Why Does SASSA Say “Means Income Source Identified Undefined”?

When you visit the SASSA website to check your SRD status, you may come across a status that reads “Means Income Source Identified Undefined.” If you are facing this issue, there is no need to worry. In this article, I will explain why this status appears, how to handle it, and what it actually means. I will provide a detailed breakdown of everything you need to know about this issue.

Why Does SASSA Status Say “Means Income Source Identified Undefined”?

The meaning of the status “Means Income Source Identified Undefined” is:

“The grant applicant has not provided the income source details.”

Or

“SASSA is unable to find out the income source of the SRD grant applicant.”

Both meanings are correct and you need to check if you have made a mistake during the grant application process. Your income source is undefined so SASSA can not pass your application until you provide your income source.

Why Does SASSA Need to Check My Income Source?

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) handles millions of SRD grant applications every month. These applications need to be approved timely and SASSA has to pay the R370 payment to all the approved applicants.

But, SASSA has to be very active when it comes to approving the applications. That is why SASSA uses the term “Means Test” to verify the applications. This test is an SRD grant eligibility test that makes sure only eligible people get the grant payment.

SASSA has eligibility criteria for applicants. They need to respect that criteria so only deserving people get the grant funds. In the means test, SASSA checks the backgrounds of all the applicants including their income sources.

If an applicant is not eligible for the grant and still applying then SASSA will decline the application. Also, if you forget to add your income source in the SRD grant application then you need to add it and then apply for the grant.

What are the Income Source Requirements for the SRD Grant?

The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant is a financial help given by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to unemployed and struggling individuals. To qualify, you must meet specific income requirements.

Your Monthly Income Must Be Low

• You must earn R624 or less per month.
• This includes money from any job, business, or financial help you receive.

No Other Government Support

• You cannot receive money from other SASSA grants (such as old age, disability, or child support grants).
• You should also not get money from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).

No Large Bank Deposits

• SASSA checks your bank account to see how much money comes in.
• If you receive deposits over R624 per month, you may not qualify.

No Formal Employment

• You should not have a formal job with a regular salary.
• Self-employed people must still meet the income limit.

No Financial Support from Family or Other Sources

• If family members or others send you money regularly, it could affect your qualification.
• Occasional help from friends or family may be okay, but regular large amounts can disqualify you.

How SASSA Checks Your Income for the SRD Grant?

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) carefully checks your income to make sure you qualify for the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant. They use different methods to verify your financial status and ensure you are truly in need.

1. Bank Account Verification

SASSA works with banks to check how much money is deposited into your account each month. Here’s how they do it:

• They check your bank statements to see if you receive money regularly.
• If you receive more than R624 per month, you may not qualify for the grant.
• Even if someone else sends you money, it is counted as income.

2. Government Database Checks

SASSA uses different government databases to see if you are already receiving financial support. They check:

• SASSA’s Own System: To see if you get other grants (like old age, disability, or child support grants).
• Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF): If you are receiving UIF payments, you do not qualify for the SRD grant.
• South African Revenue Service (SARS): To check if you have a formal job and pay taxes. If you do, you may not be eligible.

3. Employment Status Check

SASSA verifies if you have a job by checking with:

• The Department of Employment and Labour
• Your company or employer records (if applicable)
• If they find out that you earn a salary, your grant may be declined.

4. Identity and Citizenship Verification

SASSA checks your ID number in the Home Affairs database to confirm:

• You are a South African citizen, refugee, or permanent resident.
• You are not receiving financial support from another country.

5. Regular Reassessment

SASSA does monthly checks to make sure you still qualify for the grant. If your income goes above the limit, they will cancel your grant.

What Happens If SASSA Finds Extra Income?

If SASSA sees that you earn more than R624 per month, they will decline or cancel your SRD grant. If you believe this is a mistake, you can appeal and provide proof of your financial situation.

Conclusion

Now you know what “Means Income Source Identified Undefined” means. It simply means your income source is unknown to SASSA. They check your bank account, job status, government records, and ID details to confirm your income. They do this to make sure the SRD grant only goes to people who really need it. If your financial situation changes, your grant may be stopped or denied.