SASSA Halts SRD Grant Payments – Biometric Verification Now Mandatory
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has recently introduced a new identity verification process to curb fraud. However, this new system has sparked significant concerns among grant recipients. Hundreds of beneficiaries of the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant have reported difficulties accessing their grants. Learn more about the changes and their implications below.
Major Issues with the Newly Introduced SASSA Identity Verification
Lack of Notification and Timing
One of the primary concerns is the lack of prior notification to beneficiaries about the new ID verification process. Elizabeth Raiters, Deputy Chairperson of Pay the Grant, pointed out that SASSA did not inform recipients beforehand, leading to confusion and frustration when they attempted to check their grant status. The timing of this implementation has also been problematic, coinciding with the pay dates for June, leaving many beneficiaries without time to complete the necessary verification and still receive their grants on time.
SASSA’s New Biometric Verification Process
The new system requires beneficiaries to undergo biometric verification, which involves receiving a link via SMS from SASSA to complete the process. However, this has presented several challenges:
Access to Technology
Many beneficiaries cannot access smartphones or cameras required to complete the biometric verification. Read more
ID Document Requirements
Those with older green ID books are particularly affected, as their grants remain suspended until they apply for the newer smart card IDs. The cost and logistics of obtaining these smart IDs add to the beneficiaries’ burden. Learn more
Widespread Impact
Elizabeth Raiters revealed that this sudden change has impacted thousands of beneficiaries. Many of those flagged by the new system already had their identities verified through bank accounts linked to the Department of Home Affairs. This double verification seems redundant and has left numerous individuals without their expected financial support. Discover more
Lack of Grace Period by SASSA
Despite efforts to communicate with SASSA, there has been no provision for a grace period to allow beneficiaries to complete the biometric verification without losing their grants for June. This lack of consideration has heightened the financial strain on many individuals who rely on these grants for their basic needs.
Implications for Beneficiaries
The immediate impact of the new verification process is severe. Beneficiaries who depend on these grants for their livelihood are now at risk of going hungry. The financial struggle is particularly acute for those with green ID books, who will not receive their grants until they can afford to obtain the smart IDs. This situation highlights the broader issue of systemic inefficiencies and the need for more thoughtful implementation of such processes. Check steps for job hunting using SASSA
Appeal to SASSA
Elizabeth Raiters and other advocates urge SASSA to reinstate the grants for affected beneficiaries and provide a reasonable timeframe for the biometric verification process. The appeal emphasizes the necessity of considering the beneficiaries’ circumstances and the unintended consequences of the abrupt system change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the new biometric verification process introduced by SASSA?
The new biometric verification process involves beneficiaries receiving a link via SMS to complete their identification using biometric data such as fingerprints or facial recognition.
2. Why did SASSA introduce this new verification process?
SASSA introduced this process to reduce fraudulent activities, particularly with the SRD grant.
3. How has the new verification process affected grant recipients?
Many beneficiaries have faced difficulties accessing their grants due to lack of notification, technological barriers, and the requirement to upgrade from older ID documents to newer smart card IDs.
4. What are the immediate impacts of the new verification process on beneficiaries?
The immediate impacts include financial strain, inability to access grants, and potential hunger for those dependent on the grants.
5. What steps can affected beneficiaries take to complete the biometric verification?
Beneficiaries need to follow the instructions sent via SMS by SASSA and may need to upgrade their ID documents to smart card IDs if they currently use older green ID books.
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