You applied for the SASSA SRD grant and now your status shows “Identity Verification Required.” Your payment is on hold and you don’t know why. Here’s exactly what it means and how to fix it.
Why Does SASSA Show “Identity Verification Required”?
This message appears when the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) cannot automatically confirm that the person who applied is the same person linked to the ID number in the application.
SASSA uses a system called eKYC — electronic Know Your Customer — to verify your identity digitally. It is the same type of check that banks and financial institutions use before approving accounts or payments.
The verification protects you and SASSA. It stops fraudsters from claiming grants using stolen identity documents. It also stops duplicate applications from the same ID number.
What Exactly Is eKYC?
eKYC (electronic Know Your Customer) is a digital identity check. Instead of visiting a SASSA office, you confirm who you are through your phone using biometric verification — usually a selfie or facial scan.
SASSA introduced eKYC for the SRD R370 grant to speed up identity confirmation and reduce in-person queues at SASSA offices across South Africa.
The Department of Social Development and SASSA have both encouraged applicants to complete this process online to avoid unnecessary delays in grant payments.
Who Gets the “Identity Verification Required” Message?
Not every applicant sees this message. SASSA flags specific applications based on risk checks across government databases.
You are more likely to get this message if:
- Your ID number details do not match your phone number records
- You recently changed your mobile number linked to the SRD application
- SASSA suspects your identity may have been used without your knowledge
- Your application triggered a duplicate flag in the system
- Your banking details conflict with records in the Department of Home Affairs database
- You have not verified your identity since applying for the grant
SASSA cross-checks information across the South African Revenue Service (SARS), the Department of Home Affairs, and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) databases before approving any SRD payment.
What Does “Referred” Status Mean — and Is It the Same Thing?
No, but they are closely connected.
“Referred” means SASSA could not automatically approve your application and has sent it for manual review. It does not mean your application is declined.
“Identity Verification Required” often appears alongside or after a Referred status. It means SASSA needs you to complete eKYC before they can process your application further.
| Status | What It Means | Action Needed |
| Identity Verification Required | SASSA cannot confirm your identity automatically | Complete eKYC online |
| Referred | Application sent for manual review | Wait or complete eKYC if prompted |
| Pending | Application is being processed | No action needed yet |
| Approved | Grant approved | Check payment method |
| Declined | Application did not meet criteria | Check reason and reapply if eligible |
How to Complete eKYC Verification for Your SRD Application?
What You Need Before You Start
- The mobile number you used when applying for the SRD grant
- Your Application ID (shown on your SRD confirmation)
- A phone with a working camera and good lighting
- A stable internet connection
Steps to Complete SASSA SRD eKYC Verification
Step 1: Visit the Official SASSA SRD Website Go to the official SASSA SRD portal at https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/ekyc. Do not use third-party websites or apps. Only the official SASSA site is authorised to process your identity verification.
Step 2: Choose the Correct eKYC Option The portal gives you three options. Select the one that matches your situation:
- eKYC Status Check — to see if your verification is complete or still pending
- eKYC Re-verification — if your previous attempt failed or expired
- eKYC for Referred Status — if your SRD status shows “Referred” and SASSA needs identity confirmation
Step 3: Enter Your Mobile Number and Application ID Type in the same phone number linked to your application. Enter your Application ID exactly as it appears — no extra spaces or missing digits.
Step 4: Request Your OTP (One-Time PIN) Click submit to request your PIN. SASSA sends a one-time PIN via SMS to your registered number. This PIN confirms you have access to the phone number on record.
Step 5: Enter the OTP on the Verification Page Once you receive the SMS, return to the SASSA page and type in the PIN. If it expires before you enter it, request a new one.
Step 6: Complete the Facial Verification Follow the on-screen prompts to take a selfie or complete the biometric scan. For best results:
- Sit in a well-lit room, not in direct harsh sunlight
- Remove hats, scarves, or sunglasses
- Hold your phone steady at eye level
- Follow any movement instructions such as “blink” or “look left”
Step 7: Submit and Wait for Confirmation After submission, the system will confirm your verification was received. Some applicants see instant results; others wait while SASSA processes the check.
Step 8: Recheck Your SRD Status Return to the SRD portal and check your application status again. If your status was “Referred,” it may now update to “Pending” or “Approved” once SASSA reviews the completed verification.
How Long Does eKYC Take to Process?
Processing times vary. Some applicants see their status update within 24 to 48 hours. Others wait several days depending on the volume of applications SASSA is handling at that time.
If your status does not change after five working days, you can contact SASSA directly:
- Toll-free helpline: 0800 60 10 11
- WhatsApp: 082 046 8553
- Email: [email protected]
Can You Fail eKYC Verification?
Yes. eKYC can fail if:
- The selfie does not match the photo on your ID document
- Poor lighting affects facial recognition accuracy
- You entered the wrong Application ID or phone number
- Your OTP expired before you entered it
If your verification fails, use the eKYC Re-verification option on the SASSA portal to try again.
Conclusion
The “Identity Verification Required” message on your SASSA SRD application means the system needs you to confirm your identity digitally before processing your grant. It is a security step, not a rejection. Completing the eKYC process on the official SASSA SRD portal is the only way to move your application forward. Follow the steps above, use good lighting for the selfie, and recheck your status after submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does “Identity Verification Required” mean my SRD grant is declined?
No. It means SASSA cannot automatically confirm your identity and needs you to complete the eKYC process before a decision is made on your application.
2. Where do I find my SRD Application ID?
Your Application ID was sent to you via SMS when you first applied for the SRD grant. You can also find it by checking your status on the official SASSA SRD portal using your ID number and phone number.
3. What if I no longer have access to the phone number I used to apply?
You will need to contact SASSA directly on the toll-free number 0800 60 10 11 to update your contact details before you can complete the eKYC process.
4. Is the eKYC process safe?
Yes. SASSA’s eKYC system is an official government process. Your biometric data is used only to confirm your identity against your ID records. Only use the official SASSA SRD portal at srd.sassa.gov.za.
5. How many times can I attempt eKYC re-verification?
SASSA allows re-verification if your first attempt fails. Use the “eKYC Re-verification” option on the portal. If you continue to experience issues, contact SASSA directly for assistance.
6. Will completing eKYC guarantee my SRD grant gets approved?
Not necessarily. eKYC confirms your identity, but SASSA still checks your income, employment status, and other eligibility criteria. Passing eKYC removes the identity hold from your application so the rest of the checks can continue.