eKYC SASSA Verification Online (Step-by-Step)

If you’ve applied for a SASSA grant (especially the SRD grant) and suddenly see messages like “Identity Verification Required”, “eKYC”, or even “Referred”, you are not alone. Many applicants get stuck at this stage because they don’t fully understand what it means or what action SASSA expects from them.

This guide explains eKYC SASSA Verification in depth, why SASSA requires it, how to complete it using official channels, and what the “Referred” status usually means.

Step-by-Step: How to Do eKYC Verification on the Official SASSA SRD Website?

The above button will give you the following three options as shown in the image

• Choose the option that matches your current situation: Click the relevant button based on what you are trying to do:
  • eKYC Status Check (to see your current eKYC verification progress/result)
  • eKYC Re-verification (to redo verification if it failed, expired, or needs to be repeated)
  • eKYC for Referred Status (to complete verification when your SRD status shows “Referred” and SASSA requires identity confirmation before processing)
• Enter your cellphone number (the number used for the SRD application): In the form provided, type in the same phone number that you used when applying. This is important, because SASSA links the eKYC process to the contact number on your application record.
• Enter your Application ID exactly as shown on your SRD application: Carefully type your Application ID with no missing digits or extra spaces. If the Application ID is incorrect, you may not receive the PIN or the verification will not open correctly.
• Request the PIN (OTP) to continue: After entering your cellphone number and Application ID, submit the form to request a PIN/OTP. SASSA will send the PIN to your phone via SMS.
• Retrieve the PIN from your SMS messages and enter it on the verification page: Once you receive the PIN, return to the SASSA page and enter it exactly as received. This step confirms that you have control of the phone number linked to the application.
• Proceed to the eKYC verification stage once the PIN is accepted: After the system validates the PIN, it will allow you to continue to the identity verification process. If the PIN is invalid or expired, you may need to request a new one and try again.
• Complete the identity verification prompts (biometric/selfie verification): Follow the on-screen instructions to complete verification. This usually includes a facial verification/selfie step. For best results:
  • Use good lighting (bright but not harsh sunlight)
  • Ensure your full face is visible (remove hats and dark glasses)
  • Hold the phone steady and follow any “look straight / blink / move closer” prompts
• Submit the verification and wait for confirmation on-screen: Once completed, the system will confirm that your verification has been submitted (or completed). In some cases, it may show a success message immediately; in others, it may show that your verification is being processed.
• Return to the SRD portal and re-check your status after verification: After you finish, go back to the SRD site and check your SRD/eKYC status again. If you used the “Referred status” option, this is the step where your SRD application may move forward after SASSA completes the review. If your status does not update immediately, allow time for processing and check again later.

What is eKYC SASSA Verification?

eKYC stands for electronic Know Your Customer. In the SASSA context, it refers to a digital identity verification process that confirms you are the legitimate person linked to the ID number and SRD grant application.

Instead of requiring everyone to verify their identity in-person, SASSA can request a digital verification where you:

• confirm your identity details, and
• complete biometric verification (usually facial verification via your phone camera)

In simple terms:

SASSA uses eKYC to prove you are the real person behind the application.

Who Gets Asked to Do eKYC Verification?

Not every applicant will see an eKYC prompt. However, you’re more likely to be asked to verify if:

• Your application is flagged for identity verification
• Your details don’t match across systems (e.g., ID and phone records)
• You changed your mobile number
• SASSA suspects you may be a victim of identity theft
• Your application is under additional checks

SASSA has also urged SRD beneficiaries to complete identity verification to prevent delays.

What Does “Referred” Status Mean on SASSA SRD?

“Referred” generally means your application has not been approved automatically and has been sent for manual review or further verification.

This is not the same as “Declined.”

Think of “Referred” as:

“Your application needs additional checks before SASSA can finalize a decision.”

Common reasons SRD status becomes “Referred”

A referral can happen when SASSA systems detect possible mismatches or risk factors such as:

• your identity details require confirmation,
• suspected duplicate applications,
• possible identity theft flags,
• your mobile number is linked to another person’s claim,
• your banking details conflict with records, or
• cross-checks require manual verification.

In many cases, “Referred” and eKYC identity verification issues are connected.

Once done, you can check your SASSA payment dates again.