Identity Verification Issues with SASSA Reconsideration: What You Need to Know

The status ‘identity verification failed’ can create confusion and frustration among applicants. Moreover, this often means a potential delay or postponement in the crucial financial support the SASSA grants provide. As an agency, SASSA follows a very stringent and rigorous identity verification process. This is to deal with fraud cases and ensure an equitable distribution of resources. Therefore, the identity verification process is done to verify all applicants’ details and ensure they align correctly with the official Department of Home Affairs records. If that is not the case, the applicant receives the Identity verification failed status on their application. In this article, you will learn what the status means and what you can do to resolve this complication. Dive in. 

What does the Identity Verification Failed status mean? 

If, after applying for the SASSA SRD grant, you encounter the Identity Verification Failed status, it means that there is a possible error or mismatch that has been found. The agency often reviews the information you provide against the data maintained by the Department of Home Affairs. If any discrepancy arises, then you receive the status. These discrepancies may arise from various issues, such as typographical errors or outdated records. 

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What are the common causes for discrepancies? 

There are different reasons that can result in discrepancies in your identity verification. These include:

Misaligned records. 

This happens at the administrative level when errors are made, resulting in inconsistencies between the relevant government databases.

Outdated information 

If you recently changed your personal details, such as surname after marriage, before the application, and these changes have not yet been reflected in the Home Affairs records, then discrepancies are likely to occur. 

Typographical errors 

Sometimes, it could be because of simple mistakes made during the application where you swapped letters or numbers when entering some data. This will lead to verification failures. 

Also Check: What to do if the SASSA R370 Grant Application is Declined

Identity Verification Issues with SASSA Reconsideration: What You Need to Know

If you encounter the identity verification failed status, there are some things you can do to fix it. Firstly, review the submitted application for any errors. Then, visit the nearest Department of Home Affairs to ensure your records are updated. You can then go ahead and reapply or appeal the decision by SASSA. Also, ensure you do the following:

Verify the information you provided 

Start by reviewing all the information and details provided to ensure accuracy. Double-check all the details entered in the application, especially your ID number and bank details. Also, check whether your names are spelled correctly and no numbers are transposed. 

Check for updates at the DHA. 

After that, check for updates at the Department of Home Affairs. It could be that the recent changes you made to your personal information were not recorded or updated in the Department’s records. Check for these updates and carry any necessary supporting documentation with you. 

Use official documents as a reference.

It helps to use only official documents as references when filling out your SASSA application. This will keep you from making mistakes when entering the information. 

Ensure consistency of documents. 

It is essential to ensure that the information on your ID and the details provided to SASSA are consistent across all the forms and records. Any discrepancy could lead to a failed identity verification. 

Verify bank details 

Inaccurate bank details can potentially delay your grant payment. Although it does not directly affect your identity verification, it can cause issues in the verification process. Always ensure you enter the correct account number and bank code registered in your name. 

Be patient 

Applicants are advised to exercise patience during the verification process, as it can be lengthy. While the time taken to resolve the appeal can vary, it can take a few weeks to months for SASSA to process them. Therefore, patience is crucial as you wait for SASSA to process and verify your details.

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What technology does SASSA use for identity verification?  

SASSA employs biometric verification in the form of digital ID document verification, facial recognition and fingerprint scanning to authenticate applicants’ identities. The facial recognition technology compares one’s facial features in the photo submitted during application with those in the ID or photos previously captured and stored in official databases. Digital ID document verification is done by checking the digital information embedded in the ID card against the national database to confirm validity. SASSA also employs fingerprint scanning, although it is not universally used in all applications. It often applies in complex cases where further evidence of identity is required. 

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Conclusion 

Identity verification is a critical process that SASSA takes to prevent fraud. If you receive the identity verification failed status, this article provides clear and practical solutions to address the issue effectively. Ensure you follow all the steps during the appeal to receive the much-needed financial support.