If your SASSA SRD R370 status shows “Identity Verification Failed,” it means SASSA could not confirm your ID details with the Department of Home Affairs. This is one of the most common reasons people get delayed or declined.
Identity checks are strict because SASSA must confirm that every application matches a real person. The good news is that this issue is usually easy to fix once you understand what caused it.
This guide explains what this status means, why it happens, and the steps you can take to correct it.
What “Identity Verification Failed” Means
This status means:
“The personal details you submitted do not match Home Affairs records.”
SASSA checks the following:
- Your full name
- Your ID number
- Your date of birth
- Your Home Affairs profile
- Whether your ID is active or blocked
If even one detail does not match, the system cannot approve your month.
Common Reasons Why Identity Verification Fails
Identity mismatches can happen for many reasons. Here are the most common:
1. Your ID Details Are Different at Home Affairs
This is the top cause. Your SRD application might use:
- A different spelling of your name
- Your maiden surname
- A nickname
- A missing second name
If these don’t match Home Affairs exactly, verification fails.
2. You Recently Replaced or Renewed Your ID
If you recently:
- Got a new ID card
- Changed your surname
- Updated your personal details
- Fixed a date-of-birth issue
it can take Home Affairs a few days to update your record.
3. Your ID Was Reported Lost or Stolen
If your ID was marked as:
- Lost
- Stolen
- Compromised
your record may be flagged, and SASSA will not process it until the issue is cleared.
4. You Used the Wrong Phone Number
SASSA uses your phone number to confirm your identity.
If your SIM card is:
- Not registered in your name
- Linked to a different ID
- Recently changed
- Incorrectly typed
verification may fail.
5. Your ID Is Not Active
If your ID was:
- Suspended
- Blocked
- Under review
Home Affairs will not confirm it until you fix the issue.
How to Fix “Identity Verification Failed” (Step-by-Step)
Below are the most effective solutions. Most people fix their issue using one of these steps.
1. Check Your ID Details at Home Affairs
Visit your nearest Home Affairs office and confirm that your:
- Full name
- Surname
- ID number
- Date of birth
are correct and active on their system.
If anything is wrong, they will correct it.
Wait 48-72 hours after the correction, then check your SASSA status again.
2. Make Sure Your SRD Application Uses Your Real Full Name
Check that your application details match your ID exactly:
- No spelling mistakes
- No shortened names
- No old surnames
- No nicknames
Example:
If your ID says “Thandolwethu Maria Mokoena,” then your SRD application must use the same full names.
3. Update Your Phone Number
If your phone number recently changed or is not registered in your name, update it: https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/contact
SASSA needs your correct number for identity verification.
4. Re-enter Your Banking Details
Sometimes identity verification fails because your bank account name does not match your ID.
Update your banking details here: https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/banking-details-update
Use a bank account in your name only.
5. Wait for Monthly Re-Evaluation
SASSA checks identity every month.
If you fix your details today, the next cycle may approve you automatically.
When You Should Contact Home Affairs
Contact Home Affairs if:
- Your ID was replaced
- Your surname changed recently
- You corrected spelling mistakes
- Your ID was flagged
- You were told your ID is “inactive”
- SASSA says your ID cannot be found
You cannot fix identity issues without Home Affairs involvement.
When to Contact SASSA
Contact SASSA if:
- Your Home Affairs record is correct
- Your status is still failing after 7+ days
- You used the correct name and ID
- You updated your phone and banking details
SASSA Helpline: 0800 60 10 11
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get approved after identity verification fails?
Yes. Once your details match Home Affairs, your approval can go through.
Do I need to reapply if identity failed?
No. Fix your details and wait for the next monthly review.
Can I appeal identity verification failed?
Yes, but only after SASSA gives a final decline for that month.
Why does identity fail even if my ID is correct?
Your phone number or bank account may not match your ID.
How long does the process take?
Most identity fixes clear within 2-7 days once corrected.
Tips to Avoid Delays
Identity issues are common, but they are also easy to fix. Make sure:
- Your ID matches Home Affairs
- Your phone number is up to date
- Your bank account uses your real full name
These small steps help SASSA approve your grant faster and avoid delays in future months.
