SASSA Not Sending ID Verification Link: Causes & Fixes

Have you yet to receive the SASSA ID verification link? No need to worry! You are not alone. It can happen to anyone for various reasons, like using a green ID book, issues in the SASSA system, incorrect personal information in grant applications, and out-of-dated personal records in the Department of Home Affairs(DHA). However, all of these issues are temporary.

SASSA Not Sending ID Verification Link

You can solve them by applying for a Smart ID card, correcting your credentials in SASSA records, or contacting them through the helpline or in the office. In this article, let me explain the reasons and solutions for not receiving the ID verification link.

What is SASSA’s New Verification System?

In the new system, SASSA uses advanced facial recognition technology connected to the Department of Home Affairs database. This new system has the following purposes to serve:

  • To minimize the fake grant claims 
  • Making the verification of social grant applications smooth and fast. 
  • Quick distribution of grant amount to recipients. 

Why is Biometric Verification Necessary?

SASSA biometric verification is mandatory to bring your grant money safely to your pocket. Here are the two important reasons for this initiative:

  • Around 75000 expired accounts were receiving the grant payments. 
  • The fake grant applications claim more than R31 million in grant funds.

Therefore, the SASSA administration introduced this electronic verification system to deal with fraudulent activities in June 2024.

Who Needs the SASSA Verification?

The new verification process is mandatory if you fall under the following conditions:

  • You have made a change to your SASSA profile.
  • You have recently updated your phone number. 
  • SASSA identified any suspicious activity on your account.

Possible Reasons for Not Receiving ID Verification Link

If you have made the above-mentioned changes in your SASSA profile or have not received the ID verification link due to any unknown cause. Then you should explore the following common reasons for this issue:

1. Using an Old ID Document

The SASSA system may not verify your identity If you have a green ID book instead of a smart ID card. The green ID book has older photos, making verifying your credentials difficult.

2. Problem in the SASSA System

The SASSA system can be overloaded with many grant applications,  making it difficult to work and send your ID verification link.

3. Wrong Contact Information

Entering the wrong contact information in the SASSA grant application, such as your phone number or email address, can cause a failure to receive the link.

4. Incorrect Personal Information

Providing false personal information such as bank account number, bank name, ID number, or your name in the grant application can also be a reason. The data on your ID document does not match the SASSA records.

5. An Updated Home Affairs Record

You may have recently changed your name or corrected your birth date but forgot to update it in DHA records. So, it can also cause challenges in receiving the SASSA verification link.

6. Technical Challenges

Network issues or software glitches can disturb the process, and you may not receive the ID verification link.

These are the common reasons grant beneficiaries cannot receive the verification link. Next, I will describe the solution for these causes.

Step-By-Step Guide to Resolve the ID Verification Link Issue

These reasons for not receiving the ID verification link are correctable. You just need to follow this guide to solve these issues.

Step 1: Apply for a Smart ID Card

Start by upgrading your South African Identity document from a green book to a Smart ID card. You can make this change in the following ways:

  • Go to your nearby Home Affairs Office and request a Smart ID card.
  • You can also apply through the Department of Home Affairs website by clicking this link.
  • Apply by Calling the Home Affairs helpline: 0800 601190

Note: Please keep your green ID book while applying for the Smart ID card.

Step 2: Give Required Documents

Next, check your email inbox or SMS section of your registered cell phone to know whether SASSA has demanded any additional documents from you to complete the verification process. If yes, send those documents to SASSA via courier or in person. You may need to send these documents:

  • A copy of your ID and a recent passport-sized photograph.
  • Your Home Affairs National Identification System (HANIS) report.

Step 3: Correct Your Record

After that, cross-check your record with the SASSA and Home Affairs databases by visiting their websites or offices. If you find any issues or mismatches in your personal or banking details, correct and upgrade them immediately.

Step 4: Look Over Your Spam Folder

Now, check the spam folder of your email to find the SASSA verification link. Because sometimes your received emails do not show in the inbox. If you find it in the spam, then click on it and move to the next phase of verification. Otherwise, move to the next step of this process.

Step 5: Biometric Verification

Next, you can avail of the facility of on-site biometric verification in selected SASSA offices. Please visit your nearest SASSA office with your South African ID and registered phone number to complete the verification process.

Step 6: Contact SASSA for Help

If you still have not gotten the solution for this issue, you should contact SASSA to know the exact reason and its solution by reaching them through the following ways:

  • Call the SASSA helpline: 0800 601 011
  • Email them: grantenquiries@sassa.gov.za 
  • Visit your nearest SASSA office and share your problem with the staff on duty. They will give you instructions on how to solve the issue. Follow their guidelines.

By following the above methods you will be able to receive your SASSA ID verification link and complete your grant application process.

Is A Smart ID Card Mandatory for SASSA Verification?

SASSA encourages grant receivers to have Smart ID cards, but it is not necessary for application verification. They still accept the green ID book. Please keep in mind the following points while using the book:

  • Provide high-quality copies of the green ID book.
  • Attach additional documents with the grant application like: 
  • Your recent passport-sized photo. 
  • Proof of your home address
  • Go to your nearest SASSA office for in-person verification.

Tips to Resolve the Issue

Your SASSA ID Verification link issue will be resolved by adopting the above solutions. If still not solved then you can follow these tips:

Reach Out to Advocacy Groups

You can contact advocacy groups to get their help for receiving the ID verification link and completing the grant process.

The advocacy group is a private group that supports the people in common issues such as the SASSA grant. Here I have mentioned the two prominent advocacy groups and their contact numbers and email addresses to get help for the SASSA link Issue.

1. #Pay The Grants

You can talk to the “Pay The Grants” group through their Facebook group and email address mentioned here:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/paythegrants
Email: paythegrants@gmail.com

2. The Black Sash

Another advocacy group for help in the SASSA grant is “The Black Sash”. You can reach out to this group through their phone number and email address given below:

Use Social Media

SASSA has its presence on Social Media through its active pages and groups. They update their members about any recent updates for social grants through these groups. 

You can join these social media platforms to stay informed about ID verification issues or other grant-related problems and their solutions.

Conclusion

So, if you haven’t received your SASSA ID verification link, you are not alone, and various factors could be causing this delay. Common issues include using an old ID document, providing incorrect personal details, or system overloads. Thankfully, these problems are temporary and can be resolved by upgrading to a Smart ID card, correcting your records, or contacting SASSA directly for assistance.

By following the steps outlined in this article, such as checking your spam folder and ensuring your information is up to date, you can successfully receive your verification link.

FAQs

If the verification link is not functioning, try copying and pasting it into a different browser or clearing your browser’s cache. If the issue persists, contact SASSA for assistance.

Yes, you can apply for a Smart ID card online through the Department of Home Affairs website. Processing times may vary, but it typically takes a few weeks. Ensure to check your application status online.

While there’s no guaranteed time frame, most beneficiaries should receive the verification link within a few days of application. If it takes longer, consider checking your application status or contacting SASSA.

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5 Comments

  1. Been 6 months now ever since I always requested for the identity verification link but I never got any sms

  2. I have a smart card, and I just recently did it I request the verification link but it does not enter

    1. I have a smart card and my and I’m using the same number I registered with but still I haven’t received verification link and it’s almost two months now.😭

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