Complete your SASSA identity verification by entering your South African ID number below.
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is responsible for administering social grants to eligible individuals across the country. A core part of this responsibility is the identity verification process. More than just a routine procedure, it serves as a vital safeguard to uphold the integrity of the grant system and protect public funds from fraud or misuse.
Identity verification is the process SASSA uses to confirm that a grant applicant or recipient is genuinely who they claim to be. These measures were introduced to curb fraud and ensure that social grants go only to those who truly qualify.
Key reasons for identity verification include:
Preventing identity theft – Verifying details protects individuals from having their identities misused and ensures grants reach the rightful recipients.
Curbing fraudulent claims – Helps stop ineligible individuals from applying using false, duplicated, or synthetic identities.
Protecting government funds – Reduces fraud, safeguarding public resources earmarked for social welfare programs.
Ensuring eligibility – Confirms basic requirements such as citizenship or residency, while cross-referencing other databases (like Home Affairs) to assess factors such as income.
Accurate record keeping – Ensures reliable records for administration, audits, and future planning of social assistance programs.
For anyone applying for or managing a SASSA grant, completing identity verification is a critical step. It confirms that your South African ID number and personal details align with official records, reducing the risk of errors, fraud, and delays in both applications and payments.
Several factors may prevent SASSA from successfully verifying your identity with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA):
Incorrect information submitted to SASSA – The most frequent cause, often due to:
Errors in your South African ID number (wrong digits, transposed numbers, or incomplete entries)
Misspelled or incomplete names (e.g., missing a middle name, using a nickname)
Incorrect or outdated surname (e.g., after marriage or divorce if DHA has not updated records)
Mistakes in your date of birth
Mismatched details with DHA records – Your details may be correct on your side but differ from DHA’s system, for example:
Recent surname changes due to marriage or divorce not yet updated
Legal name changes not reflected in DHA’s database
Historical errors or inconsistencies in DHA records
Outdated or incomplete DHA records – Old or inaccurate information in DHA’s system can block verification.
Biometric verification issues (if used) – If SASSA employs facial recognition or other biometric checks, a failure to confidently match your DHA photo record can cause verification to fail.
Deceased status in DHA records – In rare cases, DHA may incorrectly list an applicant as deceased, preventing verification. This must be corrected directly with DHA.
A SASSA online status check will usually indicate if identity verification is the reason your application has been flagged or declined.
Scroll to the verification tool above.
Enter your South African ID number in the form.
Click the Verify button.
You will receive an SMS with a link to continue verification using facial recognition.
Open the link in the SMS.
Follow the instructions on the Department of Home Affairs website to complete all required steps.
It can take up to 3 days for SASSA to send the verification SMS. Please be patient during this period. If you still haven’t received the SMS after that time, visit a local SASSA branch in person with your South African ID to complete the verification process.
Completing your SASSA verification is a vital step in confirming eligibility. It ensures that your ID number and mobile number match official records, minimizing the risk of errors, fraud, or delays with your grant application.
The verification process is required for all SASSA grants, including the SRD R370 grant, child support, disability grants, and others. Finalizing this step as soon as possible helps prevent delays in approvals or payments.
To start the verification process:
Go to the official portal: https://mysrd.co.za/verification and follow the steps provided.
Go to the verification page at Entrepreneur Hub SA.
Enter your South African ID number exactly as it appears on the ID used for your grant application.
Provide your mobile number. This must be the same number you used when applying for the grant. If your number has changed, update it in the SASSA system before continuing.
Click “Verify” to submit your information for processing.
The timing of your SASSA verification link can depend on several factors:
Application processing time – SASSA usually takes a few weeks to process applications. If your application is still pending, it may take longer for the link to arrive.
Verification updates – If your documents were submitted correctly, you should receive updates via SMS or email. Check these channels regularly.
Contact SASSA if delayed – If more than a month has passed without receiving your link, call the SASSA helpline or visit a local office for assistance.
Technical issues – Delays may sometimes occur due to system or network problems. SASSA continues to address these, so staying updated is important.
SASSA applies a multi-layered system to verify identities, combining different data sources and technologies. This approach increases both the accuracy and security of confirming applicants and beneficiaries.
South African ID number validation – The applicant’s ID number is checked for validity and cross-referenced with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) national population register. This is the foundation of identity checks.
Biometric verification – SASSA uses biometric data such as fingerprints and facial recognition. These methods are often applied during new applications, targeted verification campaigns, or when updating sensitive details, offering a high level of assurance.
SMS/OTP verification via secure link – For many online processes, updates, and personal detail changes, SASSA sends a One-Time PIN (OTP) or secure link to the registered mobile number. This ensures that only the rightful applicant with access to that number can complete the action.
