Why Is Your SASSA e-KYC Status Pending? Full Guide

If you have applied for the SASSA SRD R370 grant and your status shows e-KYC Pending after checking, it means that your application is not verified yet and is still in process. Let's dig in to find out what this status means, why it happens, and how to fix it.

What Does eKYC Pending Status Mean?

eKYC stands for Electronic Know Your Customer. It is a verification process in which SASSA checks the identity, phone number, and other personal details of the beneficiary with the Department of Home Affairs. This process is essential to make sure that you are the right or needy person for the grant.

If your status is eKYC Pending, it means that SASSA has received your application in simple words, your application is submitted successfully but the department is still verifying your record. Sometimes the system needs some extra verification which can include biometrics, face scans, and more. It can also occur when the online eKYC verification process has not been completed properly by the applicant.

Why Is eKYC Still Pending?

The "still pending" status has several common reasons:

• The applicant has not completed the verification process this happens when the applicant has not visited the link sent by SASSA, or the process has failed.
• In May 2025, the department introduced a biometric process in which applicants are required to do biometric verification to stop fraud. It can be a reason that the applicant has not undergone the process.
• In some cases, the Department of Home Affairs has paused the eKYC system for updates or investigations, or they put the system offline temporarily. This can cause a delay.
• If your South African ID or your phone number is not found in the records of the system, then the application can be put on hold.

How Long Does The eKYC Pending Process Take To Complete?

The verification process normally takes 7 to 21 working days to complete. However, in some cases it can take more than 21 days.

Typical Time Durations

• The standard process takes 7 to 21 working days to complete without any issues.
• It can take up to one month if there are too many applications, or due to technical issues in the SASSA system or at the Department of Home Affairs.
• If the applicant's record is not found in Home Affairs' database or extra verification is needed by the SASSA department, then the process can take up to 1 to 2 months.

📌 Note: SASSA cannot process your application until the eKYC pending status is cleared.

Why Is The eKYC Pending Status Taking Too Much Time?

There are several reasons why your eKYC pending status is taking longer than the standard time period. Some of them are:

• There are a lot of applications in the system at the same time, which makes the verification process slow.
• If your South African ID, permit, name, date of birth, or other details are not found in Home Affairs' record, the system puts your application in manual review which usually takes time.
• Banks can delay the process to verify your details if you recently opened a new bank account or if your account has been inactive for a while.
• There may be a technical issue in the system, or the system is temporarily offline.

How To Fix The eKYC Pending Status?

This status can be fixed by following these simple steps.

1. Check Your eKYC Status Online

1. Go to the official website: srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/ekyc/status.
2. Search for the eKYC Status Check tool.
3. Enter your South African ID and phone number.
4. Click on Request an OTP.
5. Complete the verification if the system asks for it.

2. Visit Your Nearest SASSA Office

If the system is not working or is temporarily offline, then visit a SASSA branch in person.

1. Go to your nearest SASSA office.
2. Bring your South African ID and mobile phone with you.
3. Ask for help with the biometric eKYC verification.

3. Keep Checking Your Status Regularly

You can check your status using any of the following methods:

• Visiting the official SASSA SRD website.
• Using WhatsApp on the official SASSA number.
• By using a USSD code from your phone.
• Calling the official SASSA helpline.
• Using the Moya App.
• Visiting the nearest SASSA office.

Important Security Tips

⚠ Warning: The SASSA department will never ask you for any of the following:

• Your banking PIN
• Your passwords
• Payment to "fix" your status

If anyone asks for these, it is a scam — do not respond and report it immediately.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

In order to complete your verification on time, you should avoid the following mistakes:

• Name spelling mistakes: Make sure to write the correct spelling of your name in the application form. Even a single spelling mistake can cause issues.
• Using a different phone number: The phone number you register with SASSA must be in your name and linked with your ID.
• Incorrect bank details: If you enter someone else's bank details or the wrong account number, this can cause a delay in your verification.
• Unregistered SIM cards: Always ensure that your mobile number is registered. If your phone number is not registered, there might be a problem contacting you for an update.
• Applying multiple times: If you apply multiple times for the grant, there will be confusion when verifying your details with Home Affairs. It can cause real trouble for you.

Keeping your information accurate and following the official process is the fastest way to clear your eKYC Pending status and get your SRD R370 grant approved.