"Alternative Income Source Identified" is one of the decline reasons SASSA shows on the SRD status page.
What "alternative income source identified" means
SASSA found money coming into a bank account in your name that it treats as income for that month.
It applies to that month only. SASSA checks again every month, so you can still be approved later. Check every month on the SASSA status check.
Common causes
- Wages or piece-job payments paid into your account
- Regular money from family, a partner or a stokvel paid into your account
- Someone else using your account to receive their money
- A once-off deposit (for example funeral contributions you collected for family)
How to fix it
If the money wasn't really your income (you were holding it for someone, or it was a once-off amount for a specific purpose), appeal and explain. If it was income, the decline is correct for that month, but you can qualify again in months when your income is lower.
Stop letting other people deposit money into your account, and keep proof of any once-off amounts. Read how the SRD income threshold works.
How to appeal
- Go to srd.sassa.gov.za and open Appeals.
- Enter your ID and phone number, then the SMS PIN.
- Choose the declined month and the reason that matches your situation.
- Submit within 90 days of the decision, then track your appeal.
Full guide: SRD appeal. Other decline reasons: all SRD decline reasons.
Frequently asked questions
Does money from my family count?
It can. Regular deposits into your account may be treated as income in the monthly means test.
Will I be declined every month now?
No. Each month is checked separately.
How long do I have to appeal?
90 days from the decline decision for each month.
Sources
- SASSA Grant Booklet 2026: SRD criteria and appeals
- Official SRD portal: srd.sassa.gov.za