Cancel SASSA Grant with Step-By-Step Guide

If you’re in a situation where you no longer need the SASSA R350 grant – maybe your financial circumstances have improved – it’s a good idea to cancel your application. 

Why? If you keep getting the grant when you don’t really need it, it could land you in hot water legally, and might even affect your chances with government jobs down the line.

So, how do you cancel your grant? Don’t worry, it’s pretty simple. In this guide, I’m going to help you understand exactly when it’s time to cancel your SASSA grant and show you how to do it easily. 

When you’re considering canceling your SASSA SRD grant application, there are several key reasons that might guide your decision.

• Improved Financial Situation: If your financial situation has improved since you first applied for the grant. It could be appropriate to cancel your grant. The SASSA means test threshold is designed to assist those in need, so if your income exceeds this threshold, you may no longer qualify for the grant.
• Job Application Restrictions: Are you in the process of applying for new jobs? It’s worth noting that in certain sectors, particularly government roles, being a recipient of the SRD grant could potentially impact your job prospects. In these cases, canceling the grant might be a strategic move.
• Altruistic Motivation: If your financial situation has stabilized and you feel others might benefit more from the grant, canceling your application can help ensure the funds reach those who are struggling.
• Eligibility Doubts: If you’re unsure whether you still qualify for the grant, it’s better to clarify this with SASSA. Continuing to receive the grant under potential ineligibility isn’t just unethical – it could also lead to legal issues.

Be mindful of the legal implications of continuing to receive the grant if you’re no longer eligible. There can be penalties, and it could affect your eligibility for future government employment.

Remember, canceling your SASSA grant is a voluntary decision. It should be based on an honest assessment of your current financial status and how well you fit the eligibility criteria.

Before diving into the cancellation procedure, it is important to first verify the status of your grant.

In the event that your grant has already been discontinued, you can breathe a sigh of relief – there’s no need for you to proceed with the cancellation process. However, if your grant is indeed active, it’s time to embark on the cancellation journey. 

There are four distinct methods you can utilize to cancel your SRD grant. It’s worth noting that this cancellation process is not unique to the SRD grant alone; it applies universally to all types of SASSA grants, including those for child support and disability.

Method 1. Cancel SASSA Grant Application Via SASSA Service Portal

To begin, visit the official SASSA portal at https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/cancellation. Here, you’ll be required to enter your 13-digit South African ID number and the phone number you used during your grant application.

Once you input these details, click on “Send Pin” to receive a One-Time Pin (OTP) on your registered phone.

After receiving the OTP, enter it on the website. You’ll then see an option to “Cancel My Grant.” Clicking on this button will take you to the next stage of the process.

A prompt will appear, asking for reconfirmation of your intention to cancel the grant. If you’re sure about your decision, click “Yes” to finalize the cancellation.

Upon confirming, you will receive a notification on your registered SASSA phone number, indicating that your request to cancel the grant has been successfully processed.

It’s important to thoroughly consider your decision before confirming the cancellation, as this action is irreversible. Make sure that canceling the grant is indeed in line with your current circumstances and needs.

Method 2. Cancel SASSA Grant Application Via Whatsapp

Canceling your SRD Grant through WhatsApp is a convenient, user-friendly option, especially if you’re comfortable with digital communication.

• Save the SASSA WhatsApp Number: First, you need to save the official SASSA WhatsApp number, 082 046 8553, into your phone contacts.
• Start the Cancellation Process: Open your WhatsApp and send a message to the SASSA number you just saved. Your message should be clear, for example, “Cancel SASSA R350 Grant”.
• Response and Options from SASSA: After sending your initial message, you will receive an automated response from SASSA on WhatsApp.
• Select the Appropriate Option: From the list of options provided, select “Cancel my application”.
• Verify Your Identity: For security and verification purposes, SASSA will ask for your identification details. You will need to provide your South African ID number and the phone number you used to register with SASSA.
• Confirm Cancellation: Once you provide your ID number and registered phone number, you’ll need to confirm that you indeed want to cancel the grant.

After your confirmation, your request to cancel the SASSA grant will be processed. You should receive a message indicating that your cancellation request has been successfully submitted.

