South African citizens applying for social grants will soon face a major change. Starting in July 2025, the government will roll out a new biometric verification system as part of the grant application process. The Department of Social Development (DSD) and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) confirmed this update, stating that the move aims to improve security and reduce fraudulent claims.
The change is set to impact new applicants and those undergoing reapplication or status reviews. While the announcement has sparked a mix of concern and curiosity among grant recipients, officials assure the public that the process will be straightforward and designed with user support in mind.
Why Biometric Verification?
According to SASSA, the introduction of biometric verification is intended to tighten the screening process and ensure that only eligible individuals receive benefits. In recent years, the agency has faced growing pressure to tackle identity fraud and duplicate claims, which have reportedly cost the system millions of rands.
Biometric data, such as fingerprints or facial scans, is seen as a more secure way to confirm an applicant’s identity than traditional documents, which can be forged or manipulated.
“With this technology, we can confidently link a grant to the right individual,” said a SASSA spokesperson. “It also ensures that no one else can claim under someone else’s name or ID number.”
How It Will Work
Beginning in July, applicants visiting local SASSA offices or mobile units will be asked to undergo a biometric scan. This may include fingerprint scanning or facial recognition, depending on the equipment available at each center.
The biometric system will be integrated with the Department of Home Affairs database to cross-verify identity details in real-time. This is expected to speed up the verification process and reduce the backlog of applications.
Applicants are encouraged to carry their ID documents as usual. However, the biometric data will now be a required part of the submission process.
What This Means for Grant Applicants
The new system will initially apply to all new applications, particularly for the Child Support Grant, Older Person’s Grant, and the Disability Grant. Those already receiving grants won’t need to reverify their identity unless they are flagged for review or need to update personal details.
Officials have emphasized that no one will be denied a grant solely because of difficulties with the new technology. For those with fingerprint issues due to manual labor or age-related wear, alternative verification methods will be offered.
Community support teams and mobile help units will also be deployed to rural areas to assist applicants who may not have easy access to SASSA branches.
Concerns and Responses
Some civil society groups have raised concerns about potential data privacy issues and whether SASSA is equipped to handle the transition smoothly. Questions about how securely the biometric data will be stored and whether applicants can trust the system have also come up.
In response, the DSD stated that all biometric data will be encrypted and stored in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). Independent audits and cybersecurity measures will be put in place to ensure data safety.
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Looking Ahead
This biometric rollout is part of a broader digital transformation strategy within South Africa’s social welfare system. While changes like these may initially raise eyebrows, officials hope they will lead to faster, fairer, and more secure service delivery.
As July approaches, SASSA plans to launch awareness campaigns across radio, television, and community outreach to educate citizens about what to expect. Training is also being provided to staff to manage the new tools effectively.
South Africans who rely on grants are encouraged to stay informed, visit local offices with questions, and prepare for the shift as early as possible.
