The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is tightening its systems this year with a major update to how it verifies applicants. Beginning Saturday, 7 June 2025, all new Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant applicants will need to complete the 2025 SASSA verification process. This follows increased scrutiny over the agency’s budget and rising concerns about grant fraud.
In a shift aimed at improving digital security, the Department of Social Development (DSD) and SASSA now require biometric verification using a smartphone. Applicants must take a digital photo of themselves and have a smart ID card to be considered eligible. Those with older green ID booklets will be automatically excluded.
Biometric Verification Now Mandatory
According to SASSA’s official statement, the new process is designed to “protect the system from fraud and identity theft.” The biometric step involves facial recognition from a smartphone photo, ensuring each applicant’s identity is securely stored in the system.
However, this change hasn’t come without criticism. Civil rights groups question how the poorest in South Africa—many of whom do not own smartphones or have access to reliable internet—are expected to comply. The system seems to ignore the financial realities of those it claims to serve.
The need for a smart ID card also raises accessibility issues. These cards are not as readily available as the older ID booklets in many rural or underserved communities. The public is encouraged to visit SASSA’s designated online platform to begin the process, though connectivity barriers remain a major challenge.
Court Ruling vs. New Policy
The update to the 2025 SASSA verification process follows a January 2025 High Court ruling by Judge Twala. The ruling declared it unconstitutional for SASSA to deny applicants based solely on budget limitations. Yet the agency appears to be sidestepping the court’s intent by introducing stricter digital requirements that could effectively exclude many potential beneficiaries.
This legal contradiction has sparked public outcry. Activists argue the new digital process could function as a gatekeeping mechanism, preventing access to much-needed support for those who fall short of the new standards.
SASSA has reportedly appealed the ruling, but its move to implement this biometric process continues regardless. Critics argue that while fraud prevention is essential, excluding vulnerable citizens through technology requirements undermines the right to social assistance.
What Applicants Need to Know
If you’re applying for the R370 SRD grant, you must have a smartphone, internet access, and a smart ID card. You’ll be required to take a clear photo of yourself during the application process for verification.
The agency warns that anyone who cannot complete the biometric verification will not receive the grant. SASSA insists this is necessary to maintain data security and accountability in the grant system.
Still, the tension remains between digital advancement and social justice. Whether this policy will stand against further legal challenges is yet to be seen. But for now, the 2025 SASSA verification process is officially underway, with significant implications for millions of South Africans.