Thousands of SASSA beneficiaries have been left shocked as their access to social grants was suddenly revoked after a recent identity re-verification process across South Africa. The South African Social Security Agency introduced this step to tackle fraudulent claims, but it has also affected genuine beneficiaries who failed to verify on time. Many users report being locked out of the SASSA payment system, unable to collect their monthly R370 SRD grant. Let’s understand what caused this disruption and what you can do to fix it immediately.
Why Thousands Lost SASSA Access After Identity Re-Verification
According to official reports, the identity re-verification drive was launched by SASSA in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs to eliminate duplicate or fake beneficiary records. However, many legitimate recipients failed to respond to the verification SMS or missed the re-submission deadline. This led to a mass suspension of SRD grant payments until their identity confirmation is completed. SASSA has emphasized that this step is essential for ensuring only qualified individuals receive assistance under the government’s social relief programs.
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How South Africans Can Restore Their SASSA Grant Access
To regain access, affected individuals must complete the identity re-verification process on the official SASSA website or through a Post Office branch. They will need their ID number and registered phone number used during the original application. After submitting these details, SASSA will verify the identity with the Department of Home Affairs and reinstate payment within 7–14 working days. Beneficiaries are urged to check their SRD status online regularly to ensure no further delays or suspensions in future payments.
Government’s Response and Next Steps for Beneficiaries
The South African government has acknowledged public frustration but defended the verification policy as a necessary measure against fraud. Officials confirmed that over 120,000 grants were temporarily blocked due to mismatched data. Affected individuals will not lose their eligibility permanently; they only need to complete the verification update before the next payment cycle begins. SASSA has also improved its communication channels, offering SMS alerts and call-center support to help citizens track their application and grant payment status.
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Complete SASSA Identity Re-Verification Process – Step-by-Step Guide
If your grant access has been revoked, follow these steps immediately to fix the issue.
1. Visit the official SASSA SRD portal.
2. Enter your ID number and mobile phone number.
3. Follow the link received via SMS for facial verification.
4. Wait for confirmation from SASSA regarding your status.
5. Once verified, your SRD R370 payment will resume in the next cycle.
These steps ensure a smoother reactivation process without visiting local offices unnecessarily.
| Issue | Reason | Action Required | Resolution Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grant Suspended | Failed Identity Re-Verification | Complete verification on SASSA portal | 7–14 Working Days |
| Pending Status | Data Mismatch with Home Affairs | Upload updated ID details | 5–10 Working Days |
| Rejected Application | Unverified Phone Number | Re-register with correct contact | Immediate |
| Delayed Payment | System Update in Progress | Check SASSA SRD website | Up to 1 Week |
FAQ 1: Why did SASSA block my grant?
SASSA blocked grants for those who didn’t complete the new identity verification process in time.
FAQ 2: How long does re-verification take?
The verification process usually takes about 7–14 working days after submission.
FAQ 3: Can I still receive missed payments?
Yes, all missed payments will be processed once your identity is verified and account is reactivated.
FAQ 4: Where can I verify my SASSA identity?
Beneficiaries can verify their details on the official SASSA SRD portal or nearest Post Office.
