Biometric verification to secure grants

The Beneficiary Biometric Enrolment (BBE) programme, introduced by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), aims to prevent fraud and ensure that payments are made to the correct beneficiaries.

According to a recent statement released by SASSA, the BBE is designed to confirm the identity of beneficiaries through their unique biological traits, including fingerprints or facial recognition. This is part of efforts to improve security measures.

“The new era is expected to revolutionise the administration of social grants, and the biometric enrolment is set to be a precursor to detect and nip in the bud any potentially fraudulent activities in SASSA’s grant system,” said the agency in a statement.

The BBE was officially introduced at the beginning of September and is currently being rolled out across the country.

According to the agency’s latest social media posts, the new technology compares beneficiaries’ unique traits to those captured by the Department of Home Affairs when they applied for an identity document.

SASSA also said it has set up the necessary infrastructure and tools at all its offices nationwide to support the rollout.

SASSA has reassured its customers on the following elements:

Who needs to enrol in the BBE?

Biometric verification is mandatory only for new grant applicants or beneficiaries updating personal details. Existing beneficiaries do not need to enrol immediately.

What is the purpose of biometrics?

The system aims to prevent fraud, ensure proof of life, and secure grant payments, not block access to grants.

How will the BBE be rolled out?

SASSA will gradually collect biometrics, with no sudden mass enrolment. Beneficiaries can continue receiving grants as usual.

Benefits of the biometric system

SASSA noted that the new enrolment system will bring several benefits, including:

• A significant reduction in fraudulent applications and duplicate payments,

• Reliable verification of beneficiaries’ authenticity and proof of life,

• Fewer inclusion errors,

• Streamlined documentation processes, and

• Stronger audit outcomes and improved record integrity.

For enquiries, beneficiaries can visit www.sassa.gov.za or call the toll-free number 0800 60 10