what’s SASSA on about with this message? Let’s start there.

Why Has SASSA Marked Your Application Status as “Application Documents Outstanding”?

If you see this message, know that SASSA has accepted your grant application, and it is valid. However, certain documents, that you did not submit, are required to complete your application.

SASSA needs certain documents to verify your eligibility for the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant. If anything is missing, they put your application on hold until you provide the necessary paperwork. 

SASSA requires specific documents to confirm your eligibility for the SRD grant. If any one of these is not received, your application is placed on hold until you provide the missing paperwork. It is not a rejection but a request for more information. A request for missing documents does not mean your application has been turned down. Until the request has been satisfied, however, you will not receive payment.

Now, let’s go through the documents you might need to submit.

What Documents Are Missing?

Depending on your citizenship or residency status, different documents are required. Here’s a breakdown of the important ones:

1. South African ID for ID Holders

If you’re a South African citizen, you must provide a clear copy of your South African ID. This can be in the form of:

• A smart ID card (front and back)
• The green barcoded ID book
• A temporary ID certificate (if you don’t have a permanent ID yet)

2. Other Documents for Non-South African Citizens

If you’re not a South African citizen but qualify for the SRD grant, SASSA needs proof of your legal status in the country. This can include:

• Asylum Seeker Permit: If you’re an asylum seeker in South Africa, you need to provide your valid asylum seeker permit issued by the Department of Home Affairs.
• Permanent Resident Permit: If you have been granted permanent residency in South Africa, submit a clear copy of your permit.
• Special Permit Holders: If you’re from Zimbabwe, Lesotho, or Angola and have a special permit, you need to submit a copy of it.

3. Bank Statement (Last 3 Months)

SASSA needs to confirm your financial situation before approving the grant. You must submit a bank statement from the last three months. The statement should clearly show:

• Your name
• Your bank account details
• All transactions for the past three months

4. Proof of Unemployment

Since the SRD grant is for unemployed individuals, SASSA requires proof that you’re currently unemployed. This could be a UIF rejection letter, a termination letter from your last job, or any document proving you don’t have a source of income.

5. Attested Affidavit or Sworn Statement

If you’re unable to provide some documents, you might need to submit an attested affidavit explaining your situation. This is a sworn statement, signed in front of a commissioner of oaths, confirming your need for financial assistance.

6. Passed Means Test Report

SASSA uses a means test to check whether you qualify for the grant. If you have any other source of income above an R624 per month limit, you will not qualify. If they request this document, it means they need further proof of your financial status.

How to Submit the Missing or Incorrect Documents for the SRD Grant Application?

Now that you know what’s missing, here’s how to fix the issue and submit your documents.

1. Approach to the SRD Website

• Go to the official SASSA website: https://srd.sassa.gov.za
• Make sure you have your ID number and registered cellphone number ready.

2. Choose “South African ID Holder or Special Permit Holder”

Once on the website, you’ll see an option asking for your citizenship status. Choose the one that applies to you:

• South African ID Holder if you’re a citizen
• Special Permit Holder if you’re from Zimbabwe, Lesotho, or Angola

3. Click on “Update Application” Option

• Find and click the “Update Application” button.
• This will take you to the section where you can upload missing documents.

4. Identity Verification Process

Before uploading documents, SASSA will ask you to verify your identity. This could involve:

• Enter your ID number and OTP (One-Time Pin) sent to your registered phone number.

5. Upload Your Missing or Required Documents

• Click on the upload button and select the files you need to submit.
• Make sure your documents are clear and readable (scanned or high-quality photos are best).
• After uploading, click “Submit” and wait for confirmation.

SASSA will then review your documents, and if everything is in order, your status should change, and your grant will be processed for payment.

Conclusion

When you view the status “Application Documents Outstanding” on your SASSA SRD status, you might think it’s bad news. Not at all! It just means you need to send in some more documents before SASSA can say, “Yes! Pay this person!” and the money can flow into your account.

More precisely, the guide that this post links to takes you through the steps necessary for you to resolve the “Application Documents Outstanding” situation in record time.

You’ll have the money in your account faster than you can say, “I need to redo my budget for this month!” If you need any further help, try our comment section for sure.