New Biometric Testing For Sassa Beneficiaries Without Ids

SASSA is introducing mandatory biometrics for social grant beneficaries without an ID or a passport from next month to enhance the security and accuracy of client identification.

By Marecia Damons

As of 5 May, all social grant beneficiaries using alternative forms of identification other than the standard 13-digit South African ID number will undergo compulsory biometric testing. This was announced by the South African Social Security Agency SASSA on Thursday.

SASSA said this initiative aims to enhance the security and accuracy of client identification, and to improve the integrity and efficiency of its systems. The agency currently pays social grants to approximately 28-million people each month.

Currently, people who don't have an identity number can still apply for a social grant using a quad 7 number. This is a temporary reference number issued by the Department of Home Affairs when an individual doesn't have a valid ID or passport.