The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has issued a warning that delays in identity verification could result in delayed SRD grant payments. With millions relying on the R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, timely completion of the identity verification process is crucial for approved beneficiaries.
According to Senzeni Ngubeni, Sassa’s spokesperson in Mpumalanga, verification is not optional and is a key requirement to avoid any disruption in payments.
“There is no shortcut. All beneficiaries that are required to go through this process must do it to avoid delays and disappointment of not receiving the grant,” Ngubeni said.
What Is Sassa Identity Verification?
If your SRD status shows “Identity Verification”, it means Sassa is trying to confirm that:
- The details submitted during the application are accurate
- The applicant is not receiving financial assistance from other government programmes
- There is no suspicious or fraudulent activity associated with your ID or contact number
This process often flags issues such as incorrect personal details, mismatched banking information, or potential fraud.
How to Complete the Sassa Identity Verification Process
To resolve this and avoid payment delays, affected beneficiaries can:
- Visit their nearest Sassa office, or
- Log in to the official Sassa SRD website
Once flagged for identity verification, Sassa will send an SMS containing a unique link. This link is valid for 72 hours, so it’s critical to act quickly.
Important: Protect Your Information
Sassa has urged applicants not to ask strangers for help when completing this process, as it puts them at risk of identity theft and fraud.
“Avoid seeking assistance from people you do not know. This is your personal information, and sharing it with strangers may lead to fraudulent activity,” Ngubeni warned.
How SRD Grant Applications Are Verified
All SRD grant applications undergo a multi-step verification process:
- Personal Information Check
Your ID, name, and surname are sent to the Department of Home Affairs to confirm identity. - Financial Eligibility Check
Sassa cross-references your ID with the databases of:- SARS (South African Revenue Service)
- UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund)
- NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)
- Fraud Risk Scoring
Your ID and cellphone number are checked for fraudulent patterns to ensure the application is legitimate.
What If Your Application Is Rejected?
If your application is wrongfully rejected, you have the right to submit an appeal through the Sassa SRD website. Make sure to do this within 30 days of receiving the rejection