Many South Africans rely on the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) for financial support.
SASSA offers various grants, including the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, to assist unemployed individuals.
After applying for an SRD grant, you can check your application status online.
If you’ve checked your SASSA application status and encountered the message “Means Income Source Identified Undefined,” this article explains what it means and the steps you should take.
What is a Means Test?
A means test is a financial assessment used by SASSA to determine if you meet the income requirements for the SRD grant.
SASSA compares your income sources and amounts against a set threshold.
If your income falls below this threshold, you’re considered unemployed or underemployed and potentially eligible for the grant.
How Can I Fix “Means Income Source Identified Undefined”?
The message “Means Income Source Identified Undefined” indicates that SASSA couldn’t verify your income source during the means test.
This could happen for a few reasons:
- Missing income information: You might not have provided details about your income sources in your application.
- Inconsistent information: There could be discrepancies between the income information you provided and what SASSA found in their verification process.
- Unrecognizable income source: You might have an income source not readily identifiable by SASSA’s systems.
What Documents Do I Need to Resolve “Means Income Source Identified Undefined”?
To resolve this issue, you’ll need to provide SASSA with documentation that clarifies your income situation.
The specific documents needed will depend on your income source. Here are some examples:
- For employed individuals: Provide your latest payslip or a letter from your employer confirming your employment status and income.
- For self-employed individuals: Submit bank statements reflecting your income or invoices for recent work completed.
- For individuals receiving benefits: Provide documentation of any social grants or unemployment insurance benefits you receive.
Can I Appeal a Rejected SASSA Application?
If your application is ultimately rejected after addressing the “Means Income Source Identified Undefined” message, you have the right to appeal the decision.
The SASSA website provides information on the appeals process, including deadlines and required documentation.
How Do I Contact SASSA?
The quickest way to resolve the “Means Income Source Identified Undefined” issue is to contact your nearest SASSA local office.
You can find contact details for your local office on the SASSA website.
Alternatively, you can contact SASSA through their national call center at 0860 606 772.
What Are Other SASSA Grant Application Statuses?
Here’s a brief explanation of some other statuses you might encounter when checking your SASSA application:
- Pending: Your application is currently being reviewed by SASSA.
- Approved: Congratulations! Your application has been successful, and you’ll receive information about your payment date and method.
- Declined: Your application was unsuccessful. You can contact SASSA to understand the reason for rejection and potentially appeal the decision.
- Re-application Pending: It’s time to re-apply for the SRD grant for the upcoming month.
- Status On Hold: There might be missing or incorrect information in your application. Review and update your application details.
- Bank Details Pending: Provide your bank account information to receive your grant via bank deposit.
- Cancelled: Your application was unsuccessful due to failing verification, incomplete application, or identification of another income source.