Sassa New Biometric Verification Process [Sassa News 2024]

Sassa new Biometric verification process was introduced to tackle the fraud issue but on the other hand, many Sassa beneficiaries fear that they might lose their grants

Please remember that this verification process is only for SRD R370 grant beneficiaries who want to change their banking details or want to update their contact details

The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has implemented a new biometric identification system that uses biological characteristics, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, to verify a person’s identity as many fraud cases are reported.

According To the (Sassa) South African Social Security Agency 

“Grant beneficiaries with old greed ID books have a higher chance of not being successful.

“Grant recipients with the old green ID book have a higher chance of having an unsuccessful verification when doing the facial biometrics. Although it’s not essential to have a smart ID”.

Furthermore, SASSA Said:

“We guarantee our customers that the organization is dedicated to their security, and this procedure won’t affect any other customer who isn’t included in the aforementioned categories,” SASSA stated.

If this biometric test is unsuccessful, they will need to obtain a new ID with enhanced biometric capabilities, according to SASSA spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi.

According to SASSA, the following would be required in order to finish the verification process:

  • a computer or smartphone with an excellent camera.
  • a dependable internet connection via mobile data or WiFi. 
  • a well-lit setting in which they are the only subject of the image. 
  • Interestingly, COVID-19 SRD applications can only be completed online. This is a one-time action to unblock an account or make a high-risk modification to a client’s profile, much like the application procedure. 

Note: The biometric verification is mandatory for certain clients and may result in grant suspension if not completed. SASSA assures that the process will not affect clients outside the specified categories. For more information, clients can contact SASSA’s customer care at 0800 60 10 11.

Why “Sassa New Biometric Verification” Is Proving Difficult For Green ID Books Holders?

Due to the introduction of a new Biometric verification process intended to combat fraud, thousands of people have had difficulties in accessing their Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant over the last two weeks.

Grant beneficiaries using the outdated green ID book “have a higher chance of unsuccessful verification when doing the facial biometrics,” the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) informed GroundUp on Wednesday, “although it’s not essential to have a smart ID.” This is a result of the Green Book’s lower-quality photographs.

Multiple Social & Advocacy Social Groups Have Raised Voice

#PayTheGrants These social groups have voiced over Sassa’s introduction of these new security procedures, which were implemented without giving beneficiaries any advance notice and resulted in the sudden stoppage of grant payments.


They claim that this requirement creates an extra barrier to access for individuals in need and is not reflected in official government policy. They go on to say that while they wait for their IDs from Home Affairs, needy grant applicants might not receive essential aid. 

Final Thoughts

Sassa is trying its best to secure the money for the persons who need it and to prevent fraud, but these sudden actions are causing Millions of beneficiaries difficulty. 

So, if you do not complete the verification process your SRD R350 grant might be frozen when changing your Sassa banking details to fix your Sassa Status Check Results. This step is necessary to ensure your identity is secure and to prevent fraud. 

This is a one-time action to unlock an account or make a “high-risk” modification to a client’s profile, much like the application procedure.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *