SASSA SRD Grant Delays Leave Millions Without Support Amid Biometric Chaos. In South Africa, millions of vulnerable citizens depend on monthly government support. But for many SRD grant beneficiaries, this vital assistance has turned into a nightmare. With the recent introduction of a biometric verification system by SASSA, thousands are being locked out of their rightful R370-a-month Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grants due to technical issues, failed verification attempts, and a lack of digital resources.
Biometric Verification System Causing Widespread Exclusion
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has introduced a new biometric identity verification system as part of its fraud prevention strategy. However, the system is backfiring, particularly for the most vulnerable – the unemployed, the youth, and those without access to smartphones or data.
Many SASSA beneficiaries are now required to complete online biometric verification to receive their SRD grants. But there’s a catch: they need a link from SASSA to start the process. Activists report that these links are either never sent, arrive late, or are non-functional when accessed. The result? Thousands of eligible South Africans are left without the R370 grant, forcing them to turn to loan sharks and endure food insecurity.
“I must go again to the mashonisa in June. Their interest rates are 50%,” says Dalene Raiters, a Johannesburg resident whose SRD grant was blocked after a failed identity check.
Beneficiaries Share Their Frustrations
Dalene’s story is not unique. After being flagged for potential fraud, she was asked to reverify her identity. To do so, she had to pay R140 for a smart ID card, plus an additional R320 in taxi fare to Home Affairs. And despite complying, her account was blocked again in May 2025.
Dalene uses the grant to support her two unemployed sons and grandchildren. Like many others, she relies on affordable grocery combos from Shoprite to get by each month.
Here’s what her monthly R99 combo typically includes:
| Grocery Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White Maize Meal | 2.5kg |
| Parboiled Rice | 2kg |
| Sunflower Oil | 750ml |
| Chilli Beef Soya Mince | 400g |
| Macaroni or Spaghetti | 500g |
“I couldn’t buy that this month, and now we’re struggling,” she explains.
Meanwhile, Lincaster Davids from the same community has not been paid since March. He was prompted to verify his identity after updating his cellphone number. But without passing biometric verification, he couldn’t update his contact details or withdraw the grant.
“I went to the SASSA office in Eldorado Park, but when I got there, they cut the line and told me to come back another day.”
Verification System
Social grants activist Elizabeth Raiters describes the SRD biometric system as more punitive than helpful.
“The SRD is becoming more of a punishment than serving its purpose. It’s the only grant that is so uncertain,” she says.
Elizabeth receives daily visits from distressed community members. “Ten people come to my house every day, even on weekends, asking for help with SASSA verification,” she adds. Unfortunately, even when links are received, they often fail to open or function properly.
The Black Sash, a human rights organisation, echoes these concerns. According to helpline manager Kgothatso Sibanda, they receive over 35 complaints a week—mostly from young applicants aged 18+, who discover their IDs have already been fraudulently used for applications.
“Many recipients don’t own smartphones or can’t afford mobile data. And when they try to call the SASSA helpline, there’s no response.”
Sibanda recommends that SASSA set up manual verification help desks at local offices, enabling on-the-ground staff to assist applicants without forcing them to rely solely on technology.
SASSA’s Response – Or Lack Thereof
When pressed for comment, SASSA claimed they were unaware of the widespread verification issues. When presented with the names of affected individuals, the agency responded a week later, saying the official responsible was on leave. No further action has been taken.
“It’s frustrating to see such a crucial support system breaking down due to avoidable administrative delays,” says Sibanda.
Why the SRD Grant Matters So Much
The SRD grant, originally introduced as a temporary COVID-19 relief measure, has become a lifeline for nearly 9 million South Africans. Although this number changes monthly due to means testing, it underscores the massive dependency on this form of social support.
With unemployment at high levels and the rising cost of living, the R370 monthly grant is often the only source of income for households. The Child Support Grant of R560 per month also helps families care for children in impoverished areas, but both grants fall short when payments are delayed or blocked.
Conclusion
South Africa’s social grant system is a cornerstone of dignity for millions of its citizens. But when bureaucratic inefficiencies block access to life-saving support, it’s the poor who suffer most. The SASSA biometric verification system, though intended to prevent fraud, is currently excluding legitimate applicants and threatening livelihoods.
