SASSA’s SRD Grant Verification Process Might Exclude Many Applicants

Growing Concerns Over SASSA’s New Verification System for SRD Grants
Millions of individuals depend on the social relief offered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). However, the recent implementation of a verification process has raised alarms among stakeholders, who worry that this could lead to many people being excluded from receiving the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant.

SASSA has introduced an identity verification check aimed at ensuring that grants are disbursed to the correct recipients. This new verification method relies on facial recognition technology to authenticate beneficiaries’ identities.

To maintain the integrity of its verification processes, SASSA may randomly select certain SRD grant applicants for additional checks. Beneficiaries will receive two SMS messages, the second of which will include a link to initiate the facial recognition verification process. It’s crucial to highlight that this link is only active for 72 hours, giving applicants just three days to complete the required identity verification.

According to GroundUp, many SRD grant applicants are facing challenges accessing their funds due to this new biometric verification process, designed to combat fraud. Beneficiaries who have changed their mobile numbers or are suspected of identity theft are required to confirm their identities through a “Know Your Client” procedure, which involves taking a selfie and sending it via the provided SMS link. Unfortunately, those without smartphones or reliable internet access are struggling to complete this process.

This situation is particularly concerning, as failing to finish the verification can lead to the suspension of grant payments. Although SASSA has not disclosed the exact number of affected individuals, the total number of SRD beneficiaries typically falls between 7.5 million and 8.5 million, based on monthly means tests.

Even those who possess the necessary technology are worried about potential delays in receiving their grants. For example, Lerverch Pieters, who has been unemployed since January 2024, has encountered payment delays and is anxious about how this will affect his family, who rely heavily on the grants.

Elizabeth Raiters from the #PayTheGrants movement has voiced criticism towards SASSA for its inadequate communication regarding the verification process. She has warned that many beneficiaries may miss their June payments due to these complications and has officially raised the issue with SASSA.