Fix SASSA Status Check Identity Verification Issues

Many who apply for the SRD grant experience delays because their identity verification fails or remains incomplete. 

SASSA now requires biometric and identity verification starting 5 May 2025 for many applicants.

If your status shows “Identity Verification Failed” or “Identity Verification Required,” you can take these steps to fix the issue.

Why did my identity verification fail?

Your verification may fail for a few common reasons:

1. The name, surname, or ID number you entered does not match exactly what the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has on record.
2. Your ID record is not updated (for example, you changed your name, got married, or updated personal information, but DHA has not updated its database yet).
3. The cellphone number you used is wrong or has changed. If SMS verification links are sent to the wrong number or you cannot receive SMS, the process can fail.
4. The biometric (facial recognition) step fails: photo quality is poor, lighting is bad, ID photo is old or in poor condition (e.g., old green ID book), etc.
5. System errors or delays at either SASSA or DHA, or the verification link may not work if the system is offline.

What is the verification requirement after 5 May 2025?

From 5 May 2025, SASSA made biometric identity verification mandatory for beneficiaries flagged with identity verification issues. 

If you receive a status such as “Identity Verification Required,” “Referred,” or “Identity Verification Failed,” you must act to complete the verification. 

This often involves responding to an SMS link that will take you through a process to confirm your identity.

How do I correct or update my personal details?

If your personal details are wrong or mismatched:

1. Go to the Department of Home Affairs to update the official record. Bring your ID and any legal documents (marriage certificate, name change, etc.). Confirm that the name, surname, or ID number on your DHA record is correct.
2. Once DHA has updated your record, go to the SASSA SRD portal and update your application details to match exactly what DHA shows: your full name, surname, ID number, and contact number.

What to do if I did not receive the verification SMS link?

If no link arrives by SMS:

1. Ensure your mobile phone number is correct and is the same number used in your SRD application.
2. Check your SMS messages carefully, including spam or blocked messages. Sometimes phones filter automated messages.
3. If, after 3-5 working day,s you still get nothing, contact SASSA to request that the SMS link be resent.
4. If SMS still doesn’t work, visit your nearest SASSA office for manual or in-person verification.

How do I complete biometric verification properly?

For those required to use the biometric process:

1. After receiving the SMS link, follow the instructions to upload a clear photo/selfie. Use good lighting and make sure your face is clearly visible. Wear no coverings.
2. Use a good camera (phone or webcam) where possible. If you have a green bar-coded ID (older style), photo quality may be less good, which can increase failure risk.
3. If you don’t have a smartphone or cannot do the biometric step at home, SASSA has started pilot programmes allowing physical verification at local offices with webcams or assistance.

How long will the verification process take?

SASSA requires beneficiaries to complete the SMS link/verification within 72 hours (3 days) once the link is received. 

If the link expires, a delay or failure may result.

After you correct data or complete verification, allow some days for SASSA and DHA systems to update. System delays can occur.

What if identity verification still fails or there are ongoing issues?

If, after all those steps, your verification still fails:

1. Contact SASSA directly via toll-free helpline 0800 60 10 11. Explain clearly your issue, include your full name, ID number, phone number, and what you have already tried.
2. Visit a SASSA office in person. Bring a certified copy of your ID, proof of residence (no older than 3 months), any legal documents (e.g., name change), and explain that verification has failed.

If relevant, lodge an appeal through the SASSA appeals process, especially if verification failure led to your application being declined. Do this within the timeframe allowed.Many who apply for the SRD grant experience delays because their identity verification fails or remains incomplete. 

SASSA now requires biometric and identity verification starting 5 May 2025 for many applicants.

If your status shows “Identity Verification Failed” or “Identity Verification Required,” you can take these steps to fix the issue.

Why did my identity verification fail?

Your verification may fail for a few common reasons:

1. The name, surname, or ID number you entered does not match exactly what the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has on record.
2. Your ID record is not updated (for example, you changed your name, got married, or updated personal information, but DHA has not updated its database yet).
3. The cellphone number you used is wrong or has changed. If SMS verification links are sent to the wrong number or you cannot receive SMS, the process can fail.
4. The biometric (facial recognition) step fails: photo quality is poor, lighting is bad, ID photo is old or in poor condition (e.g., old green ID book), etc.
5. System errors or delays at either SASSA or DHA, or the verification link may not work if the system is offline.

What is the verification requirement after 5 May 2025?

From 5 May 2025, SASSA made biometric identity verification mandatory for beneficiaries flagged with identity verification issues. 

If you receive a status such as “Identity Verification Required,” “Referred,” or “Identity Verification Failed,” you must act to complete the verification. 

This often involves responding to an SMS link that will take you through a process to confirm your identity.

How do I correct or update my personal details?

If your personal details are wrong or mismatched:

1. Go to the Department of Home Affairs to update the official record. Bring your ID and any legal documents (marriage certificate, name change, etc.). Confirm that the name, surname, or ID number on your DHA record is correct.
2. Once DHA has updated your record, go to the SASSA SRD portal and update your application details to match exactly what DHA shows: your full name, surname, ID number, and contact number.

What to do if I did not receive the verification SMS link?

If no link arrives by SMS:

1. Ensure your mobile phone number is correct and is the same number used in your SRD application.
2. Check your SMS messages carefully, including spam or blocked messages. Sometimes phones filter automated messages.
3. If, after 3-5 working day,s you still get nothing, contact SASSA to request that the SMS link be resent.
4. If SMS still doesn’t work, visit your nearest SASSA office for manual or in-person verification.

How do I complete biometric verification properly?

For those required to use the biometric process:

1. After receiving the SMS link, follow the instructions to upload a clear photo/selfie. Use good lighting and make sure your face is clearly visible. Wear no coverings.
2. Use a good camera (phone or webcam) where possible. If you have a green bar-coded ID (older style), photo quality may be less good, which can increase failure risk.
3. If you don’t have a smartphone or cannot do the biometric step at home, SASSA has started pilot programmes allowing physical verification at local offices with webcams or assistance.

How long will the verification process take?

SASSA requires beneficiaries to complete the SMS link/verification within 72 hours (3 days) once the link is received. 

If the link expires, a delay or failure may result.

After you correct data or complete verification, allow some days for SASSA and DHA systems to update. System delays can occur.

What if identity verification still fails or there are ongoing issues?

If, after all those steps, your verification still fails:

1. Contact SASSA directly via toll-free helpline 0800 60 10 11. Explain clearly your issue, include your full name, ID number, phone number, and what you have already tried.
2. Visit a SASSA office in person. Bring a certified copy of your ID, proof of residence (no older than 3 months), any legal documents (e.g., name change), and explain that verification has failed.

If relevant, lodge an appeal through the SASSA appeals process, especially if verification failure led to your application being declined. Do this within the timeframe allowed.