The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has announced that from 07 June 2025, all new applicants for the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant, now valued at R370, will be required to undergo biometric verification as part of the application process.
The measure aims to curb fraudulent claims and ensure that the right beneficiaries receive the grant. According to SASSA, the new system will improve the integrity of the application process and make it more secure and reliable.
“SASSA, in its effort to reduce fraud on the system, has made biometric verification mandatory for all applicants,” reads the official statement.
Smart ID Card Now Essential
Applicants are urged to have their smart ID card ready when applying, as the biometric verification process includes facial recognition and identity validation. This enhanced verification method will apply only to new applicants at this stage.
Where and How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via the official SASSA SRD website:
👉 www.srd.sassa.gov.za
For assistance, SASSA provides support through:
- Toll-free line: 0800 60 10 11
- Email: GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za
- WhatsApp: 082 046 8553
The agency has reassured applicants that the grant process remains free of charge, and no payment is required at any stage.
Background
The COVID-19 SRD Grant was introduced during the pandemic to provide temporary financial relief to unemployed South Africans and those in vulnerable households. While initially set at R350, the grant was recently increased to R370 as part of ongoing social protection efforts.
