Biometric Verification Required: SASSA Halts Some SRD Grant Payments

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The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has recently rolled out a new identity verification process aimed at preventing fraud, particularly in relation to the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant. However, this change has sparked considerable concern among grant recipients, with many reporting difficulties accessing their funds.

Paseka Letsatsi, the spokesperson for SASSA, explained that the introduction of biometric identification is intended to combat the fraud that has plagued the R370-a-month SRD grant. The agency has been dealing with increasing fraudulent activities related to this grant.

Since the beginning of this year, beneficiaries who change their mobile numbers are required to undergo biometric verification. This requirement has now expanded to include those suspected of identity theft or those who have been victims of it.

“SASSA works with banks and the South African Fraud Prevention Service to identify individuals at risk of identity theft,” Letsatsi said. “Clients who need to verify their identity are guided through an electronic Know Your Client (KYC) process, similar to what banks use.”

Key Issues with the New SASSA Identity Verification System

1. Lack of Notification and Timing

One of the main concerns raised by grant recipients is the lack of prior communication from SASSA about the new verification system. Elizabeth Raiters, Deputy Chairperson of Pay the Grant, highlighted that beneficiaries were not informed in advance, leading to confusion when attempting to check the status of their grants.

Additionally, the timing of the rollout has been problematic. The implementation coincided with the June payment dates, leaving many beneficiaries without enough time to complete the verification process and still receive their payments on time.

2. Biometric Verification Process

The new system requires beneficiaries to complete a biometric verification by receiving a link via SMS from SASSA. However, several challenges have arisen:

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