In a bid to protect the integrity of South Africa’s social grant system and combat fraud, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) will be rolling out mandatory biometric verification for certain grant recipients starting 5 May 2025. This new system will require beneficiaries of the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grants to undergo biometric checks, ensuring that only legitimate claimants receive their payments.

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But what exactly does this mean for South African beneficiaries? Here’s what you need to know.

Fraud within the social grant system has been an ongoing concern for SASSA. There have been instances of people using false identities or even claiming benefits under the names of deceased individuals. To address these issues, SASSA has introduced biometric verification to ensure that grants reach those who truly qualify.

The new system will use advanced technology, including fingerprint and facial recognition scans, to match beneficiaries’ identities with the Department of Home Affairs’ records. This process is aimed at making sure that only genuine claimants can access the grants they are entitled to, making the system safer and more secure for everyone involved.

Paseka Letsatsi, SASSA’s spokesperson, explained:

“We are implementing this biometric process to ensure that grants are only given to the rightful beneficiaries, helping us combat fraud and maintain the integrity of the system.”

Who Will Be Affected by the New Biometric Checks?

While this change is significant, not all SASSA beneficiaries will be affected. The biometric checks will primarily target those who are not using the standard 13-digit South African ID number, such as beneficiaries relying on sworn affidavits or Home Affairs ID application receipts.

These individuals’ information is not always available in the Department of Home Affairs’ database, so they will need to go through the biometric verification process to confirm their identity. On the other hand, beneficiaries already using the 13-digit ID number won’t be impacted unless they update their personal details.

SASSA’s new biometric verification system will primarily affect those using affidavits or the Home Affairs ID application receipt, as these records are not fully integrated into the national database.

How Does the Biometric Verification Process Work?

SASSA has made the verification process as simple as possible, ensuring that beneficiaries can complete it without major hassle. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Beneficiaries will receive an SMS with a link directing them to a facial recognition page.
Step 2: They will need to take a clear photo of their face for identity verification.
Step 3: This photo will be compared with the records in the Department of Home Affairs’ database to confirm their identity.

For beneficiaries who don’t have smartphones, particularly the elderly or those living in rural areas, SASSA has introduced a pilot program to assist them. In areas like the Nelson Mandela Bay metro, beneficiaries will be able to visit SASSA offices to verify their identities using webcams. This initiative is crucial in ensuring that no one is excluded from the system due to a lack of access to technology.

Paseka Letsatsi emphasized the importance of the pilot program:

“We recognise the challenges faced by some of our beneficiaries who don’t have access to smartphones. That’s why we’ve started this pilot in specific areas, and we plan to expand it to other regions soon.”

Will the New Verification Process Affect Your Grant Payments?

While biometric verification is designed to improve the system, there could be some delays in grant payments if beneficiaries fail to complete the verification on time. Beneficiaries who miss the deadline or face issues with the verification process may experience delayed or even suspended payments.

There have already been reports of beneficiaries struggling to get their verification links, leading to delays of up to six weeks in receiving their grants. This has raised concerns, especially for those who rely on the funds for basic living expenses.

Elizabeth Raiters, a representative of the #PayTheGrants campaign, shared her frustration with the system:

“We’ve been receiving numerous calls from people who are struggling to access their grants. Some have been waiting for more than six weeks to receive their verification link.”.

How SASSA is Working to Improve the System

SASSA is fully aware of the challenges beneficiaries face with the new system and is actively working to resolve them. The agency is continuing to improve the biometric verification infrastructure, ensuring a smoother process for everyone involved.

For beneficiaries who encounter difficulties or don’t receive their verification link, SASSA advises them to request the link again or try later when the service becomes available. The system is being refined, and SASSA is committed to making sure that all eligible South Africans receive their grants on time.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for SASSA and Its Beneficiaries?

The new biometric verification system is a positive step towards eliminating fraud and ensuring that grants are properly distributed. However, there are still challenges to overcome, particularly for beneficiaries who don’t have access to smartphones or up-to-date identification records.

It’s crucial that beneficiaries comply with the new verification process to avoid delays in receiving their grants. Those who are struggling should reach out to SASSA for assistance or visit their local office for further support.

As SASSA continues to refine the system, we can expect a more efficient and secure grant distribution process. But it’s clear that SASSA must remain responsive to the needs of vulnerable populations to ensure the success of the program.

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