SASSA Status Failed
SASSA uses two major status names: “Status Failed” and “Status Declined” when they reject an application. However, both statuses mean that your SRD R370 grant application is disapproved.
Now what? Is this the end of your connection with SASSA? No, until you are eligible for the grant, you should not lose hope. SASSA can decline or fail any application that does not fulfil the complete eligibility criteria or is missing any important or normal document.
Hence, I am here and created this SASSA guides blog to help my brothers and sisters. You are not alone in this matter for the “SASSA status failed due to identity verification failed” status.
As the status sounds, identity verification has something that became the reason for your failed SASSA status.
You should keep going through the SASSA status check page and check your grant application status to avoid missing any important details.
What Does Mean Identity Verification Failed for SRD Grant Application?

Identity verification failed means SASSA could not match your details with the records at the Department of Home Affairs. SASSA checks your ID number, name, surname, and date of birth with the DHA database. If any detail does not match, the system marks your application as failed.
This can happen when your ID has a spelling mistake, an old surname, or incorrect personal information. It can also happen if you entered the wrong details during the application.
SASSA stops the process because the system cannot confirm your identity. You must fix the wrong information and then apply again or update your details.
How to Solve a Failed SASSA Status?
You can solve this matter with the help of the SASSA appeal for reconsideration. Here is what to do now.
- Go to your nearest Department of Home Affairs (DHA) office.
- Take your original ID and any other ID documents.
- Ask DHA to check your record for mistakes.
- Tell them if your ID has expired, is damaged, or has been used in fraud.
- Ask DHA to correct the details or remove any blacklist entry.
- Get a written proof or stamped letter from DHA showing the fix.
- Go to your nearest SASSA office.
- Ask for a reconsideration application form.
- Fill the form using the exact details that DHA now shows.
- Attach the DHA proof, ID copy, and any other papers SASSA asks for.
- Submit the form to the SASSA official and get a receipt or reference number.
- Go to the DSD/SA SRD portal.
- Re-submit your SRD application with the corrected details.
- Include the SASSA reference or receipt when you apply online.
- If you still face problems, ask DHA for a police affidavit or case number for fraud.
- Take that proof back to SASSA and ask them to reopen your case.
Why Your Details Must Match the DHA System
SASSA depends on the DHA database to confirm your identity before it approves your SRD grant. This step protects you from identity theft and also keeps the grant system clean. If any small detail does not match, the system blocks your application to avoid fraud.
This can happen when your surname changed after marriage, your ID has an error, or your details were updated long ago but do not reflect in the DHA system. When this mismatch happens, SASSA cannot confirm who you are. This is why fixing your DHA records is the most important step before you apply again.
What to Do After Fixing Your Identity Details
After DHA corrects your details, you must follow up with SASSA to restart your application. Many people fix their DHA records but forget to update their SRD information. This keeps the “identity verification failed” status active.
Once you visit SASSA and submit the reconsideration form, your new details will enter their system. You must then submit a fresh application on the DSD portal with the same information. This step confirms that both DHA and SASSA have the same data. When both systems match, your next SRD review has a much higher chance of approval.
Why SASSA Checks IDs for SRD Grant Approvals?
SASSA is dealing with numerous fraudulent applications each month. According to Moneyweb, SASSA has rejected 210,000 applications in 2025 due to fraudulent activities.
So this is very important for SASSA to verify each identity and then pass the grant payment.