Method 3. Cancel SASSA Grant Application Via Email

Here’s how you can cancel SASSA grant application via email:

• Starting the Email Process: Open your email client on your phone or computer. Click to compose a new message.
• Writing a Clear Subject Line: In the email’s subject line, be specific and state that your message is a request for the cancellation of your SASSA grant.
• Body of the Email – The Cancellation Request: In the main part of the email, clearly express your desire to cancel your SRD grant.
• Include Essential Information: In your email, provide crucial details such as your SASSA reference number, South African ID number, and the phone number linked to your SASSA account.
• Adding Any Inquiries: If you have any questions or need clarification about the grant cancellation process or what follows next, feel free to include these in your email.
• Double-Checking for Accuracy: Before hitting send, review your email carefully. Ensure that your reference number, ID, and phone number are correctly entered to avoid any delays or confusion in processing your request.
• Sending to the Right Address: Once you’re confident that all the details are accurate, send your email to SASSA’s official email address: [email protected].
• Maintaining Records: After sending, it’s a good practice to keep a copy of the email.
• Patiently Awaiting a Response: Wait for a reply from SASSA, which should confirm the receipt of your cancellation request and inform you about the next steps or the processing status.

Method 4. Cancel SASSA Grant Application Via Calling SASSA Helpline

Here’s a detailed guide on how can you cancel SASSA grant application via calling SASSA Helpline.

• Call the SASSA Helpline: Dial the toll-free SASSA helpline number, which is 0800 60 10 11.
• Navigate the Automated System: When you call, you’ll encounter an automated voice system. Listen carefully to the instructions and select the appropriate option to speak with a human representative.
• State Your Request: Once connected to a call center agent, clearly state that you wish to cancel your SASSA grant.
• Verify Your Identity: For security purposes, the agent will ask for your identification details. Be prepared to provide your South African ID number and the phone number associated with your SASSA grant. The agent may also request additional information or documents to verify your identity.
• Await Confirmation: After verifying your identity and details, the SASSA agent will proceed to process your cancellation request. Wait for them to confirm that your grant has been successfully canceled.

Be mindful that there might be wait times due to high call volumes at the helpline. Your patience is appreciated, and an agent will attend to your call as soon as possible.

Typically, SASSA reviews and processes grant cancellation requests within about a week. However, this period can vary depending on the current volume of requests being handled.

Once your request is reviewed and approved, SASSA will send you an SMS notification confirming that your grant has been successfully cancelled. This message serves as your official confirmation, marking the end of your beneficiary status and stopping all future grant payments.

If you don’t have access to the phone number you registered with SASSA, and thus are unable to receive this SMS, you’ll need to visit your nearest SASSA office in person. Bring your ID for identity verification.

For those unable to visit a SASSA office due to constraints like illness or disability, there’s an alternative. You can update your registered phone number through the SASSA web portal, which then allows you to proceed with the cancellation online.

In life, circumstances can change, and you might find yourself in a situation where you need to reinstate a previously cancelled SASSA grant. Fortunately, SASSA’s policies accommodate such changes. If you need to reapply for a grant in the future, simply submit a reinstatement application through the appropriate SASSA channels.

Therefore, if you face unexpected financial hardships down the line, you can reapply or reinstate your grant with SASSA.

Receiving a SASSA grant while ineligible can lead to a host of serious consequences. If you find yourself in a situation where your eligibility for a SASSA grant has changed, it’s imperative to take immediate action to rectify the situation.

• Legal Implications of Fraud: Claiming a SASSA grant when you’re not eligible is legally considered fraud. This can lead to criminal charges, including fines or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense.
• Debt Obligation: If it’s found that you have received grants during a period of ineligibility, SASSA will require you to repay these amounts, possibly with added interest and penalties.
• Risk of Blacklisting: Being blacklisted from future SASSA grants and other government assistance programs is a real possibility. This could affect your long-term financial and social support.
• Reputational Damage: Engaging in grant fraud can tarnish your reputation, affecting future employment opportunities and your ability to secure other financial services.

SASSA conducts routine checks to confirm the eligibility of grant recipients. This increases the likelihood of detecting any discrepancies in your grant status.

Stay informed about SASSA’s eligibility criteria to avoid any misunderstandings or unintentional violations of their policies.

If you’re thinking about canceling your SASSA grant, remember it’s a responsible and considerate step to take. Whether it’s because your financial situation has improved or you want to make sure the aid goes to someone who needs it more, knowing how to cancel your grant is important. 

It’s not just about following the rules; it’s about doing what’s right. And don’t worry, the process isn’t complicated. Whether you choose to do it online, through WhatsApp, via email, or by calling the helpline, each method is simple. 

Plus, you’re keeping things clear for your future, steering clear of any legal issues, and helping ensure that SASSA resources are used where they’re needed most.