Why was my state subsidy rejected and how to appeal

Last updated: June 2026.

A mother opens the app one ordinary morning. She enters her ID number, waits a few seconds, and a single word appears: "not eligible." The subsidy she was counting on for this month's rent is gone. If you're experiencing something similar right now, we want to tell you the most important thing first: a rejection isn't always final, and it almost never means you did anything wrong.

When someone asks us Why was my grant application rejected?, The short answer is this: in most cases, the rejection is due to your Sisbén group, an outdated survey, or an inconsistency in your data. Almost all of these situations can be corrected. You have the right to update your information, file a complaint, claim, request, or suggestion (PQRS), and submit a formal request, which by law must be answered. 15 business days. In this guide, we'll walk you through it step by step, because we know that losing state aid can be distressing, especially when you have rent, food, and utilities to pay.

Why was my state subsidy application rejected?

The reason is almost never random. There are four causes that are repeated time and again. The first and most frequent: your Sisbén IV group is no longer eligible for that program. Each subsidy defines which groups it accepts (for example, groups A, B, or certain levels of C), and if your classification has changed, you can be excluded overnight.

The second reason: your Sisbén survey is outdated. If you moved, the number of people in your household changed, or your registered circumstances improved, the old data works against you. The third reason: you no longer meet a program requirement (children's school attendance, health checkups, or the requirement of not having changed your circumstances after the assignment date). And the fourth reason: a data inconsistency, an incorrectly entered ID number, a name that doesn't match, or a database mismatch that marks you as ineligible.

What does it mean that my Sisbén group is not eligible?

The Sisbén IV system categorizes households into groups based on their economic capacity, from A (greatest poverty) to D. Each social program chooses which groups it serves. If your household is classified in a group that a particular subsidy does not cover, the system marks you as ineligible, even if your need is real.

Here's an important point: sometimes the assigned group doesn't reflect your current situation. An old survey might have you in a higher group than you should be in today. Therefore, before resigning yourself to your current situation, it's a good idea to check your classification in the... Sisbén score and understand well how they work Sisbén groups for subsidies. That is the starting point of any claim.

How do I update my Sisbén survey?

Updating the survey is, in practice, the most effective way to achieve results. The survey is conducted in person at your home; it cannot be completed online. However, you can start the application online or at your local municipality.

The official route is through the Sisbén Citizen Portal, in sisben.gov.co, You can apply online or in person at the Sisbén office in your municipality. You'll need the ID of everyone in your household and a recent utility bill with your current address. Once you submit the application, the municipality will schedule a home visit. If you were denied a subsidy due to outdated information, this process is often what resolves the issue.

How do I submit a PQRS or a petition?

If you've already updated your survey and it was still rejected, or if you believe there was an error in the decision, the next step is to file a formal complaint. You have two options.

The PQRS (Petition, Complaint, Claim, or Suggestion) is the entity's direct channel. For Sisbén, it is filed through the DNP's PQRSD system. Social Prosperity —which manages programs such as Citizen's Income, Youth Income and Colombia Mayor— you can use the electronic petition form or the official helplines.

He right to petition It is more powerful. It is a fundamental right, enshrined in Article 23 of the Constitution and regulated by Law 1755 of 2015. It means that the entity is obliged to respond to you in writing, and for an ordinary request the deadline is 15 business days From the moment you file it (it can be extended in complex cases, with prior notice). If they don't respond, that omission opens the door to a protective action.

How do I draft a petition step by step?

You don't need a lawyer or complicated language. A clear petition includes these parts:

• City and date, and who it is addressed to (for example, "Social Prosperity Gentlemen" or "Administrator of the municipal Sisbén").
• Your details: Full name, ID number, address, phone number and email where you want to receive the answer.
• The facts: Describe what happened in order. "On such and such a day, I checked the application and I appear as not being a beneficiary of program X."«
• The specific request: I asked for exactly what you want. "I request that I be informed in writing of the reason for the rejection and that my case be reviewed," or "I request an update to my Sisbén survey.".
• The basis: Mention Article 23 of the Constitution and Law 1755 of 2015.
• Notification, signature and document. Always keep a copy with the stamp or filing number: it's your proof.

Submit it through the entity's channel and keep the receipt. From that point, the 15 business days begin.

What documents do I need to file a claim?

Have your ID card, the ID cards of all household members, a recent utility bill with your address, and, if you have it, a screenshot or the reference number of the rejection notice. For the Sisbén visit, they may request additional supporting documents depending on your municipality; check with the local office before your assigned date to avoid having to repeat the process.

This guide is part of our Complete guide to state aid and subsidies in Colombia, where we organize all the programs in one place.

How Hepacom accompanies you

In the Facts for the Community Foundation We were founded to support families on their journey to decent housing, and that journey almost always involves government subsidies. We know that behind every "non-beneficiary" is a real family struggling to make ends meet. That's why we guide you so you can understand your classification, update your survey, and submit your claims without feeling alone in the process. A well-managed subsidy can be the first step towards your own home, and for us, no procedure is too small when it comes to your roof over your head. We invite you to read more guides on our website. blog.

Common reasons for rejection of a subsidy and what to do in each case

A rejection is almost never for a single, abstract reason: it usually has a specific cause and, often, a way to correct it. This summary outlines the most common reasons why the government denies a subsidy and the appropriate action to take in each case. It is for guidance only: the details of your specific case should always be confirmed by the agency that manages the program.

Common cause of rejection	What should be done
Sisbén group outside the range required by the program	Check your group on the Sisbén portal and compare it with the program requirements at your official entity.
Outdated or incorrect Sisbén survey	Request the update or re-survey at your mayor's office or on the official Sisbén channel.
Cross-referencing of databases (other subsidy, property, affiliation)	I requested the details of the cross-section through the PQRS system to find out what information left you out.
Places filled or application period closed	Confirm dates and availability with the entity; do not assume definitive rejection.
Incomplete or expired documentation	Gather the current supporting documents and resubmit as instructed by the entity.

This is a general summary. Each program has its own rules: check your status on the Sisbén portal (sisben.gov.co) and with the program's organization.

Common mistakes when claiming a rejected subsidy

• To make the rejection final: Many cases are resolved by correcting a piece of information or updating the survey, so it's worth complaining before giving up.
• Do not ask for the exact cause: Without knowing what data failed, you cannot correct what is correct; request the reason in writing through a PQRS or right of petition.
• Trusting intermediaries who charge fees: The procedures for Sisbén and subsidies are free and are done through official channels; nobody should charge you for processing them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a subsidy rejection final?
Not necessarily. If the issue was an outdated survey or incorrect information, you can correct it and regain access. That's why it's worth filing a claim before giving up hope.

How long does it take to get a response to a petition?
Law 1755 of 2015 establishes a 15-business-day period for ordinary requests, counted from the date of filing. In complex cases, the entity may extend the deadline, but must notify you before it expires.

Does updating the Sisbén survey cost money?
No. Both the application and the home visit are free. Be wary of anyone who charges you to "boost your score" or "guarantee" a subsidy.

Where can I check if I am a beneficiary?
Use the official channels for each program: the subsidy app or portal, the Prosperidad Social website, and the Sisbén Citizen Portal. Avoid unofficial websites that promise "express consultations.".

Note: This guide is for informational purposes only. Requirements, groups, and deadlines for each program may change. For your specific situation, always consult official channels. sisben.gov.co y socialprosperity.gov.co. Hepacom does not manage or allocate state subsidies.