The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) recently introduced a new biometric identity verification system to strengthen the security around social grant payments and mitigate the risk of fraud.
The introduction of this system uses advanced biometric technology to ensure that only authorised individuals can access and modify grant beneficiaries. Sasha believes that this safeguards the agency as well as vulnerable grant beneficiaries.
Who Needs to Perform Biometric Identification?
Sassa says the biometric verification process is currently targeted at specific categories of Social Relief of Distress (SRD) clients, including:
- Clients wishing to modify their mobile numbers: If a client wants to change the mobile number initially provided to SASSA, such modifications will be accepted only after completing biometric verification.
- Clients flagged as potential victims or perpetrators of identity theft: Through SASSA's risk control processes, clients whose records are flagged will be required to undergo biometric identification to confirm the legitimacy of their applications.
How New Sassa SRD Grant Biometric Identification Verification Works
While the exact steps in the Sassa biometric identification process are confidential for safety reasons, Sassa has assured clients that detailed instructions will be provided when using the SRD grant system.
This ensures that grant beneficiaries can follow the necessary steps to complete their biometric verification.
How Does Biometric Identification Reduce Fraud?
Sassa says biometric verification, particularly facial recognition, is crucial in reducing fraud.
They explain by verifying unique biometric traits, the system ensures that only authorised individuals can access and change beneficiary information. This could guard against someone updating a beneficiary’s bank details to redirect their grant payment to a different account.
Biometric verification, especially facial recognition, ensures that only authorised individuals can access client records, reducing identity theft and fraudulent payments.
What Happens If Clients Do Not Complete the Verification?
Sassa says individuals who do not complete the biometric verification process may face suspension of their grant payments.
Payment of grants may be suspended for clients who do not complete the verification.
