SASSA ID Verification for SRD Grant Beneficiaries Starting 5 May 2025

In addition to biometric verification for social grants, the agency will enforce mandatory SASSA ID verification for SRD grant beneficiaries starting 5 May 2025. This critical step ensures that all Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant recipients flagged with an ‘identity verification required’ status validate their identity promptly to continue receiving uninterrupted grant payments and gain protection against fraudulent claims.

SASSA ID Verification for SRD Grant Beneficiaries Starting 5 May 2025

According to SASSA spokesperson Senzeni Ngubeni, now biometric ID verification for the SRD grant program is compulsory for affected beneficiary accounts. This verification process applies to all SRD applicants flagged for suspected fraud, detected as deceased persons, inactive accounts, or found with incorrect contact and banking details.

Those who receive an “identity verification” status must take immediate action to avoid delays in their SASSA R370 grant payments for May 2025. Beneficiaries will receive an SMS from SASSA containing a secure verification link valid for 72 hours.

Spokesperson Senzeni Ngubeni confirmed that SASSA biometric ID verification starting 5 May 2025, affecting both social grant and SRD R370 beneficiaries. To complete the verification process, log in to the SRD website (srd.sassa.gov.za) or visit your nearest SASSA office immediately.

SASSA is indeed tightening security to ensure grants go to the right people. The purpose of ID verification is to update the grant system to ensure SASSA has all the correct and valid identity information of each beneficiary to prevent delayed payments and stop SASSA grant fraud.

Important Notice: Senzeni Ngubeni stated that beneficiaries who fail to complete identity verification within 3 days of receiving the SMS link may experience payment delays and risk grant suspension if flagged for suspicious activity. In such cases, SASSA appeal requests may not be processed effectively.

Why SASSA Identity Verification Is Important

SASSA now uses electronic ID checks with the Department of Home Affairs to confirm each applicant’s identity and stop fraud, after over R260 million was lost in recent cases. Every beneficiary must identify their valid ID, name, bank details, which the SASSA system will verify against national databases like DHA, SARS, NSFAS, UIF, and GEPF.

Existing and new SASSA recipients receiving financial aid from NSFAS or other government sources will be flagged as suspected cases and disqualified from the social grant and SRD grant programs for failing eligibility criteria. SASSA is enforcing strict electronic ID verification checks and verifying phone numbers for fraud risk.

Reminder: Only identity verification at srd.sassa.gov.za or visit your nearest SASSA office.