If you’re a beneficiary or applicant of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and you receive an identity verification SMS, it is a crucial step in confirming your identity and safeguarding your grant or application.
This article explains why you get that SMS, what it means for you, how to respond, and what to do if something goes wrong.
What does the SASSA identity verification SMS mean?
When SASSA sends you an identity verification SMS, it means they require you to complete a verification process linking your ID number and mobile phone with official records.
This commonly occurs for the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant and other SASSA programmes.
The purpose is to protect against fraud, identity theft, or duplicate applications.
Why has SASSA requested this identity verification from me?
There are a few common triggers:
- You applied for a grant for the first time, and you must verify your identity.
- You changed your mobile number, address, and bank details, and SASSA needs to reconfirm your identity.
- Your details failed to match the records of the Department of Home Affairs, and SASSA flagged you for verification.
- You are flagged as potentially fraudulent, or your application is under additional review.
How do I complete the identity verification once I receive the SMS?
When you get the SMS, you should act promptly:
- Click the secure link included in the SMS or follow the instructions exactly as given.
- The link will often direct you to a biometric or facial recognition step where you must take a clear photo or follow camera prompts.
- Ensure your ID number, mobile number and other details match exactly what’s on record. Mismatches lead to failures.
- Submit within the time limit. For many beneficiaries, this link expires in 72 hours (three days) once you receive it.
What happens if I don’t act on the SMS or fail to complete verification?
If you don’t respond to the SMS or fail identity verification, you face risks:
- Your grant payment may be delayed or suspended until verification is complete.
- Your application may be rejected or flagged for further review.
- You might need to visit a SASSA office or the Department of Home Affairs in person to correct your records.
Why might I not receive the identity verification link or SMS?
There are several reasons:
- Your mobile number registered with SASSA is incorrect or has changed and has not been updated.
- Your ID document (for example, the green ID book) has a photo that is of poor quality or mismatched with the Home Affairs database.
- There may be system delays or technical issues in SASSA’s or Home Affairs’ infrastructure.
- You requested a link multiple times, and only one request per 24 hours may be accepted.
How long does the verification process usually take?
Receiving the SMS link can take 24 to 48 hours after you request it. Some sources say up to two days.
After you complete the biometric step, your status will be updated, but the total process may take several working days, depending on the workload.
What should I do if my verification failed or I still did not get the link?
If your verification fails or you never got the link:
- Check that your full name, ID number, and mobile phone number exactly match the Department of Home Affairs record. If not, you may need to update your details at Home Affairs.
- Contact SASSA through the toll-free hotline (080 0 60 10 11) or your local SASSA branch to request assistance.
- If you believe your records are correct, but there is still a problem, you may need to appeal the decision or ask for a reevaluation of your verification status.
