SASSA “Means / Alternative Income Source Identified” – Meaning & How to Fix

If your SRD R370 status shows “means income source identified” or “alternative income source identified”, it is one of the most common – and most commonly overturned – decline reasons. Here is exactly what it means and how to fix it.

What it means

SASSA’s automated system found a deposit above the income threshold (currently R624/month) in a bank account linked to your ID during the month it checked. It cannot tell the difference between a salary and a once-off transfer – a gift from family, a stokvel payout, a refund, or money you were holding for someone else all trigger the same flag.

Why it happens

Each month SASSA cross-checks your ID against bank records (and SARS). Any single account linked to your ID showing money in above the threshold for that month causes a decline for that month only. To understand where the line sits, see how much you can earn and still get SASSA.

How to fix it

• Check every bank account linked to your ID for the declined month – including old or dormant accounts you forgot about.
• Find the exact deposit that pushed you over R624 and note what it actually was.
• Lodge a reconsideration for that specific month and explain the deposit in plain terms.
• If it was a one-off (gift, refund, transfer for someone else), say so clearly – this is the most commonly overturned reason.
• Keep any proof (screenshot, message) in case SASSA asks.