What does Awaiting Identity Verification mean on SASSA SRD R370?

It usually means you still need to complete the identity verification step (eKYC) so SASSA can confirm your identity before further SRD processing can continue.

When can Awaiting Identity Verification be triggered?

It can be triggered during identity-related or security-sensitive steps, including some banking/profile updates or phone number recovery/change situations where OTP access to the old number is lost.

Should I appeal while my status says Awaiting Identity Verification?

Usually no. Complete identity verification first and re-check your status. Appeals generally apply after a final decline outcome.

Awaiting Identity Verification on SASSA SRD R370

Q: Can SRD checks continue while the status says Awaiting Identity Verification?

Often no. Further SRD checks may be delayed or paused until identity verification is completed.

If your SASSA status check / SRD status check shows “Awaiting Identity Verification”, it usually means you still need to complete the identity verification step (eKYC) so SASSA can confirm that you are the correct applicant. Until that verification is completed, further checks on your SRD R370 profile may not proceed.

Complete Identity Verification (Official eKYC) Check SRD Status (Official Portal) Use Our SASSA Status Check Tool

This is usually an action-required status (you must complete identity verification) — not an approval and not a decline.

Page Contents

Use the Correct Identity Verification Page

These identity-related statuses are connected but different. Use the page that matches your exact portal wording.

Awaiting Identity Verification

You usually still need to complete the identity verification step (eKYC) before SASSA can continue processing your SRD profile.

You are here.

Identity Verification Failed

The verification attempt did not succeed. This is different from “Awaiting Identity Verification”.

Open: Identity Verification Failed

Identity Verification Fixed

The identity issue was resolved and SASSA can continue with other SRD checks.

Open: SRD Identity Verification Fixed

What “Awaiting Identity Verification” Actually Means

Awaiting Identity Verification usually means SASSA is waiting for you to complete identity verification so the system can confirm your identity. It is not simply a background check happening on its own.

In practice, this status often appears when a verification step is triggered after changes or security-sensitive requests (for example, certain banking detail updates or phone number change issues where you cannot receive the OTP on the old SIM/number).

What this status means (and what it does not mean)

It means: your identity verification step still needs to be completed (or re-completed).
It means: SASSA may pause further SRD processing checks until identity verification is completed.
It does not mean: approved.
It does not mean: declined.
It does not mean: you should immediately appeal.
Correct next step: complete the official identity verification process, then monitor your status.

Common Reasons This Status Gets Triggered

Banking details update / sensitive profile change

SASSA may require identity verification again before continuing with profile processing after certain updates.

Phone number change problem (no access to old SIM)

If you cannot receive the OTP on the old registered number, identity verification may be required to confirm you are the legitimate applicant.

Open: Change SRD Phone Number Guide

Identity verification step not completed

You started the process but did not complete the required steps (OTP / verification prompts / facial scan where applicable).

What You Should Do Now (Correct Next Step)

Open step-by-step actions

Confirm the exact wording on the official SRD portal is “Awaiting Identity Verification”.
Complete the official identity verification process using the SASSA SRD eKYC link: srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/ekyc
Use your correct South African ID number and the registered SRD mobile number.
If you cannot receive OTPs because the old number/SIM is lost or inactive, first use the proper phone-number recovery/update path: Change SRD Phone Number.
After completing verification, re-check your SRD status and wait for the next status update.

The status may remain unchanged immediately after completion. Give the system time to update.

How Long It Can Take After You Complete Identity Verification

There is no fixed timeframe. The important point is that the status may remain “Awaiting Identity Verification” until you complete the required step. After completion, portal updates can still take time.

What to expect after completing verification

What Happens Next After This Status Changes

Once identity verification is completed and processed, your status may move to a different outcome.

Open next possible outcomes

If it changes to Identity Verification Failed: use Identity Verification Failed.
If the identity issue is resolved / fixed: use SRD Identity Verification Fixed.
If it changes to Approved: follow your payment status and payment method steps.
If it changes to Declined for another reason: use the Declined Reasons Hub.

Should You Appeal While It Still Says “Awaiting Identity Verification”?

Usually no — complete identity verification first. “Awaiting Identity Verification” is generally not a final decline reason. It usually means the system still needs you to finish the identity verification step before SRD processing can continue.

Appeals are generally for a final decline outcome. First complete identity verification, then re-check your status.

Scam Warning

Nobody can “complete” or “speed up” SASSA identity verification for a fee. Do not pay third parties claiming they can bypass eKYC, fix OTP issues unofficially, or push your SRD approval. Only use official SASSA SRD portals for verification and status checks.

FAQs – Awaiting Identity Verification (SASSA)

Is “Awaiting Identity Verification” a decline?

No. It is usually an action-required identity verification status, not a final approval or decline.

Does this mean SASSA is busy verifying me already?

Usually the key issue is that you still need to complete the identity verification step so SASSA can continue processing your SRD profile.

Can SRD checks continue while it still says “Awaiting Identity Verification”?

Often no. Further checks may be delayed or paused until identity verification is completed.

When does this status usually appear?

It can appear after identity-related triggers, including certain banking/profile updates or phone number recovery/change situations where you no longer have the old SIM/OTP access.

Should I appeal while waiting?

Usually no. Complete identity verification first, then re-check your status. Appeals generally apply after a final decline outcome.

What should I do if the status later changes to Identity Verification Failed?

Use the correct page for that status: Identity Verification Failed.

What should I do if my identity verification becomes fixed?

Use SRD Identity Verification Fixed to follow the next steps and monitor your SRD outcome.

Official References

Disclaimer

This page provides independent guidance and is not affiliated with SASSA or the South African government. SASSA makes all final decisions regarding SRD R370 applications, identity verification, appeals, and payments. Always complete verification and confirm your status using official SASSA SRD portals.

Awaiting Identity Verification SASSA SRD R370 – Meaning & What to Do