The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has introduced mandatory biometric registration for all social grant applicants and current beneficiaries. This move forms part of SASSA’s broader efforts to strengthen security, reduce fraud, and ensure that only rightful and living individuals receive social grant payments. The biometric requirement applies to all grant types and affects both new applicants and existing beneficiaries.
What Biometric Registration Means
Biometric registration involves capturing and recording unique physical characteristics that can be used to accurately identify an individual. These include fingerprints and facial images captured through secure digital systems. Once recorded, this biometric data is linked directly to a beneficiary’s grant profile. Unlike traditional identification methods that rely solely on documents, biometric verification provides a more reliable way to confirm identity. It helps prevent duplicate registrations, identity theft, and fraudulent claims by ensuring that each grant is linked to one verified individual.
Why SASSA Introduced the Requirement
SASSA introduced biometric registration to address long-standing challenges within the social grant system, including ghost beneficiaries, multiple claims under one identity, and identity fraud. By using biometric data, SASSA aims to improve record accuracy, safeguard public funds, and enhance trust in the social welfare system. This change reflects SASSA’s commitment to aligning South Africa’s grant administration with modern international verification standards and best practices.
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Who Must Complete Biometric Registration
All new applicants are required to complete biometric registration as part of the grant application process. Existing beneficiaries may also be required to undergo biometric enrolment in certain situations, such as updating personal information, changing payment methods, responding to verification requests, or during routine grant reviews. The requirement applies across all grant categories, including Old Age Grants, Disability Grants, Child Support Grants, Foster Care Grants, and the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant.
How to Complete Biometric Registration
Biometric enrolment must be completed at a SASSA office or an officially designated registration point. During the process, SASSA officials will capture fingerprints and facial photographs using secure equipment. Beneficiaries must bring a valid South African ID and any supporting documents related to their grant. The biometric registration process is free of charge and usually takes only a short time to complete.
Consequences of Not Registering
Failure to complete biometric registration when required may result in delayed payments or temporary suspension of a grant. Beneficiaries are expected to respond promptly to any notices or messages requesting biometric verification. Once the biometric enrolment is completed and the beneficiary’s status is verified, grant payments will be reinstated.
Important Advice for Beneficiaries
Beneficiaries should ensure that their contact details, including mobile numbers and banking information, are always kept up to date so they can receive biometric registration notices from SASSA. SASSA has also warned the public to be cautious of scams. Biometric registration will only be conducted through official SASSA channels, and beneficiaries will never be asked to pay any fees for biometric enrolment.
