With the aim of addressing security and fraud-related issues, biometric verification has now become compulsory for beneficiaries to verify themselves for grant payments commencing September of 2025 under contracts of the Social Security Agency (SASSA). The new regulations apply to payments under the Older Persons Grant (R2,315), Child Support Grant (R560), and Disability Grant (R1,250). Beneficiaries need to know the following to avoid disruptions to their payments.
Why is Biometric Verification Necessary?
SASSA’s recent implementation of biometric verification centers on reinforcing grant distribution integrity. By the use of biological specifics with fingerprints and facial recognition, the agency seeks to prevent identity theft and ensure that funds are properly disbursed to the rightful recipients. This is after nearly R140 million was reported lost to fraudulent claims, such as payments made to the persons of a deceased beneficiary, during 2024. A biometric system is relatively more secure and efficient than reliance on the traditional 13-digit South African ID verification.
Who Must Comply?
SASSA biometric data collection is compulsory for all beneficiaries of grants: Any Social Security Grant application in South Africa. New applications, change of mode of payment-election, or identity verification, biometric data capture must take place. The payable grant amounts are:
• Old Age Grant : R2,315. • Child Support Grant : R560 • Disability Grant : R1,250
Other grants at varying amounts include Foster Child, Care Dependency, or SRD R370. Should there be any failure to effect this registration, the payment may be delayed or even suspended; hence registration should be attended to as soon as possible.
Registration for Biometric Verification
Beneficiaries must go to the nearest SASSA office or mobile service point to complete the enrolment procedure, which is very simple. Make an Appointment. SASSA is contacted for booking an appointment.
• Bring Valid ID: Carry along your green ID book, a smart ID card, or any supporting document such as a birth certificate.
• Biometric Capture: With SASSA’s movement, fingerprints will be captured while facial and/or voice data will also be recorded if required.
• Verification and Updating: These pieces of information will be cross-verified with those of Home Affairs, following which your grant profile will be duly updated.SASSA plans to expand the mobile service system to increase accessibility to people living especially in rural locations.
Advantages offered by Biometric Systems
There are numerous advantages to a biometric system:
• Security Enhancement: It frauds due to unique physical verification.
• Efficiency: It reduces the time for processing application payment.
• Accessibility: Would help refugees or persons with expired documents who otherwise is without a standard ID.
• Fraud: Collusion and fraud complaints may also be detected.These types of improvements would allow for smoother fund disbursement and instill confidence in the current grant system.
Key Dates and Compliance
Since 5 May 2025, biometric verification has been considered mandatory for payment applications for both applicants new to the grant and those updating their payment details. Postbank intimated that with effect from 3 September 2025, biometric verification will be enforced for payment processing; thus, before this date, all beneficiaries must complete registration to forestall interference from their payments. SASSA further says that the earlier the enrollment, the better, since late enrollment might cause delays.
Non-compliances?
If an applicant or grant beneficiary refuses to have his/her biometric data registered, payments to him/her may be suspended until such a time when this has been processed or the application is in fact rejected against his/her will.Considering that this grant is helping a beneficiary for the sake of his livelihood, as a first option, he/she should try to comply to be able to receive the money in due time. Beneficiaries may phone SASSA at 0800 60 10 11 or email grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za.
also read : Will 2025 See Tax-Free Grants for SASSA Beneficiaries as Pressure Mounts on Authorities?