The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has launched a new digital verification process for applicants of the R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant, effective Saturday, 7 June 2025. This significant policy update impacts all new and reapplying SRD grant seekers, marking a major shift in how eligibility and identity are confirmed.
With financial pressure mounting on the national budget and rising demand for social support, SASSA has introduced this new method to ensure accurate, fraud-free grant distribution—but not without concerns from the public and civil rights advocates.
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What is the 2025 SASSA Verification Process?
From June 2025 onward, all new applications for the R370 SRD grant must go through a mandatory biometric and digital ID check. This process uses smartphone technology and smart ID cards to verify the applicant’s identity. Here’s how it works:
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Selfie Submission | Applicants must take and upload a clear selfie using a smartphone. |
| Smart ID Required | Only South African smart ID cards will be accepted (not green books). |
| Online Portal Upload | Verification must be done through the official SASSA portal. |
| Internet Access | Applicants must have mobile internet to complete the process. |
If any part of this process is skipped or not completed correctly, the application will be delayed or denied.
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Why Was This New Process Introduced?
In recent years, SASSA has dealt with increasing levels of fraud, including duplicate applications and identity theft. The digital verification system aims to reduce these risks and ensure that funds reach the correct individuals.
SASSA also intends to comply with court rulings while managing its growing budget responsibilities. In January 2025, a court ruled that applicants cannot be rejected due to lack of government funds. In response, SASSA introduced this system as a compliance-friendly, fraud-proof solution.
Required Documents and Tools for New Applicants
Before starting an application, ensure you have:
- A smartphone with a working camera and internet access
- A valid smart ID card (green barcoded ID booklets are no longer accepted)
- A quiet space to take a proper selfie
- Access to the official SASSA verification portal
Failure to meet these requirements means no verification and no grant payment.
Green ID Booklets No Longer Accepted
The 2025 SASSA SRD grant system now excludes green barcoded ID booklets. While many South Africans still rely on these documents, they are no longer valid for verification.
| ID Document Type | Accepted in 2025? |
|---|---|
| Smart ID Card | ✅ Yes |
| Green ID Booklet | ❌ No |
Applicants using green booklets must upgrade to a smart ID at the Department of Home Affairs to be eligible.
Civil Society Concerns and Digital Divide
Although this verification method is meant to protect public funds, civil rights groups and social welfare advocates have raised alarms:
- Many poor and rural applicants lack smartphones
- Some still use older ID documents
- Internet access is unreliable in remote areas
- There’s limited public awareness of these new steps
These groups argue that those most in need could be excluded, despite legal protections against discriminatory access.
Who Needs to Follow the New Process?
| Applicant Type | Needs New Verification? |
|---|---|
| New SRD Grant Applicants | ✅ Yes |
| Reapplying Applicants (June 2025+) | ✅ Yes |
| Current SRD Grant Recipients | ❌ Not yet (may be required later) |
Note: Those already receiving the R370 grant will not be required to reverify immediately, but this could change later in the year.
Government Response and Legal Appeal
Although the High Court ruled in January 2025 that financial constraints cannot be a reason for rejecting applicants, SASSA has appealed that ruling. In the meantime, it continues to roll out its biometric system.
The Department of Social Development supports the move, calling it a “modern, fair and secure” method to handle the growing number of grant recipients.
What Happens If You Don’t Verify?
Applicants who fail to complete the new digital verification process will receive a “not verified” status and will not receive a grant payment until the issue is resolved.
However, there is no hard deadline—you may retry once you’re ready. But until verified, your grant remains unpaid.
Final Thoughts: What You Should Do Now
If you or someone you know plans to apply for the SASSA SRD R370 grant, do the following immediately:
- Update your ID to a smart ID card if you haven’t already
- Secure a smartphone with internet access
- Prepare to submit a verification selfie
- Visit the SASSA website for official application steps
With SASSA now focusing on digital security and identity protection, it’s crucial for applicants to understand and adapt to this 2025 verification process. While the new method aims to prevent fraud, it’s essential to ensure that technology does not become a barrier to accessing basic financial relief.
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