SASSA Identity Verification (e-KYC) Explained

If you’ve applied for a SASSA grant, especially the SRD R370 grant, you may be asked to complete an identity verification step before your application can move forward. This guide explains what SASSA identity verification generally involves and when you might need to complete it. This is general information only — always follow the specific instructions given to you on the official SASSA SRD website.

Being asked to verify your identity can feel confusing, especially if you were not expecting it or your SRD status suddenly changes to “Referred.” It usually is not a sign that something is wrong with you personally — SASSA runs the same identity checks on large numbers of applicants to confirm eligibility and reduce fraud. This guide explains what the process generally involves, the terms SASSA uses for it, when you are likely to be asked to complete it, and the practical steps for doing so through the official SRD channels.

Quick answer: SASSA identity verification, often referred to as e-KYC (electronic Know Your Customer), is how SASSA confirms you are who you say you are, usually by checking your ID details and, in some cases, a facial biometric check, before approving or continuing your SRD application.

Quick Facts

e-KYC stands for electronic Know Your Customer, an identity check used mainly for the SRD R370 grant
It can involve confirming your ID details and, in some cases, a facial biometric check
SASSA also checks applicant details against other government and financial institution databases
You may be asked to complete or redo e-KYC if your SRD status shows as “Referred”

What Is SASSA Identity Verification?

According to SASSA’s own SRD privacy documentation, SASSA carries out what it calls “Applicant Verification” — the process of determining an applicant’s eligibility for a grant — and “Identity Proofing”, which is the process of verifying a person’s identity. For the SRD R370 grant specifically, this is generally handled through an online step called e-KYC.

As part of this process, SASSA may also check your details against other databases, including the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), South African Revenue Service (SARS), the Government Employees Pension Fund, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, and various retail banks, to confirm your eligibility and prevent fraud.

When Might You Need to Complete e-KYC?

When you first apply, as part of confirming your identity
This first check happens automatically as part of processing a new SRD application, so most applicants complete it without needing to do anything extra beyond applying.
If your SRD status shows as “Referred” and you’re asked to verify or re-verify your identity
This is the most common reason people are sent looking for information on e-KYC. A “Referred” status usually means SASSA could not immediately confirm your identity from the details on file and needs you to complete this step before the application can move forward.
If SASSA needs to re-confirm your details during periodic eligibility checks
SASSA runs these reviews from time to time on existing beneficiaries as well, so being asked to reverify does not necessarily mean your application has a problem. See our SASSA SRD Reapplication guide for the full reconfirmation and reinstatement steps.

If your status is showing as Referred, see our guide on what “Referred” means on your SRD status for more detail.

How to Complete Identity Verification

Go to the official SASSA SRD website.
Choose the option for South African ID holders (or the option for asylum seekers and special permit holders, if that applies to you) to reach the identity verification menu.
Enter your South African ID number and log in to your application.
You will usually also need to enter the mobile number you used when you applied, since SASSA sends a one-time PIN to that number to confirm it is really you.
Look for the e-KYC or identity verification option and follow the on-screen prompts.
The portal generally offers separate options for checking your e-KYC status, redoing verification generally, or verifying specifically because your status is Referred, so pick the one that matches your situation.
If asked, complete the facial biometric or photo verification step using a clear, well-lit photo.
Find a well-lit spot, remove sunglasses or anything covering your face, and hold the camera steady so the system can match your photo to your ID details. A blurry or dark photo is a common reason this step needs to be repeated.
Submit and check your status again after a few days to confirm it has updated.
SASSA does not publish a fixed turnaround time for reviewing verification results, so allow a few days before checking again. If your status has not changed after a week or so, contact the SASSA toll-free line on 0800 60 10 11 for an update.

Go to Official SASSA SRD Portal

Tips for a Smooth Identity Verification

A little preparation can help your verification go through on the first attempt instead of being flagged for another review:

Double-check the mobile number linked to your application before you start. The one-time PIN depends on that number, so an old SIM or lost phone will stop you from getting past the first step.
Take your verification photo in good lighting. Natural daylight facing a window usually works better than a dim room, and it helps to keep your face fully visible without a hat or sunglasses.
Keep your ID document close by. Having your ID book or smart ID card on hand makes it quicker to double-check numbers if the portal asks you to re-enter any details.
Try again rather than assuming the worst. A failed or incomplete verification attempt is not the same as a declined grant, and you can usually redo the step from the e-KYC menu. If you’ve already tried and it specifically failed, our identity verification failed guide covers the common causes and what to check before you retry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “e-KYC” mean?

e-KYC stands for electronic Know Your Customer. It’s the online identity verification step SASSA uses, mainly for the SRD R370 grant, to confirm applicants are who they say they are.

Why does SASSA need to verify my identity?

Identity verification helps SASSA confirm you’re eligible for the grant and helps prevent fraudulent applications, protecting both you and the integrity of the grant system.

What happens if I don’t complete e-KYC when asked?

Your application or status may stay unresolved until the verification step is completed, which can delay any payment you’re waiting on. Complete it as soon as you can through the official SRD portal.

Disclaimer: SA Grant Dates is an independent information resource and is not affiliated with SASSA or the South African government. Verification steps and requirements are determined by SASSA and may change. Always follow the instructions given on the official SRD portal or the official SASSA website. This page was last reviewed in August 2026.