Appealing a Decline Due to Alternative Income Source Detection
One of the most common SRD decline reasons is 'Alternative Income Source Detected'. This happens when SASSA's automated bank audit finds deposits in your account. If these deposits are not actual income, you need a specific appeal strategy.
If you see 'Alternative Income Source Detected' on your status, do not assume you did something wrong. SASSA's automated scans cannot tell the difference between a salary and a birthday gift, a loan from your mother, or the money you moved out of your own savings account. This guide shows you how to explain those deposits in a way the tribunal understands — so your money is not lost over a misunderstanding.
Steps to Appeal
Review your bank statements
Review your bank statements for the months in question and identify all deposits.
Explain each deposit
For each deposit, prepare an explanation (gift from family, loan repayment, savings transfer).
Write a sworn affidavit
Write a sworn affidavit at your nearest SAPS station explaining the nature of each deposit.
Submit your appeal
Submit your appeal on the ITSAA portal and upload the affidavit and bank statements.
Select the right option
Tick the option that says 'Deposits are not income — they are gifts/loans/savings'.
Timeline
File within 90 days. Each month is treated separately — you must appeal each declined month individually.
Documents You Need
- Bank statements showing the deposits that triggered the decline
- Sworn affidavit explaining each deposit (commissioned by SAPS)
- Proof of your current unemployment status (if applicable)
- Supporting letters from family members if deposits were gifts
My friend sent me R500 as a birthday gift. Will SASSA count this as income?
Yes, any deposit into your account can trigger the 'Alternative Income Source' flag. You can appeal by providing a sworn statement from your friend confirming it was a gift.
How much money in deposits can trigger this status?
Any single deposit over R624 (the SRD threshold) can trigger the flag. Multiple smaller deposits totalling over R624 can also trigger it.
Need Official Assistance?
This is an independent informational resource. For official services — checking your grant status, updating your details, or submitting an appeal — please use the official SASSA portals directly: