The plan: fraud crackdown, tighter controls
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) will roll out compulsory biometric enrolment for all social grant beneficiaries from September 1 (2025), a move officials say will “revolutionise” grant administration by rooting out fraud and ensuring beneficiaries are verifiably authentic.
Until now, biometric enrolment only applied to the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant and beneficiaries undergoing reviews. From September, however, it will cover all new applications, changes to personal details, and ongoing reviews across SASSA’s 8 grants, including older persons, child support, and disability grants.
“This is a strategic move to ensure every grant recipient is verifiably authentic and that SASSA’s systems are resilient against manipulation and error, especially in cases involving forged green ID books frontline staff cannot reliably detect,” the agency said.
Confirmed September payment dates remain unchanged, but non-compliance with biometrics will push applications into review cycles, potentially delaying payouts.
What biometric enrolment means for beneficiaries
SASSA spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi confirmed:
“All grant applications captured and approved from 1 September will include biometric fingerprint enrolment or facial recognition through electronic Know Your Client (eKYC). SASSA is ramping up its efforts to improve its systems, detect and effectively root out any fraudulent elements in the social grant administration.”
The new system is designed to:
- Reduce fraudulent and duplicate applications.
- Provide reliable proof of life and beneficiary authenticity.
- Streamline documentation processes.
- Improve audit outcomes and public trust.
Applications without biometric data will not proceed. Instead, they will be flagged and beneficiaries notified to complete biometrics before approval.
Why now?
SASSA CEO Themba Matlou admitted the roll-out had been delayed after “snags” in 2024/25 but said the agency is now ready after resolving labour-related concerns.
“Our plans were to commence with biometric enrolment at the beginning of the 2025/2026 financial year; however, we hit a snag, but we have ironed out the issues that delayed our plans and it is all systems go for the implementation,” Matlou said.
Already, SASSA has flagged over 210,000 beneficiaries for undisclosed income and double-dipping, forcing many into in-person reviews. Officials argue that compulsory biometrics will prevent legitimate beneficiaries from being unfairly caught in red tape.
The agency also recently introduced stricter ID and contact number verification rules, following earlier updates to ID requirements. Together, these measures form part of what officials call “a new age” of grant administration.
Privacy and data
The collection of biometric data — fingerprints and facial scans — has raised concerns among advocacy groups. According to SASSA, biometric information will be collected strictly in line with its privacy policy and the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), and is only used for grant administration.
Letsatsi stressed: “The agency will not hesitate to act against any of its officials should they be suspected of working with anyone to defraud its systems.”
What comes next
Frontline staff across the country have undergone training throughout August to prepare for the September launch. SASSA insists the shift will bring “faster processes and stronger protections” for South Africa’s most vulnerable citizens.
Beneficiaries with questions can contact the agency via www.sassa.gov.za, call 0800 60 1011, or use the dedicated WhatsApp line.
What you need to know: SASSA’s new biometric rule
Who is affected?
- All beneficiaries — from older persons and parents receiving child support to SRD R370 applicants.
When does it start?
- 1 September 2025. Any new application or update to personal details must include biometrics.
What counts as biometrics?
- Fingerprints or a facial scan, captured via SASSA’s electronic Know Your Client (eKYC) system.
Can I do it online?
- No. For now, biometric enrolment must be done in-person at a SASSA office.
What happens if I don’t comply?
- Applications without biometrics will be moved into a review cycle, delaying approval and payment.
Does this apply to existing beneficiaries?
- Yes. Those under grant reviews or changing personal details will need to enrol.
Why is SASSA doing this?
- To reduce fraud, prevent duplicate payments, and ensure only authentic recipients are paid.
- Officials say it will speed up processes and strengthen public trust.
What data does SASSA collect?
- Your biometrics (fingerprint/facial scan) linked to your ID number and personal details.
- See SASSA’s full privacy policy here.
Will this delay my September payment?
- Payment dates remain unchanged.
- Only beneficiaries flagged for review who don’t complete biometrics risk delays.
