SRD Declined - Referred to SAFPS (Fraud Database)

Updated on 13 June 2026

If your SASSA SRD status shows "Referred to SAFPS" or "SAFPS Referred", your ID was flagged by the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service database. SASSA pauses or declines applications where the ID has a SAFPS record, even if the reason is old or has nothing to do with you. The good news: clearing your SAFPS record is free, and SASSA will reconsider once it is done.

What "Referred to SAFPS" means

SAFPS is the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service, a non-profit fraud database shared by banks, insurers, retailers and government agencies. SASSA cross-checks every SRD application against SAFPS. If your ID appears on the database, your application is referred and not paid. Possible reasons:

• Someone used your ID for fraud elsewhere (identity theft) and you were flagged as the victim.
• You were named in a credit application or insurance claim that turned out to be fraudulent.
• An old SAFPS record from years ago was never cleared after the issue was resolved.
• A bank or retailer wrongly added your ID after a dispute with them.

Common causes

• Identity theft: someone else used your ID to apply for credit, open accounts or claim benefits.
• Old SAFPS record: a fraud flag from years ago that was never cleared after the underlying matter ended.
• Wrongful flagging: a bank, lender or retailer added your ID after a dispute or chargeback that was not actually fraud.
• Protective Registration on your ID: if you previously registered for SAFPS protection after a stolen ID, that flag itself can trip SASSA's check until you confirm it with SAFPS.

How to fix it

1. Step 1: Contact SAFPS. Phone 0860 101 248 or email info@safps.org.za. Give them your full names, ID number and contact details. Ask why your ID is on the database.
2. Step 2: Request your SAFPS record. SAFPS will send you the reason for the listing and tell you what proof clears it. This step is free.
3. Step 3: If you were a victim of fraud, open a case at your nearest SAPS station. Get the case number. Apply for SAFPS Protective Registration (free) so your ID is shielded from further misuse. Send the SAPS case number, your ID and a short affidavit to SAFPS.
4. Step 4: If the listing is wrong, ask SAFPS for the contact details of the institution that listed you (bank, retailer, etc.) and resolve the underlying dispute. Once they confirm in writing, SAFPS removes the flag.
5. Step 5: Once cleared, request a SASSA reconsideration on srd.sassa.gov.za within 90 days of the original decline. Upload your SAFPS clearance letter, ID and a short explanation.

Sample appeal wording

Keep it short, specific and attach proof. Use this as a starting point:

"My SRD R370 application was declined as 'Referred to SAFPS'. I have contacted SAFPS and the listing has now been cleared. Attached: SAFPS clearance letter dated [date], copy of my ID, and SAPS case number [number] for the underlying identity theft. Please reconsider this decline."

How long does this take?

• SAFPS investigation and clearance: 7 to 21 working days, longer if a third party needs to confirm.
• SASSA reconsideration: 30 to 60 days after submission.
• End-to-end: 6 to 10 weeks typical, longer if a SAPS case is needed first.

See how long does each SASSA step take? for the full timeline.

FAQ

What is SAFPS?

The Southern African Fraud Prevention Service - a shared fraud database used by banks, insurers, retailers and SASSA. If your ID is on it, applications get flagged.

Why did SASSA refer me to SAFPS?

SASSA cross-checks every SRD application. If your ID is on SAFPS for any reason, your application is referred and not paid until cleared.

How do I check if I am on the SAFPS database?

Call SAFPS on 0860 101 248 or email info@safps.org.za. The check is free.

I was a victim of identity theft. How do I clear my name?

Open a SAPS case, apply for SAFPS Protective Registration, send the case number and ID to SAFPS, then submit a SASSA reconsideration once cleared.

How long does it take to clear SAFPS and get my SRD?

Plan for 6 to 10 weeks: 1 to 3 weeks for SAFPS, then 30 to 60 days for SASSA reconsideration.

See also

• All SRD declined reasons
• SRD declined - main guide
• SRD declined: identity verification failed
• SRD declined: referred linked risk mobile
• SRD declined: biometric verification failed
• SRD appeals - step by step
• SRD reconfirmation guide
• Check your SRD status

Sources

• South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) - sassa.gov.za
• SASSA SRD Portal - srd.sassa.gov.za
• Southern African Fraud Prevention Service - safps.org.za
• South African Police Service - saps.gov.za
• Department of Social Development - dsd.gov.za

About this guide: maintained by OurPower and updated regularly to reflect current SASSA procedures and payment amounts.