SASSA e-KYC Biometric Verification for SRD Grant

Before 2026, SASSA clients did not need to pass any kind of biometric check. But now things have changed. In 2026, SASSA has made e-KYC biometric verification mandatory.

If you are a new applicant or an existing grant beneficiary, you must complete the e-KYC process. This is especially important for those applying for the SRD R370 grant. Without passing e-KYC, you will not get approval for your grant.

Some people are worried about this new rule. But there is no need to stress. This policy is designed to protect you. It will help stop fraud, scams, and double payments.

The good news is that the process is very simple. It only takes about 5 minutes to complete. So, don’t wait. Follow this easy guide and finish your e-KYC before it’s too late.

What is SASSA e-KYC Biometric Verification?

SASSA e-KYC biometric verification is a new identity check system introduced in 2025. The term “e-KYC” stands for Electronic Know Your Client. It is a digital process that verifies a person’s identity using biometric data like facial recognition or fingerprints.

If your SASSA status shows as “Referred Status” then you need to pass this verification to get your grant payment.

This system helps SASSA make sure that only the right people get the grants. It prevents fraud, fake applications, and double payments. Now, all new and existing SASSA beneficiaries must complete this step to receive their grants, especially for the SRD R370 grant.

You can do this process online using your smartphone or a nearby SASSA service point. It takes only a few minutes. The system will ask for a selfie, your ID number, and sometimes a fingerprint.

SASSA’s goal is to make the system safer, faster, and more accurate. So, e-KYC helps build trust and protects public money from misuse.

How to Perform SASSA e-KYC Biometric Verification for SRD Grant?

You can perform this biometric verification online or at any SASSA office. However, you need to have a smartphone with a working camera so you can perform facial recognition verification online at your home.

Please follow these steps:

1) Send an Email or Call the SASSA Helpline to Get a Biometric Verification Link

Open your email app on your phone and write an email to grantenquiries@sassa.gov.za with the following details:

Subject: Request for SRD e-KYC Biometric Verification Link

Dear SASSA Team,

I hope you are well.

I would like to complete my SRD e-KYC biometric verification. Please send me the link to do the verification online. You can contact me at (Your phone number) or reply to this email.

Thank you for your help.

Kind regards,

(Your Full Name)

You can now copy this email and send it to the official SASSA email address I shared above.

2) Receive e-KYC Verification Link via Email or SMS

Now you need to wait for your verification link. SASSA will send you the link via SMS or to the same email that you have used to send the email to SASSA. So wait for a while to get the verification link.

3) Follow the Link and Perform the Biometric Verification Online

Once you receive the email or SMS, you can proceed to the biometric verification process. Please note that if you are using the SMS method to receive the link then you will receive 2 SMSes from SASSA and you need to click on the link provided in the second SMS. Also, the link sent via SMS will expire in 72 hours.

4) Complete the Facial Recognition Verification Process

After you open the biometric verification link, the system will guide you through a facial recognition process. This step is important because it confirms your identity by matching your face with the photo on your ID in the government database.

Here’s how to do it:

• Make sure you are in a well-lit area with a clean background.
• Hold your phone at eye level and keep your face in the center of the screen.
• The system may ask you to blink, smile, turn your head, or perform small movements to confirm that it’s a live person and not a photo.
• Stay still and follow the on-screen instructions carefully.
• Once the system captures your facial data, it will start matching it with your records.

If the match is successful, your e-KYC process will be marked as complete. If it fails, you may be asked to try again or visit a SASSA office.

How to Perform e-KYC at Kiosks At SASSA Office?

If you don’t have any gadget like smartphone, tablet or laptop to perform the verification then you have to visit the SASSA office. You will find kiosks at SASSA offices where you can complete your e-KYC without any issue.

Follow the same method that I already described above to go for the verification at SASSA office. Moreover, you can take help from SASSA officers if you need.

How to Check SASSA e-KYC Biometric Verification Status?

Once you have applied for the verification, you need to check your status to make sure you are approved as a SASSA verified beneficiary. So you need to follow these steps.

1. Go to https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/ekyc/status.
2. Enter your South African ID number and phone number.
3. Click on “send PIN” and get an OTP on your phone.
4. Verify the OTP and get your biometric verification status online.

F.A.Q

What is SASSA e-KYC?

It is a digital identity check that uses your face or fingerprints to confirm who you are.

Do I need e-KYC for the SRD R370 grant?

Yes, you must complete e-KYC to get approval and receive payments.

How long does the e-KYC process take?

It usually takes less than five minutes on your phone or at a SASSA office.

What if my e-KYC facial match fails?

You can try again or visit a nearby SASSA office for help.