Identity Verification
Confirming an applicant's identity against Department of Home Affairs records — the check behind Referred statuses and identity-related declines.
Also searched as: identity, id verification, home affairs, referred, biometrics, dha.
Guides on identity verification
Frequently asked questions
How often should I check?
Once or twice a month is enough — after the middle of the month for the outcome, and near month-end for the pay date. Statuses update on SASSA's schedule; checking hourly changes nothing.
My status is Approved but there's no money in my account.
A pay date on the status is when SASSA releases payment; banks can take 2–3 days to reflect it. Longer than that: payment not received.
Is the verification link a scam?
The genuine link arrives by SMS only after you request it on srd.sassa.gov.za. A link arriving out of nowhere — especially via WhatsApp — is phishing. Spot the fakes.
Read the full guide: Fixing failed SRD identity verification, step by step
How long until my grant pays after verification?
Your next monthly assessment uses the verified identity; approved months then pay in the normal cycle, with prior approved-but-unpaid months as backpay.
Read the full guide: Fixing failed SRD identity verification, step by step
Could someone have applied using my ID?
Yes — it is one of the common causes of this decline. Complete the identity verification process to reclaim the application, and report suspected fraud to SASSA on 0800 60 10 11. See fake site scams for how IDs get harvested.
Read the full guide: Declined: “Identity verification failed”
How long does Home Affairs take to fix a deceased record?
It varies from days to months depending on whether fraud is involved. Keep your reference number and follow up persistently. If it stalls, Legal Aid South Africa assists with these cases free of charge.
Read the full guide: Declined: “Deceased record on database”
Green ID book or smart card — does it matter?
Both remain valid, but the smart card's fresh photo and biometrics matter for SRD identity verification, and green books are being phased out. When replacing anyway, go smart card.
Read the full guide: ID documents: the key that unlocks every benefit
Can SASSA help if Home Affairs is stuck?
SASSA needs the ID but can't issue it. What helps: escalate at the Home Affairs office (ask for the supervisor and a reference number), and Legal Aid for stuck late registrations.
Read the full guide: ID documents: the key that unlocks every benefit