Millions of South Africans depend on social grants to meet their basic needs—but many are being left behind due to issues with SASSA’s biometric verification system. As beneficiaries of the R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant attempt to comply with new digital requirements, widespread technical glitches and a lack of accessibility have created a crisis for those most in need.
SRD Grant Verification Woes
The SRD grant was introduced as a lifeline for unemployed and vulnerable citizens. But recipients are now being asked to undergo biometric verification—a process that’s proving nearly impossible for many.
SASSA implemented biometric checks to prevent fraud. However, applicants report that links needed for online verification are often delayed, broken, or never sent at all. Without this step, grants remain frozen, cutting off vital support.
According to Black Sash helpline manager Kgothatso Sibanda, they field up to 35 complaints weekly, especially from young adults turning 18—many of whom discover their ID numbers were used fraudulently to apply for the grant. In most cases, the verification link from SASSA never arrives.
Barriers to Accessing Verification
Many SRD grant recipients don’t have smartphones or the mobile data needed to complete verification. And calling the SASSA helpline? That’s often a dead end.
Worse still, those who still use green barcoded ID books face higher chances of biometric rejection. The Department of Home Affairs’ outdated photo records don’t match facial scans, resulting in verification failures.
This has led many applicants to apply for smart ID cards—a costly and time-consuming process for low-income households. Johannesburg resident Dalene Raiters spent R140 on the new ID and R320 on transport to get to Home Affairs, just to resume receiving her grant. Months later, her payments were suspended again due to failed verification.
Without a working system, people like Raiters are turning to loan sharks. She’s borrowing R200 with repayment terms of R300—effectively paying 50% interest just to survive.
A Broken System with Real-World Consequences
The system breakdown isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s jeopardizing food security. Raiters uses the grant to buy basic groceries each month, like maize meal, oil, rice, and soya mince. In May, when her grant was cut off, she couldn’t afford even the R99 grocery combo from Shoprite.
Another beneficiary, Lincaster Davids, hasn’t been paid since March. He tried to update his phone number with SASSA but was blocked by the biometric process. Without it, he can’t receive the SMS code needed to collect the grant at stores.
Even in-person visits to SASSA offices often end in disappointment. Davids was turned away when staff cut the queue, telling him to return another day.
Growing Pressure from Activists and the Public
Social grants activist Elizabeth Raiters sees the crisis firsthand. “Ten people come to my house every day asking for help,” she says. “I have to tell them there’s nothing I can do. The system is broken.”
She’s not alone in her criticism. Activists say the SRD grant—meant as emergency relief—is becoming unreliable and inaccessible. The Black Sash has called on SASSA to create local help desks to conduct manual verifications and reduce digital exclusion.
Despite mounting complaints, SASSA claims no systemic issues exist with the biometric process. They only acknowledged the problem after journalists provided names of affected individuals—then stated the official responsible was on leave.
Who Is Affected?
| Group Affected | Common Issues |
|---|---|
| Youth (new 18-year-olds) | Fraudulent ID use, verification link never sent |
| Low-income households | No smartphone/data, can’t access online system |
| Green ID holders | Photo mismatch, high failure rate in biometrics |
| Those updating contact info | Biometric check blocks phone number changes |
| Rural and remote residents | Long travel distances to Home Affairs or SASSA |
The biometric system was meant to strengthen accountability, but instead, it’s punishing the very people it’s designed to help. As inflation bites and unemployment remains high, every delayed payment becomes a deeper blow to household stability.
South Africa’s SRD grant system needs urgent repair, not just to restore payments, but to restore dignity.
FAQs
Why is biometric verification required for SRD grants?
To prevent fraud and ensure the grant reaches the correct person.
Why do some people fail biometric checks?
Outdated ID photos (especially from green ID books) often don’t match current facial scans.
Can beneficiaries go to SASSA offices for help?
Yes, but reports indicate offices are overwhelmed and often turn people away.