Why Does My SASSA Status Show “Pending” for More Than 45 Days?

“Pending” simply means your application is under review, but delays beyond 45 days often indicate deeper issues. The most common reasons include ID mismatches, bank verification delays, income flags, and system backlogs. You can fix this by resubmitting details, contacting SASSA, and verifying your information.

For thousands of South Africans applying for the SASSA Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, one of the most frustrating messages they see on the status portal is the word “Pending.”

While a short delay is expected, some applicants complain that their status remains stuck for more than 45 days — with no update, no SMS, and no clear explanation from Government of South Africa.

This situation leaves beneficiaries confused, worried, and uncertain about whether their grant will ever be paid. If you’ve been facing this, you are not alone. Let’s break down the real reasons behind long “Pending” periods, and what steps you can take to resolve it.

Understanding What “Pending” Means in SASSA’s System

Before looking at delays, it’s important to know what “Pending” actually means.

• Pending = Under Review
• SASSA has received your application but has not yet finished verifying your details.

Verification checks include:

• ID validation with the Department of Home Affairs.
• Income and banking checks against other financial records.
• Cross-checks to ensure you are not receiving another form of state assistance.

Normally, this process should take a few days to a few weeks. But when “Pending” stretches to 45 days or more, something unusual is happening.

7 Reasons Your SASSA Status Is Pending

Here are the most common but rarely explained causes:

ID Verification Delays

If there’s a mismatch between your ID and SASSA’s system, the process gets held up. Even a small error in your name, date of birth, or ID number can cause weeks of delays.

Bank Account Verification Taking Too Long

When you provide bank details, SASSA must confirm that the account belongs to you. If your account name doesn’t exactly match your ID, or if you recently opened the account, verification can stall.

High Application Load

At the beginning of a new cycle, SASSA often faces a flood of applications. The system processes requests in batches, meaning some applicants get stuck in the queue far longer than others.

Alternative Income Source Flagged

SASSA automatically checks if you have another income stream. Even small transactions (like R200 sent by a family member) can trigger a review. Until SASSA manually checks this, your status may remain “Pending.”

Phone Number Mismatch

If the cellphone number you provided is not RICA-registered under your ID, the system may hold back approval until further checks are done.

Technical Glitches on the SRD Portal

Sometimes, the delay isn’t about your details at all. System downtime or incomplete syncing between databases can freeze your application in “Pending” mode.

Fraud Prevention Checks

If SASSA suspects that multiple applications were filed under the same ID or if fraud markers are detected, your status will remain on hold until the investigation clears.

What You Can Do If Your SASSA Status Is Stuck

While it’s tempting to just wait, there are proactive steps beneficiaries can take:

Double Check Your Personal Details

Confirm that your ID number, name, and phone number are consistent across your application, bank account, and RICA registration.

Re-Submit Banking Details

If your status has been pending for more than 30 days, re-enter your bank details via the SRD portal to trigger a fresh verification.

Use Multiple Status Check Channels

Instead of relying only on the SRD website, check via:

• USSD Code: 1347737#
• SASSA WhatsApp Line: 082 046 8553
• Contact SASSA Directly

Call the SASSA toll-free line (0800 60 10 11) and request manual escalation. Provide your ID, application reference, and banking proof if necessary.

Visit a Local SASSA Office

If your situation is urgent, physically visit your nearest SASSA office. Offices often have staff who can override or manually escalate a stuck application.

How Long Should You Really Wait?

SASSA usually processes applications within 30 working days. If your status shows “Pending” for longer than 45 days, it is no longer just a normal delay. At that point, it’s important to escalate and provide additional verification documents..

Final Word

For many poor and financially unstable South Africans, the SRD grant is a lifeline. Being stuck on “Pending” for more than 45 days is not just an inconvenience it can mean going without food, electricity, or transport.

By knowing the real causes behind these delays and taking proactive steps, you can increase your chances of unlocking your grant sooner.