What Does “Referred” Mean on Your SRD Status?

A referred SRD status can be confusing since it isn’t a final approval or decline. This guide explains what a referred SRD status generally means and what you can do about it. This is general information only — always follow the specific instructions shown on the official SASSA SRD website.

Seeing “Referred” instead of a clear approval or decline can feel unsettling, particularly if you were not given any warning beforehand. The good news is that a referred status almost always has a specific, resolvable cause rather than being random, and in most cases it is something you can act on yourself. This guide covers what is known about why applications get referred, the general steps for resolving it, and how this status compares to the other outcomes you might see on your SRD application.

Quick answer: A “Referred” SRD status generally means SASSA has flagged your application for extra identity verification, such as e-KYC or a facial biometric check, before it can confirm your final outcome.

Quick Facts

“Referred” is a checkpoint status, not a final approval or decline
It is commonly linked to SASSA’s identity verification (e-KYC) process
Official SASSA guidance indicates applicants with a referred status may need to log in to the SRD portal and complete facial biometric verification
Leaving it unresolved can keep your application in limbo, so it generally needs action from you

What Triggers a Referred Status?

SASSA has not published a full, detailed list of every reason an application can be referred. The clearest confirmed reason is identity verification: SASSA’s own documentation indicates that applicants with a referred status are generally asked to log in to the SRD portal and complete identity or facial biometric verification (e-KYC) before their application can proceed. Other checks, such as verifying your details against other databases, may also play a role. Because the full list isn’t officially detailed, treat any other reasons you read elsewhere as unconfirmed.

How to Resolve a Referred SRD Status

Log in to the official SASSA SRD website with your ID number.
Choose the option for South African ID holders, or the option for asylum seekers and special permit holders if that applies to you, to reach your application menu.
Look for the e-KYC or identity verification section linked to your referred status.
The portal typically separates this into options for checking your e-KYC status, general reverification, or verification specifically for a referred status, so choose the one that matches what you are seeing.
Follow the prompts to verify your identity, which may include a facial biometric or photo step.
Use good lighting and remove sunglasses or anything covering your face if a photo step is required, since a poor-quality image is a common reason this step needs to be repeated.
Submit and check your status again after a few days to see if it has updated.
SASSA does not publish an exact turnaround time for reviewing these submissions, so a short wait is normal before your status changes.
If it stays on “Referred” for a long time, contact the SASSA call centre on 0800 60 10 11.
Have your ID number and the mobile number used on your application ready, since the call centre agent will need these to check your record before they can help further.

Go to Official SASSA SRD Portal

For a fuller walkthrough of this step, see our guide on SASSA identity verification (e-KYC).

Referred vs Other SRD Statuses

Pending — your application is still being assessed
Approved — you meet the requirements and are in line for payment on the rolling schedule
Declined — your application didn’t meet the requirements, though you may be able to appeal
Referred — SASSA needs additional verification from you before it can finalise your status

If your status shows Approved but you haven’t been paid yet, see our guide on SRD approved but no payment date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is “Referred” the same as being declined?

No. Referred means SASSA needs more information or verification from you before it can reach a final decision. It isn’t a decline.

How long does a referred status usually take to resolve?

SASSA hasn’t published a fixed timeframe. Completing the requested verification promptly is generally the best way to move your status forward.

Disclaimer: SA Grant Dates is an independent information resource and is not affiliated with SASSA or the South African government. Status definitions and verification steps are determined by SASSA and may change. Always follow the instructions on the official SRD portal. This page was last reviewed in August 2026.