Many SRD applicants are surprised when their applications are rejected despite submitting the correct details.
One of the biggest reasons is banking behaviour, a key part of SASSA’s financial screening process.
Understanding how SASSA banking behaviour, SRD approval banking checks, and bank account screening work can help applicants avoid unnecessary delays or declines.
This article explains exactly how your bank transactions influence your SRD approval or rejection.
How SASSA Uses Banking Behaviour in the SRD Approval Process
SASSA works closely with major South African banks to assess whether an applicant truly qualifies for the SRD grant.
The bank verification step helps confirm identity, detect income, and validate eligibility.
Here’s what SASSA checks:
1. Income Deposits Detected
If SASSA sees any deposits above R624 per month, the system automatically flags the applicant as not financially distressed.
This includes:
- Salary payments
- Regular cash deposits
- eWallet transfers
- Payments from family members
- Side-hustle income
Even if this money is not from a formal job, it can still trigger an “Alternative Income Source Identified” status.
2. Transaction Patterns
SASSA checks the pattern, not just the amount.
For example:
- Regular incoming amounts
- Consistent weekly deposits
- Repeated transfers from the same person
This signals to the system that the applicant may have additional support.
3. Bank Account Ownership
The name on the bank account must match your ID.
If not, SASSA cannot approve the application until banking details are corrected.
4. Financial Activity Screening
If the account appears “active” with spending and deposits, SASSA may investigate further before approving.
Common Banking Mistakes That Affect SRD Approval
Even qualified beneficiaries often face declines because of avoidable errors. Here are the most common reasons:
1. Using Someone Else’s Bank Account
If money is sent to a spouse or parent’s bank account, SASSA will detect the mismatch and decline the application.
2. Receiving Money Not Classified as Income
Many applicants don’t know that cash gifts, eWallet transfers, and business sales count as income in SASSA’s system.
3. Incorrect or Outdated Banking Details
If you change your bank, fail to update your SASSA profile, or mistype your account number, your approval or payment will be delayed.
4. Inactive or Closed Bank Accounts
If the bank account is dormant or blocked, payments cannot be processed.
5. Multiple Accounts Linked to the Same Applicant
SASSA will only use the most recently submitted account.
If multiple accounts exist, verification delays may occur.
How to Improve Your Chances of SRD Approval Through Banking Behaviour
Follow these steps to ensure your banking behaviour supports your application:
1. Use Only Your Own Bank Account
SASSA must detect:
- Matching ID
- Matching full name
- Matching account ownership
This ensures smooth verification.
2. Avoid Receiving Regular Income Above R624
If you rely on extra income (side jobs, remittances), try to keep it below the threshold or use it responsibly while understanding its impact.
3. Submit Correct and Updated Banking Details
Update your bank info only through the official SASSA portal.
4. Track Your Incoming Funds
Be mindful of:
- Where money comes from
- How often it is deposited
- Whether amounts exceed the income limit
5. Monitor Your SASSA Status Daily
Micro status codes like:
- Pending Bank Verification
- Alternative Income Source Identified
- Referred
can help you understand what needs fixing.
FAQs
1. Why was my SRD approved but no pay date given?
SASSA may still be verifying your bank account or checking your financial activity before confirming payment.
2. Does cash sent by family count as income?
Yes. Any consistent deposit can affect your eligibility.
3. Can SASSA check eWallet and cash send deposits?
Yes. Banks report these transactions during financial screening.
4. What if I receive small amounts under R624?
You may still qualify, but repeated monthly deposits can trigger further review.
5. What if I change banks after applying?
Update your banking details immediately on the SASSA website to avoid delays.
Conclusion
Banking behaviour plays a major role in the SRD approval banking checks and ongoing payment eligibility.
By understanding how SASSA evaluates income, transactions, and account ownership, applicants can avoid declines and receive their grant smoothly.
👉 For more guides on SRD banking rules and verification fixes, explore our latest SASSA articles.