An Overview of How SASSA’s New Biometric Identification Verification for SRD Grants Functions

Concerns Rise Over SASSA’s New Verification Process for SRD Grants

Millions depend on the social relief offered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), but the recent implementation of a verification check has raised alarms among stakeholders. Many fear that this new requirement could lead to the exclusion of numerous individuals from receiving the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant.

To ensure that grants are distributed to the rightful recipients,

SASSA has introduced an identity verification process utilizing facial recognition technology. This verification check is now a crucial step for SRD grant beneficiaries.

SASSA has announced that it may randomly select some SRD applicants for additional verification to maintain the integrity of its processes. Applicants will receive two SMS messages, with the second message containing a link to initiate the facial recognition verification. It is important to note that this link is only active for 72 hours, giving applicants a limited window of just three days to complete the verification.

According to GroundUp, many SRD grant applications are encountering difficulties due to the new biometric verification measures aimed at combating fraud. Beneficiaries who change their mobile numbers or are suspected of identity theft must confirm their identity through a “Know Your Client” process,

which requires them to take a selfie and submit it via the provided SMS link. Unfortunately, individuals without smartphones or reliable internet access find it challenging to complete this verification.

This situation is particularly troubling, as failing to finish the verification process can result in the suspension of grant payments. While SASSA has not disclosed how many individuals are affected, the number of SRD beneficiaries ranges from 7.5 million to 8.5 million, depending on monthly means tests.

Even beneficiaries who do have the necessary technology are voicing their concerns about possible delays in receiving their grants. For instance, Lerverch Pieters, unemployed since January 2024, has experienced payment delays and worries about the impact on his family, who rely on these funds.

Elizabeth Raiters from the #PayTheGrants movement has criticized SASSA for its lack of communication about the verification process. She warns that many beneficiaries may miss their June payments due to these complications and has raised the issue with SASSA.