How to Fix SASSA SRD “alternative income source identified” Error in 2024?

Applied for South Africa’s Special COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant in 2024 but got an “alternative income source identified” notification instead? This common SASSA declining reason requires you take action to appeal or reapply correctly to receive the R350 monthly funds.

This guide clarifies why you may get the “alternative income source” decline message, the steps to fix it, and tips for ensuring your grant application status gets approved on reassessment. If you are still unaware about the status, you can SASSA Status Check at our website.

What Triggers the “Alternative Income Source” Error?

One fundamental eligibility criteria for the SRD grant is passing SASSA’s income threshold test. Your application is automatically declined if cumulative deposits into any bank account or e-Wallet in your name over the prior month exceeds R624.

This includes all bank, crypto or digital payments from multiple sources over that period, hence the term “alternative income”. Payments made by the SASSA system associated with your ID are excluded from this test when determining eligibility for the distress grant.

Possible triggers that identify such alternative income sources prompting a SASSA decline include:

• Spouse or partner’s regular deposits into a shared bank account: Even if not your income, deposits by another named account holder count as alternative funds.
• Part-time or freelance work income paid into personal accounts: Money from self-employment, side-gigs or part time jobs may accumulate above the limit over a month.
• Digital wallet deposits adding up over time: Multiple smaller mobile money transfers to an e-Wallet can breach thresholds when totalled from friends, family or side jobs.

If SASSA systems detect any cumulative deposits over the R624 limit from multiple sources into your registered financial accounts, the “alternative income identified” error displays. But this can be contested.

How to Fix the “Alternative Income Source Identified” Error?

If you honestly meet the financial distress criteria, fix the alternative income error using SASSA’s SRD appeals process:

1. Gather bank statements showing you haven’t received cumulative funds exceeding R624 in the prior month from all sources.
2. Access the SRD Appeals Platform and submit a reassessment request by entering your ID number and relevant details.
3. Upload or submit bank records validating cumulative deposits from all sources are under the limit. Explain any exceptional deposits.
4. Check status regularly and provide any further financial evidence if requested by the Appeals Committee.
5. If your SASSA Appeal adequately proves no sufficient alternative income source exists, your grant is approved on reassessment!

Tips to Avoid “Alternative Income” Identification

When initially applying or reapplying after appealing, make sure:

• Bank accounts submitted only reflect your name and ID details. Any shared or partner accounts must be excluded.
• Update SASSA if personal bank details used for payments change at any point.
• Records show entire monthly income history so SASSA can accurately set eligibility thresholds tailored to your specific circumstances.

Being upfront on all available income sources allows SASSA officers to make fair, evidence-based assessments of whether sufficient distress exists to warrant SRD assistance.

Next Steps If Further Issues Persist

For declined applicants disputing their alternative income status, further options exist:

• Engage SASSA officers at local branch offices to review eligibility face-to-face if errors persist.
• Utilize free legal aid assistance from organizations like ProBono to formally appeal incorrect decisions.

Getting expert guidance empowers distressed individuals to access this vital safety net relief grant.

Summary

The SASSA system automatically declines SRD applications if monthly bank statement deposits exceed set limits, classifying these as “alternative income sources”. But those meeting financial distress criteria can contest this with a simple reassessment appeal process.

Providing transparent evidence confirming you fall below SASSA’s defined income threshold is key to overturning the common “alternative income identified” error message. This allows valid candidates to successfully access the SRD grant’s crucial support.