SASSA Status Failed Due to Identity Verification Failed | 2025
If your SASSA SRD R370 status shows “Identity Verification Failed,” it means your personal details could not be matched with the information stored in government systems. This error is very common and usually happens when your ID, name, or other details do not match the Home Affairs records. The good news is you can fix it easily by updating your details or submitting a reconsideration appeal.
What Does It Mean by “Identity Verification Failed” Status?
When SASSA runs verification checks, they compare your ID details with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). If the system cannot confirm your identity, your application is automatically declined. This is done to prevent fraud and make sure only eligible people receive the SRD R370 grant.
What Does “Identity Verification Failed” Mean?
“Identity Verification Failed” means the information you provided does not match the Home Affairs database. It could be your ID number, name, surname, date of birth, or any other personal detail.
SASSA uses your details to confirm you are a real person, a South African citizen, and eligible for the SRD grant. Any mismatch, even a spelling mistake, can cause verification failure.
Common Reasons for Identity Verification Failure:
Here are the most common reasons why your SASSA identity verification may fail:
- Incorrect ID number entered during application
- Wrong name or surname (spelling mistakes or old surname)
- Using a nickname instead of your legally registered name
- Identity document not updated at Home Affairs
- Recently changed surname after marriage or divorce
- ID book or smart ID card has expired or is not updated
- Temporary identity certificate (TIC) not recognized
- The Home Affairs system is showing old or incomplete details
- System errors or technical glitches during verification
If your details do not perfectly match DHA, your status will show “Identity Verification Failed.”
What Should You Do?
If you see this message, don’t worry, the issue can be fixed. You must correct your details and request SASSA to recheck your application.
Here’s what to do step by step:
Submit SASSA Reconsideration Appeal to ITSAA
The first step is to submit a reconsideration request.
ITSAA (Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals) handles cases where verification fails.
How to appeal:
- Visit the SASSA SRD website
- Go to the “Reconsideration Appeal” section
- Enter your ID number and phone number
- Select the month you want to appeal for
- Choose the reason: “Identity Verification Failed”
- Submit your appeal
The tribunal will recheck your details with Home Affairs and update your status if everything matches.
Contact Officials
If you think the problem is caused by an error in government databases, you can contact an official SASSA representative.
Explain that your details are correct, but verification still fails. They can guide you further or escalate your case.
Contact SASSA
You can also contact SASSA directly and ask them to verify your information again.
SASSA Contact Methods:
- Call: 0800 60 10 11
- Visit your nearest SASSA office
- Use the SASSA online support page
When contacting SASSA, always keep your ID number, phone number, and application details ready.
Contact DHA (Department of Home Affairs)
If the issue comes from Home Affairs, you must correct your personal information there.
You should visit DHA if:
- Your surname has changed, but is not updated
- Your ID has errors
- Your birth date is wrong in the system
- You changed your marital status
- You recently updated your ID
Once DHA updates your details, SASSA will be able to verify you successfully.
Contact ITSAA
If your appeal was rejected or is still pending, you can contact ITSAA for more information.
ITSAA helps you:
- Recheck verification details
- Review rejected appeals
- Correct personal information mismatches
- Ensure your application is processed correctly
They work separately from SASSA and provide another layer of verification.
FAQs About SASSA Status Failed Due to Identity Verification Failed
Why does my SASSA status say “Identity Verification Failed”?
This happens when your ID number, name, or other details do not match the Department of Home Affairs records. Even small spelling mistakes can cause this issue.
How can I fix identity verification failure?
You can fix it by correcting your details and submitting a reconsideration appeal on the SASSA SRD website. You may also need to update your information at Home Affairs.
How long does the appeal process take?
The appeal can take up to 60–90 days, depending on the number of applications being processed.
Can I apply again if my identity verification failed?
You do not need to apply again. Simply submit a reconsideration appeal for the months that failed.
Do I need to visit the SASSA office for this issue?
Not always. Most identity issues can be fixed online. However, if your details at Home Affairs are wrong, you must visit DHA.
Final Words
Getting a “SASSA Status Failed Due to Identity Verification Failed” message can feel stressful, but it’s actually one of the most common and easiest issues to fix. Most problems happen because of small mistakes in your personal details or outdated information at Home Affairs. By submitting a reconsideration appeal and making sure your ID details are correct, your application can be approved without any trouble.
Just follow the steps, keep your details updated, and check your status regularly. Once your identity is verified, you will continue to receive your SASSA SRD R370 payments normally.
