Can You Apply for SRD Grant If You Have a Criminal Record?

The SRD grant is an excellent resource for people that are unemployed and want to sustain themselves for a short while. But can you apply for SRD grant if you have a criminal record? That’s where things become more challenging, so here’s the clarification you need.

If you’re unsure whether you qualify or want to see your current outcome, you can do an SRD status check to find out if your application is approved, pending, or declined.

SASSA SRD Grant Eligibility Requirements

In order for you to apply for the SRD grant, you will need to meet the following criteria:

• You need to be a citizen of South Africa, a permanent resident or an asylum seeker/refugee with a Section 22 or another valid permit
• You must live in South Africa at the time of your application
• Grant applicants need to be at least 18 years old, but younger than 60
• You can’t have any regular employment or income source, also the monthly income needs to be under the threshold of R624 a month
• Applicants can’t receive any other type of governmental support, like UIF benefits, NSFAS or any other SASSA grants (Child Support Grant recipients may still apply)
• You can’t apply if you are residing in a state-funded institution

Does a Criminal Record Disqualify You from SRD Grant?

When we talk about having a criminal record, we have to understand the differences between being incarcerated and those with a criminal conviction on their record.

Applying with a Criminal Conviction

If you just have a criminal conviction or felony on the record, that doesn’t disqualify you from applying/receiving the SRD grant. But you have to meet the other requirements, along with completing your sentence, being released from prison and not having any job when applying.

SRD Grant for Incarcerated Individuals

If you are residing in a state-funded institution or incarcerated, the SRD grant application will be denied. The grant is aimed towards people who can’t cover their basic needs. People that are incarcerated at the time of application have their needs covered by the government, hence their inability to apply.

Does SASSA Check Criminal Records During Application?

When you are wondering can you apply for SRD grant if you have a criminal record, you must understand the verification system.

• The system will first check for tax and identity records
• Then, it checks the NSFAS and UIF status
• After that, it will check bank and income details

It won’t primarily check for any criminal record databases. But if the person is incarcerated at this time, that will lead to an automatic disqualification. The system only checks if the person is in dire need of financial assistance.

SRD Grant Application Scenarios with Criminal Records

Previous Conviction with Completed Sentence

In this case, you are eligible to apply for the SRD grant. However, you must meet all the conditions. If you meet them, you will most likely receive the grant, meaning the previous conviction doesn’t matter.

Released from Prison and Unemployed

When you just got released from prison, yet you don’t have a job, you are allowed to apply for the SRD grant.

On Probation or Parole

If you’re not incarcerated right now and you are on parole and probation, you are allowed to apply for the grant. That doesn’t automatically mean it will be accepted, however.

Awaiting Trial

In case you have any pending charges, that doesn’t disqualify you from receiving the SRD grant.

Currently Incarcerated

In this last situation, you are not eligible to receive the SRD grant. You are already receiving support from the government by being in the prison and having your needs met this way.

Why SRD Applications Get Declined (Not Criminal Records)

Most of the time, the criminal record doesn’t matter if you apply for an SRD grant. The grant itself is designed to support people in a tough financial situation. They won’t look at your criminal record. If your application is denied, it might be due to:

• Having an income above the threshold
• Sending duplicate applications
• Sharing incorrect phone or ID details
• Errors in the submitted information
• You’re already getting another grant
• You are on governmental payroll
• You are receiving UIF payments

Even if your application is wrongfully declined, you can appeal the decision and request a reconsideration. However, for the latter, you need to offer accurate documentation that will help support your case.

Legal Consequences of False Information

If you use false information to apply for the SRD grant, that’s considered a crime. It will be prosecuted under the Social Assistance Act. You should only apply using real, valid information. If you are caught lying, that will disqualify you from getting the grant.

Final Answer: Criminal Records and SRD Grant Eligibility

A lot of people are wondering whether can you apply for SRD grant if you have a criminal record or not. The truth is that your previous criminal record doesn’t matter when it comes to the SRD grant. You need to share valid information, qualify for the grant, and you can apply, unless you are currently incarcerated!