SASSA e-KYC for SRD Grant Applicants

SASSA has restored the e-KYC verification for all the SRD grant beneficiaries. It was started on Friday, 24 January 2025, when Ms Bridget Masango, Chairperson of the Social Development Committee, asked SASSA to restart the suspended e-KYC system. This will help eligible people verify their identity and get their grants.

Now, if you are willing to apply for Social Relief of Distress Grant (SRD) R370, then you need to pass the KYC (Know Your Customer) verification first. In this guide, I will share my experience about how I passed my KYC verification for the SRD grant.

Following my guide, you can also pass your KYC verification. So read this guide carefully.

What is a KYC Verification?

KYC, short for Know Your Customer, is a method used by banks and financial institutions to confirm the identity of their clients. The practice began with the U.S. Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) in 1970, as highlighted in a Forbes report.

The main purpose of KYC is to stop fraud, money laundering, and funding of terrorism. Through KYC checks, companies can verify their customers’ identities and lower potential financial risks.

How KYC Works?

KYC is more than just checking an ID. It has several important steps:

• Customer Identification Program (CIP): Collect basic information like name, date of birth, address, and ID number.
• Customer Due Diligence (CDD): Identify people who own 25% or more of a company.
• Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD): Perform extra checks for high-risk customers.

KYC for Businesses

KYC is not only for individuals. Businesses also follow special checks:

• KYB (Know Your Business): Confirms that a company is genuine and trustworthy.
• KYCC (Know Your Customer’s Customer): Checks risks in a client’s network.

Digital KYC (eKYC)

Technology has made KYC faster and easier. Many banks and fintech companies now use digital methods like:

• Biometric verification (fingerprints or face scans)
• Online ID verification
• Digital forms and documents

This digital process is called eKYC. It saves time and allows instant verification.

Global KYC Regulations

KYC rules exist in many countries to make financial systems safer:

• India: 2002
• Namibia: 2012
• European Union: 2016
• UK: 2017

These laws help prevent fraud, ensure transparency, and make banking safer for everyone.

SASSA e-KYC for SRD Grant Acceptance

SASSA has started the e-KYC for all the SRD grant clients. If you are already receiving the SRD payments, then you need to reapply for the KYC. Only KYC-passed clients will get the R370 payment.

Things Required for e-KYC

You need a few important things before you start your SASSA e-KYC. Make sure all these items are ready:

• A smartphone with a working camera
• An active internet connection (mobile data or WiFi)
• Your 13-digit South African ID number
• Your 10-digit phone number
• Access to the same phone number (to receive the OTP PIN)
• A well-lit place for a clear facial scan
• A clean camera lens for a smooth scan
• Permission to use your phone’s camera, microphone, and location
• A stable hand while doing the face scan
• Enough battery on your phone to finish the process without interruption

How to Perform SASSA e-KYC Verification?

You can perform your KYC online on the SRD portal. You don’t need to visit the SASSA office for this purpose. Here is the step-by-step guide on how to apply for e-KYC online on the srd.sassa.gov.za portal.

1) Go to SRD Portal:

The first step is to visit the SASSA SRD portal, where you will get the e-KYC option. Please go to https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/ekyc and click on the “Click here to reverification of e-KYC”. You will also see other options that are:

• Click here to e-KYC status check
• Click here to do e-KYC for referred status.

Now proceed to the next step.

2) Enter your South African ID Number and Phone Number:

On the next page, you will need to enter your 13-digit South African ID number and 10-digit phone number to get a PIN. Verify the PIN from your cell phone number and proceed to the next step.

3) Get Verification Link:

Now you will see the e-KYC link on the next page, where you need to click, and this will ask for permissions of:

• Your mobile phone’s camera
• Microphone
• Location

Allow all the permissions and get ready for the facial recognition verification process.

4) Perform Your KYC Online With Your Cell Phone:

Lastly, you will see a page where you can perform the KYC using your mobile phone’s camera. Here are the steps:

1. Keep your face inside the circle on the screen.
2. Look straight at the camera.
3. The system may ask you to:
   1. Blink your eyes
   2. Turn your head left and right
   3. Smile or open your mouth
4. Follow each instruction slowly.
5. Wait for the camera to scan your face.

When the scan is complete, the system will upload your verification. After the scan, you will get a message on the screen. It will tell you that your KYC is submitted. You will also get an SMS from SASSA.

How to Check e-KYC Status?

To check your e-KYC status, tap on the “Click here to e-KYC status check” button that I listed above. Now follow the steps below:

1. Open the SASSA e-KYC page on your phone or computer.
2. Tap “Click here to e-KYC status check.”
3. On the new page, type your 13-digit South African ID number.
4. Type your 10-digit phone number.
5. Check the numbers for mistakes.
6. Tap Submit or Check Status.
7. Wait a few seconds while the system looks up your record.
8. Read the status shown on the screen: Successful, Pending, Refered, or Requires Action.
9. If it says Pending, check again later.
10. If it says Requires Action, follow the instructions on the screen or redo the e-KYC process.
11. If you still have problems, contact SASSA for help.

F.A.Q

What happens if my e-KYC fails?

You must redo the verification on the SRD portal to fix the issue.

Do I need data or WiFi for e-KYC?

Yes, you need an active internet connection to complete the process.

Can I do e-KYC on any mobile phone?

Yes, any smartphone with a camera and a browser can complete e-KYC.

How long does SASSA take to update my e-KYC status?

The status usually updates within a few minutes, but it can take longer.

Do I need to visit a SASSA office after e-KYC?

No, you don’t need to visit any office because the process is fully online.