The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has apologised to beneficiaries who experienced difficulties accessing its self-service portal for eLife Certification and confirmed the problem has been resolved.
System glitches caused delays and disruptions in the eLife Certification process, which resulted in long queues at SASSA offices. The issues stemmed from interface problems between SASSA’s system and other government departments.
The agency has urged beneficiaries with access to the internet to use the online portal to complete their life certification, avoiding transport costs and queues at local offices.
What is eLife Certification
eLife Certification is a digital platform that allows grant recipients to complete their life certification from home through the SASSA Online Services Portal. The system uses biometric verification through the electronic Know Your Client (eKYC) system.
Life certification is a legal requirement under the Social Assistance Act to confirm that beneficiaries remain alive and eligible for grants. The process prevents payments to deceased or ineligible recipients and ensures public funds reach only those lawfully entitled to them.
Benefits of the online system
The self-service portal offers several advantages. Beneficiaries can certify their status without visiting offices, reducing travel costs and time. The digital platform helps ease congestion at local branches, particularly during busy periods, and enables SASSA to process certifications more efficiently.
Biometric verification and integration with Home Affairs systems improve the accuracy and security of the certification process.
Compliance requirements
Beneficiaries should complete life certification annually through the self-service portal. However, when SASSA specifically identifies a beneficiary for immediate certification, they must comply within the given timeframe, regardless of their grant type or date of birth.
Failure to complete life certification as requested may result in payment delays or grant suspension. SASSA may interpret non-compliance as an indication that the beneficiary is deceased or ineligible.
Reporting fraud
SASSA has encouraged South Africans to report suspected grant fraud anonymously by contacting the SASSA Call Centre on 0800 60 10 11 or emailing Grantenquiries@sassa.gov.za.
For more information on eLife Certification and accessing the self-service portal, beneficiaries can visit the SASSA Services Portal or contact their nearest SASSA office.
