Why does my identity verification link for my SASSA application not work?

The long answer

Firstly, if you are using a smart ID card, SASSA says that your chances of successful identity are better than if you are using the old green ID book, because the photo is less clear in the green book. SASSA also says that it could be problems with their server or that the Home Affairs system that SASSA uses to cross-check ID is down.

Besides that, it may be that there is a typing error or incomplete information on your application. So, the first step should be to update your application through the SASSA web portal via the link. The link is only valid for 72 hours.

SASSA website: https://www.sassa.gov.za (NB: there are some unofficial websites that give information on social grants. SASSA has identified some as being fraudulent and potentially stealing personal information. Official government websites’ URLs end in .gov.za, not .co.za or .org.za.)

These are the steps required to update your application: 

1. Go to the SASSA web portal (this is the SRD grant portal: https://srd.sassa.gov.za/).

2. Enter your ID number and the phone number linked to your application, and follow the instructions.

3. Check the details displayed on the screen for errors (these include ID, phone, contact and banking information).

4. Correct any mistakes and follow the instructions.

SASSA says it does monthly reviews before approving applications for the month in which you apply, so you can expect a waiting period of up to 30 days for them to finish their review process.

If it still says “failed”, you should phone SASSA through the SASSA helpline at 0800 60 10 11, or email [email protected].

If you are still not helped, you could also contact one of the following organisations for help:

#PayTheGrants

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/paythegrants/

Email: [email protected]

The Black Sash

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Helpline: 072 66 33 73, 072 633 3739 or 063 610 1865.

SASSA also says that if your application details are accurate and you’ve confirmed that your status check failure isn’t due to any technical issues or server errors, your application may have been rejected. In that case, they say you would need to appeal to SASSA for reconsideration by following these steps:

1. Visit the government SRD website using the link: https://srd.dsd.gov.za/appeals/.

2. Fill out the form with your 13-digit ID card number and phone number.

3. Click the “send pin” button and verify the OTP (one-time pin) sent to your phone.

4. Provide all your correct details and attach the necessary reference document.

5. Submit the form.

SASSA says that you must file the appeal within 30 days of the rejection as appeals submitted after that will not be considered by SASSA.

Wishing you the best,
Athalie