New ID verification process for Sassa grants: Here’s who’s affected

The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) will be implementing new security checks for grant recipients starting next month.

Those using alternate forms of identification to collect their grants will now be forced to undergo biometric enrolment.

Sassa stated on Thursday that the measures were aimed at tightening their systems to ensure the integrity of the grant distribution process.

Biometric enrolments

Biometric enrolment entails the capturing of physical personal information such as fingerprints and facial scans.

However, the new verification process will only be applicable to grant recipients who do not use their ID numbers to collect their payments.

“Beginning on 5 May, all new clients who use alternative forms of identification other than the standard 13-digit South African ID number, as well as existing clients undergoing reviews or changes to their personal information, will be required to undergo compulsory biometric enrolment,” stated Sassa spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi.

Alternative forms of ID accepted by Sassa include sworn affidavits and recipients using Home Affairs ID application receipts.

The biometric enrolment will also be applicable to those applying for and receiving grants on behalf of others.

Existing grant recipients using their standard 13-digit South African ID number will not be affected until they are required to change their details.

“This initiative aims to enhance the security and accuracy of client identification within the agency’s systems,” confirmed Letsatsi.

Cleaning up grant system

Sassa has partnered with the State Information Technology Agency (Sita) to ensure that all offices are able to handle the biometric registrations.

“This will ensure that every Sassa office will have trained officials when the biometric enrolment process commences,” Letsatsi stated.

Sassa has been on a drive to eliminate abuse of the grant systems, including those who use the profiles of the deceased.  

“It is not easy to estimate accurately how many deceased beneficiaries are on the system as it is updated regularly, working with Home Affairs,” Sassa’s Andile Tshona told The Citizen.

“Families have a responsibility too to inform Sassa when someone passes away so that they can be removed from the system,” Tshona added.

NOW READ: Sassa grant: Here are the payment dates for May