SRD Declined - You're Registered for NSFAS (How to Fix)

Updated on 22 May 2026

If your SASSA SRD status shows "NSFAS Registered" or "Registered for NSFAS", SASSA's automated check found your ID in the NSFAS student database. The catch: NSFAS keeps your record even after you finish studying, withdraw, or get rejected. So you can be flagged as "registered" long after you stop getting any NSFAS money.

What "NSFAS Registered" decline means

SASSA cross-checks your ID against the NSFAS student database. The automated check flags anyone on that database as "NSFAS registered" - regardless of whether you are currently funded. In practice:

• Anyone who has ever applied to NSFAS is in the database.
• SASSA wrongly declines people who are not currently studying or receiving NSFAS funding.
• The fix is to prove your current status with an official NSFAS letter.

Common causes

• You ARE currently receiving NSFAS funding - in which case the decline is correct (see below).
• You applied for NSFAS but were declined - your application is still on the database, even though you got nothing.
• You completed your studies but NSFAS has not updated your status to "completed".
• You deferred or withdrew from studies but NSFAS still has you marked as active.

How to fix it

1. Step 1: Check your NSFAS status at my.nsfas.org.za. Log in with your ID number and password.
2. Step 2: If you are NOT currently receiving NSFAS, get proof:
   • NSFAS status letter (login to portal, go to "My Documents" and request a status letter).
   • Letter from your institution confirming you are not currently enrolled (or that you completed).
   • Sworn affidavit confirming you are not studying or receiving NSFAS (free at SAPS, R30 at Commissioner of Oaths).
3. Step 3: Submit a reconsideration request on srd.sassa.gov.za within 90 days of the decline. Log in with your ID and registered cellphone, verify with OTP.
4. Step 4: Upload your NSFAS proof and write a clear, plain-language explanation.

If you ARE receiving NSFAS

If you are currently funded by NSFAS, the decline is correct. You cannot get both grants at once:

• You are not eligible for SRD R370 while on NSFAS (NSFAS already covers your living costs).
• Once NSFAS funding ends, you can reapply for SRD.
• Graduation = NSFAS ends = eligible to apply for SRD (provided you meet the other rules: under R624 income, unemployed, etc).

Sample appeal wording

Keep it short and specific. Use this template as a starting point:

"I am not currently receiving NSFAS funding. I [completed my studies / withdrew / was not approved] in [year]. Attached: NSFAS status letter dated [date] showing no current funding, plus letter from [institution name] confirming I am not enrolled. Please reconsider this decline."

What documents help

• NSFAS status letter from my.nsfas.org.za - the single most important document. Available under "My Documents" on the portal.
• Institution letter confirming you are not currently enrolled (or that you graduated).
• Last academic record showing completion of your qualification.
• Sworn affidavit confirming you are not studying or receiving NSFAS. Free at SAPS, R30 at Commissioner of Oaths.
• Bank statement for the assessed month showing no NSFAS deposits.

How long does this take?

• Reconsideration: 30 to 60 days typical.
• Appeal to ITSAA if reconsideration is declined: 30 days to lodge, then 60 to 90 days for a decision.
• End-to-end: if both steps are needed, 3 to 6 months total.

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

FAQ

Can I get SRD R370 if I'm a student on NSFAS?

No. NSFAS already covers your living costs. Once NSFAS funding ends, you can apply for SRD.

How do I prove I'm not receiving NSFAS?

Request a status letter from my.nsfas.org.za under "My Documents". Combine it with an institution letter and a sworn affidavit, then upload with your SRD reconsideration.

What if NSFAS rejected me but I'm still in their system?

Get a status letter from my.nsfas.org.za showing the rejection, and upload it with your SRD reconsideration. The letter is the proof that fixes this.

Can I get SRD R370 after graduating?

Yes. Once NSFAS funding ends, you can apply - as long as you meet the other rules (under R624 income, unemployed, etc). If SASSA still flags "NSFAS registered" after graduating, submit reconsideration with your graduation letter and NSFAS status letter.

Does NSFAS bursary count as income for SRD?

Yes. The NSFAS living allowance lands in your bank account and exceeds the R624 monthly SRD threshold, so it counts as income.

Related SASSA pages

• All SRD declined reasons
• SRD declined - main guide
• SRD declined: self-exclusionary response
• SRD declined: UIF registered
• SRD declined: alternative income source
• 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
• National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) - nsfas.org.za
• NSFAS student portal - my.nsfas.org.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.