SASSA Status: 'NSFAS Registered' — What It Means & How to Fix It
'NSFAS Registered' means SASSA found you on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme database. Learn how to prove you are no longer a student.
What This Status Means
'NSFAS Registered' means SASSA checked your ID number against the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) database and found that you appear as an active beneficiary. This blocks your SRD grant because student funding counts as alternative income. It often happens to students who graduated or dropped out but were never removed from the NSFAS system.
How To Check This Status
Checking your "NSFAS Registered" status is free and takes less than a minute. Choose whichever method works for you:
Online (SRD Portal)
srd.sassa.gov.za — log in with your ID number and registered phone number
USSD (Zero Data)
Dial *120*69277# from any cellphone — free, no data or airtime needed
Chat with SASSA on 082 601 0111 to check your status
Moya App (Zero Data)
Use the Moya app — SASSA status uses zero data
SMS
SMS your ID number to 32147 to receive your status update
You cannot change your status using these tools — only check it. To change your banking details or appeal, use the actions below.
Why It Happens
You graduated but your university did not update your status with NSFAS
You dropped out but NSFAS still shows you as active
You applied for NSFAS but never received funding
A data error links your ID to another person's NSFAS record
What To Do
Contact Your University's Financial Aid Office
Request a formal clearance letter confirming you are no longer registered or receiving NSFAS funding.
Submit Clearance With Your Appeal
Upload the NSFAS clearance letter or proof of non-funding on the ITSAA portal.
Explain Clearly in Your Appeal
State that you graduated or dropped out in a specific year and are not receiving any NSFAS funding.
How Long It Takes
Appeals are processed within 60 to 90 days, depending on how quickly you can provide clearance.
Who To Contact
Your University's Financial Aid Office
Request a clearance letter
DSD Appeals Portal
srd-appeals.dsd.gov.za
Sources & References
This status guide was researched and verified against the following official sources:
- srd-appeals.dsd.gov.zaVisit Website
- www.nsfas.org.zaVisit Website
- www.sassa.gov.zaVisit Website
What to do next
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Editorial note: SASSA Help Hub is an independent, unofficial information resource and is not affiliated with the South African Social Security Agency. This page was last reviewed on 2026-08-31 by Lucky Cungwa. See our Editorial Policy, Fact-Checking Policy, and Sources Policy. Found an error? Report it.