The identity verification process for SASSA grants, including the SRD R370, often includes SMS-based steps and, in many cases, facial recognition.
Steps to Complete Identity Verification
Enter your South African ID number – On the designated SASSA platform or secure verification tool (such as the one above), input your valid ID number.
Initiate verification – Submit your ID to trigger the verification process.
Receive an SMS notification – A message will be sent to the mobile number registered with SASSA, containing a secure link or instructions.
Complete verification via secure link – Click the SMS link, which directs you to a secure platform (often linked to the Department of Home Affairs) where further checks, such as facial recognition, may be required.
Follow on-screen prompts – Carefully complete each step, including facial recognition or other verification actions, to finalize the process.
This verification step is mandatory for all SASSA grants, including the SRD Grant, Child Support Grant, Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant, and others. Completing it promptly and accurately helps avoid delays in approval or payment.
The verification SMS with your secure link usually arrives shortly after starting the process, but delays can sometimes occur due to network congestion or heavy system activity.
SASSA aims to deliver these messages quickly, though during peak periods or system updates, it may take longer—sometimes up to a few days. Patience is often required.
If you experience a long delay:
Double-check your details – Ensure the ID number and mobile number you entered are accurate.
Contact SASSA – If the issue persists, call the official helpline for assistance.
Visit a branch if necessary – In cases where the SMS never arrives, you may need to go to a local SASSA office with your South African ID document to complete verification in person.
The SASSA identity verification process is meant to be secure and efficient, but applicants and beneficiaries may occasionally face delays or uncertainties. Knowing what to do can help you manage the process more effectively.
If your identity verification status remains “pending” for an unusually long period (for example, several months), consider these steps:
Double-check submitted information – Confirm that all personal details and documents you provided were accurate and complete. Even small discrepancies can cause delays.
Monitor official communication – Keep an eye on your SMS messages and registered email for updates from SASSA. They may request additional details.
Contact SASSA directly – If the pending status continues without updates, call the toll-free helpline or visit your nearest SASSA office. Have your ID number and any reference numbers ready.
Be patient, but follow up – Multi-agency verification can take longer than expected. While patience is important, regular and polite follow-ups through official channels are recommended.
The SASSA verification process is not just a formality—it is an essential safeguard in the fair and responsible distribution of social grants. It ensures that:
Only qualified individuals receive grants – Confirms that applicants meet the basic requirements, such as being South African citizens or permanent residents, and fall within the financial and demographic criteria for the grant.
Fraud is minimized – Verifying applicant details against official records greatly reduces the risk of fraudulent applications or payments to ineligible or non-existent individuals.
System integrity is maintained – Strong verification processes strengthen trust in the social welfare system and ensure that public resources are used correctly.
Duplicate applications are prevented – Cross-checks stop individuals from receiving multiple grants under different identities or accounts.
Failure to complete or pass the verification step will almost always lead to delays—or prevent approval and payment of your grant altogether.
Once your identity verification is successfully finalized and your grant application is approved, SASSA will notify you of the outcome. From there, you’ll begin receiving updates on your grant status and payment schedule.
For grants such as the SRD R370, payment dates are often published in advance for approved beneficiaries. To avoid missing important updates, make sure your contact details—especially the mobile number linked to your SASSA profile—are always accurate and up to date.
While SASSA has built-in security for its verification systems, safeguarding your personal details also depends on your own vigilance.
SMS links – SASSA does send SMS messages containing verification links or One-Time Pins (OTPs). These links should always direct you to secure SASSA or Department of Home Affairs platforms, usually indicated by
https://and official.gov.zadomains. The verification link generated by the tool above is only initiated when you take action.No PIN or payment requests – Legitimate SASSA messages will never ask for your bank card PIN, SASSA card PIN, or request money to process your grant or verification.
Official website – For information or to use online services, always confirm you are on the official SASSA website, which ends with
.gov.za.
Never share your SASSA card PIN or bank PINs – Keep these strictly confidential at all times.
Do not share OTPs – One-Time Pins are for your use only to authorize actions you have initiated. Never disclose them to anyone by phone or message.
Protect your ID document – Keep your South African ID book or Smart ID card safe. If it is lost or stolen, report it immediately to SAPS and the Department of Home Affairs.
Be cautious of unsolicited contact – If someone unexpectedly claims to be from SASSA and requests sensitive details, treat it as suspicious. End the call and confirm by contacting SASSA via their official toll-free number.
Keep your contact details updated with SASSA – Ensure your active mobile number is always on record so you can receive legitimate verification messages and OTPs.
If you suspect fraudulent activity or believe your SASSA-related personal information has been compromised, report it immediately to the SASSA Fraud Hotline and the South African Police Service (SAPS). Official SASSA channels will guide you on the correct reporting procedures.
