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Status Meaning

SASSA Status: 'Source Limit Exceeded' — What It Means & How to Appeal

'Source Limit Exceeded' means your total deposits across all sources went over the allowed limit. Learn what triggers this and how to appeal.

Written by Lucky Cungwa
Fact-checked & last verified: 2026-08-31

What This Status Means

'Source Limit Exceeded' means that when SASSA added up all the money coming into your accounts from every source, the total exceeded the allowed monthly limit of R624. This is closely related to 'Alternative Income Detected' and 'Means Test Failed.' It means the combined value from salaries, gifts, transfers, or informal income was too high for the month in question. You can appeal if the deposits were not regular income.

How To Check This Status

Checking your "Source Limit Exceeded" 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

WhatsApp

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

  • Multiple deposits from different sources pushed your total over the limit

  • A large one-off deposit from a family member or refund was counted

  • You receive income on top of a gift or stokvel payout

  • You have multiple bank accounts and the combined deposits exceed the threshold

What To Do

1

Add Up Your Total Deposits

Review all your bank statements and identify every credit for the declined month.

2

Lodge an Appeal

Go to srd-appeals.dsd.gov.za and choose the declined month, explaining each deposit.

3

Provide Evidence

Upload statements and an affidavit if the money was a gift, refund, or one-off transfer.

4

Reduce Future Deposits

Keep grant-eligible accounts separate and avoid large transfers into them.

How Long It Takes

Appeals are processed within 60 to 90 days. Success is most likely when deposits were clearly not regular income.

Who To Contact

DSD Appeals Portal

srd-appeals.dsd.gov.za

SASSA Helpline

0800 60 10 11

Sources & References

This status guide was researched and verified against the following official sources:

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.