The public’s worry over SASSA’s new ID verification method is widespread. The agency has implemented biometric identification techniques to strengthen security, including fingerprint and face recognition. According to agency authorities, this action is intended to prevent fraud and guarantee that social funds are only given to eligible people.
The (SASSA) has implemented a new identification verification procedure to combat fraud. Grant recipients, however, have serious reservations about this new method. Numerous recipients of the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) program have highlighted challenges in obtaining their awards.
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) spokesman, Paseka Letsatsi, clarified that biometric identification was used to lessen fraud, especially with the R370 monthly SRD payment, which has witnessed high fraudulent activity.
What is the SASSA’s New Verification Process?
There are always worries about possible misuse and inconsistencies regarding a large-scale assistance program like SASSA. To tackle these issues and guarantee equitable distribution of funds, SASSA has implemented some improvements to its beneficiary verification procedure.
As a result, for SASSA funding, the organization has implemented a new face recognition identification verification system. This comes after a rise in the number of SRD grant-related fraud cases. This was implemented earlier in the year, requiring recipients who changed their numbers to use biometric ID verification to confirm their identities. Many of the impacted have been unable to access their accounts and grants due to this shift, which has caused great worry among them.
Two SMS alerts from SASSA are required for the new identity verification procedure. This is necessary to finish the face recognition procedure.
The initial message informs the customer that they must engage in face recognition to progress with the chosen service.
A unique link in the second message asks the customer to start the procedure. Note that the link is about to expire in 72 hours. If your link has expired or you did not get SMSs during this process, you can contact SASSA for assistance by contacting their toll-free number, 0800 60 10 11.
Read More: https://srd.sassa.gov.za/
Why is SASSA using Biometric Verification?
The new system is a significant step taken by SASSA to guarantee the security of money. Here are some more justifications for why the agency had to use biometric verification.
- Put an end to fraud: It is more difficult for fraudsters to successfully get past the SASSA awards system when they use a biometric system. By authenticating each individual, SASSA ensures that only the most worthy residents are awarded awards.
- Easy application procedure: The SASSA application process is frequently time-consuming. However, SASSA can process your application and get your money sooner if you show who you are.
- Safeguard beneficiary data: Biometrics is an additional security measure to prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing your data.
- Enhanced efficiency: Implementing biometric verification results in a more efficient service. To provide a more seamless and customized experience, SASSA can rapidly access your verified data by scanning your face.
Who will Need Face Recognition Identification Verification from SASSA?
Facial recognition is one step that SASSA has made to improve its verification procedure. This is to stop the increasing number of grant fraud cases. The following people will need to use face recognition technology to confirm their identity:
- Candidates whose data needs closer examination
- Recipients who use the R350 grant program to create a Postbank account
- People who change their phone numbers
- Applicants who use the cash-send method to request money
- candidates whose applications are still marked as “referred.”
How Will Grant Recipients Be Affected by Biometric Verification?
SASSA is thus implementing biometric verification. However, in your case, as the grant recipient, what does that indeed mean?
Let’s get past the technical jargon and see how this new system will affect your daily activities.
- Fewer Headaches, Greater Income: Although biometrics may appear like an extra step, its purpose is simplifying processes.
Through up-front identification verification, SASSA can:
- Quickly Process Applications: Eliminate the uncertainty of waiting to hear if your grant will be granted. Biometrics can expedite the procedure, allowing you to receive your money more quickly.
- Minimize mistakes: Your information is less likely to be confused with someone else’s when your fingerprints are on file. As a result, there will be fewer payment delays and phone calls to SASSA.
- Guard Your Grant: Biometric verification guarantees that grants are awarded to people who need them, making it more difficult for fraudsters to operate. That means more money is available for the community, including you!
- A Quick Trip to SASSA: You won’t have to become a fingerprint expert, so don’t worry.
Usually, all you have to do is go to an SASSA office and get your fingerprints scanned. It usually takes a few minutes and is a painless procedure.
- Who and When Must Verify: Currently, some circumstances call for biometric verification:
- Referred Applications: To proceed, you must finish this step if your application status is “Referred.”
- Updates on Mobile Numbers: Modifying your contact details? Biometrics will verify that you are the one submitting the request.
- Future Modifications: SASSA may increase the usage of biometrics. For updates, please pay attention to their announcements.
- Better Service and Peace of Mind: Ultimately, biometric verification is all about enhancing your SASSA experience:
- More Secure: You may feel more at ease knowing your information is appropriately safeguarded.
- More Effective: You’ll have more time to concentrate on your life if you spend less time on paperwork and delays.
- More Transparent: System trust is increased by knowing that SASSA is making a significant effort to fight fraud.
How Can I Fix the SRD SASSA Identity Verification Failed Situation?
You must submit an appeal for your application to be reconsidered to resolve this. But this time, it’s imperative that you enter the correct information. To accomplish this:
- Go to https://srd.sassa.gov.za/ to view their website.
- Please enter your phone number and ID again.
- Check the OTP.
- Send in all the information again.
- Choose the month for which you are applying. From the drop-down box, choose the justification for your appeal.
- Select “Submit”