New eLife certification with SASSA is a top priority for the agency as it ‘goes digital in 2026.’ However, since the announcement that the process must be completed annually, so grants are not suspended, there have been issues …
For example, readers of The South African say the profile picture verification component is not loading. Other warn that eLife certification with SASSA may not work if using multiple devices (cellphones, tablet or laptop). And finally, that the agency’s verification SMS/email/WhatsApp often times out …
ELIFE CERTIFICATION WITH SASSA
With that in mind, let’s run through eLife certification with SASSA step-by-step, so you can get it done right first time. In case you missed it, the process is a legal requirement for the South African Social Security Agency under the Social Assistance Act. It basically confirms that a beneficiary is still alive and eligible to receive their grants.
This can be conveniently done, without visiting a branch office, on SASSA’s relaunched online portal, using the agency’s electronic Know Your Client (eKYC) system and biometric data. The agency promised parliament it could save R3 billion over the next two years, and this prevents payments to non-existent/fraudulent beneficiaries. Here’s how it works …
HOW TO COMPLETE ELIFE CERTIFICATION WITH SASSA
- You will need stable internet connection and a device with a working camera for the biometric verification phase.
- Visit the portal HERE.
- First-time users must set up an account and password with their personal details.
- Log in and select eLife Certification.
- Once logged in, follow the prompts to complete the biometric facial scan.
- This is shared with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to confirm your identity.
- Review your information and click SUBMIT.
WHERE SASSA ELIFE CERTIFICATION GOES WRONG
While the agency says it is convenient, we’ve had plenty of feedback already on where the process often goes wrong. Most commonly, poor SASSA beneficiaries living in remote rural areas don’t always have a stable data/internet connection. Therefore, any step in the above process can be held up without sufficient connectivity.
Next, the eLife certification with SASSA assumes every beneficiary will have a smartphone with a high-res digital camera. Unfortunately, this is often not the case. And recipients are held up at the digital-recognition phase. Also, we’ve heard reports that the interface with the DHA can fail, too, often because the DHA doesn’t have a digital photo on file.
WHO MUST COMPLETE ELIFE CERTIFICATION WITH SASSA?
As before, SASSA is encouraging all beneficiaries to complete certification annually. However, it is more urgent if the agency contacts you for immediate certification. If you receive one of these messages, you must comply within the stipulated timeframe regardless of your grant type or age.
SASSA warns that failure to complete certification may result in a delay and eventual suspension of your grant. This is because the system will interpret your account as being of a deceased person and, therefore, not legitimate. If you’re struggling with the portal, you can contact SASSA like so:
- Get grant support via email: grantenquiries@sassa.gov.za
- SASSA toll-free call centre: 0800 60 10 11
But what do you think? Have you been contacted by the agency to complete eLife certification with SASSA? And were you able to do so easily via the online portal? Please share your feedback with us in the comments section below …
