If your SASSA SRD status says "Biometric Pending", you need to do a face scan on your phone. This is called eLife Certification. It matches your face to your Home Affairs record, to prove you are alive and to stop fraud.
Step 1: Get your link
SASSA sends an SMS to your registered cellphone with a special link. Click it as soon as you get it — it expires after a few days.
Step 2: Prepare your space
- Clean your phone's selfie camera lens. A dirty lens causes blur errors.
- Go to a quiet spot with natural, indirect sunlight — not a dark room and not direct bright light.
- Stand in front of a plain, light-coloured wall.
Step 3: Follow the on-screen steps
Look straight at the screen. The system may ask you to blink twice, or move your head slowly from left to right, to prove you are a real person.
Step 4: Wait for approval
You will see a "Verification Complete" message. Your status changes from "Biometric Pending" to "Pending Approval" within 24 to 48 hours.
Why was I asked to do this?
- You recently changed your cellphone number.
- You recently changed your bank details.
- More than one grant application is linked to your bank account.
- Your ID was flagged for an extra check.
The face scan is 100% free. SASSA will never ask you to pay money or give your bank card PIN to do this scan.