Biometric Face Scan – In a major move aimed at enhancing security and eliminating fraud, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has announced that from July 25, 2025, all grant beneficiaries must undergo mandatory biometric face scans to continue receiving payments. This latest update will affect millions of citizens relying on SASSA grants like the R350 SRD Grant, Disability Grant, Old Age Pension, and Child Support Grant. The new system requires beneficiaries to upload a live photo through a secure app or at designated verification centers. Without successful facial verification, grant payments will be frozen or withheld starting from July 26. This move comes in response to increasing concerns about identity theft, fake accounts, and fraudulently claimed grants across the country. According to SASSA, this biometric update will ensure that only legitimate recipients receive payments. However, the announcement has triggered panic among many rural and elderly citizens who fear they may lose access to their grants due to a lack of smartphones or digital literacy. SASSA has assured support mechanisms, including in-person centers and help desks, to ease the transition. The deadline and implementation timeline are tight, making it essential for all beneficiaries to understand the process, the risks of non-compliance, and where to get help. Here’s a detailed breakdown of everything you need to know.
What Is the New SASSA Biometric Face Scan Rule?
Starting July 25, all SASSA beneficiaries must verify their identity using a facial scan system. This rule applies across all provinces and to every grant type.
- Implementation Date: July 25, 2025
- Grants Affected: SRD R350, Disability Grant, Child Grant, Old Age Pension, Foster Child Grant
- Verification Mode: Live facial scan via mobile or SASSA office
- Purpose: Eliminate identity fraud and duplicate accounts
- Photo Upload: Required once, but subject to renewal checks
- Device Requirement: Smartphone with camera OR visit to a nearby help center
- Grace Period: None; grant will be paused immediately after July 25 if not verified
Why Is SASSA Introducing Biometric Face Scan?
SASSA aims to eliminate fraudulent claims and streamline the distribution process with this new step. Facial scans are considered more secure and harder to fake than traditional IDs or documents.
- Over 350,000 fake claims discovered in early 2025
- Rise in stolen identity reports from rural areas
- Duplicate grant accounts traced to single households
- Reduces manual paperwork and delays
- Facial scan is linked directly to Home Affairs database
- Part of broader digitization plan for SASSA
- Ensures only the rightful beneficiary receives the grant
How to Complete the SASSA Biometric Face Scan Verification
Beneficiaries will be able to complete this process either through their smartphone or by visiting official centers.
- Download the SASSA Facial Scan App from official website
- Log in with ID number and OTP
- Use front-facing camera to scan face
- Ensure proper lighting and neutral background
- System will auto-match photo with Home Affairs database
- Receive confirmation message if successful
- Visit nearest Post Office or SASSA office for help if needed
Biometric Face Scan – Step-by-Step Guide for Those Without Smartphones
SASSA has set up help booths and offices for beneficiaries who cannot access smartphones or stable internet.
- Visit nearest SASSA regional office or help center
- Carry your original ID and SASSA card
- Officers will assist in scanning your live face
- Take a seat in front of the biometric device
- Face scan will be taken and uploaded instantly
- Receive printed acknowledgment slip
- Grant will be marked as verified within 24 hours
Who Will Be Most Affected by This Rule?
Certain groups of beneficiaries will face higher difficulty adapting to this change.
- Elderly citizens without smartphones
- Disabled grant holders unable to travel
- Rural residents with poor network access
- Illiterate or tech-unaware applicants
- Proxy applicants previously collecting on others’ behalf
- People using outdated bank or contact details
- Foreign nationals relying on caregiver grants
What Happens If You Don’t Upload the Live Photo?
Failing to comply with this new rule will result in an automatic freeze of your grant.
- Grant will be paused from July 26, 2025
- No arrears will be paid retroactively
- Re-verification may take 30-45 working days
- Account flagged as suspicious in SASSA system
- Mobile numbers and bank accounts linked to unverified IDs may be blacklisted
- Full reapplication may be needed in some cases
Key Dates, Deadlines, and Verification Centers
Here is a table showing all important timelines and where to get verified.
| Action Required | Deadline/Date | Location/Platform | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last day to verify | July 24, 2025 | App or SASSA office | All grants affected |
| App launch date | July 5, 2025 | SASSA.gov.za | Available on Android and iOS |
| Help centers operational | July 10 – Aug 15 | All provinces | For offline assistance |
| Live photo re-check schedule | Every 6 months | App or center | Random re-verification |
| WhatsApp Support | From July 7, 2025 | SASSA verified line | For location & help |
| Biometric data storage | Lifelong | Linked to Home Affairs database | Protected under POPI Act |
| Offline SMS Alerts | July 8–July 25 | All registered beneficiaries | Will receive daily reminders |
| Re-verification penalty | Post July 25, 2025 | Not specified | Payment delay or suspension |
With this new rule set to take effect, all SASSA beneficiaries are urged to act fast and complete the face scan verification before July 25 to avoid losing out on vital financial support. The government assures that this move will create a safer, fairer, and more efficient grant distribution system for millions of South Africans. However, those without digital access must reach help centers in time to prevent disruptions.
FAQs of Biometric Face Scan
Q1: Is this rule mandatory for all beneficiaries?
Yes, every grant type and every beneficiary must complete biometric verification.
Q2: What if I already submitted my ID and fingerprints before?
This new verification is separate and mandatory. Old data is not valid for this check.
Q3: Can someone else do the scan on my behalf?
No. The system uses live facial motion detection. Proxies are not accepted.
Q4: Will I lose my grant permanently if I miss the deadline?
Not permanently, but your grant will be paused and may require full reapplication.
Q5: What if I live in a village with no internet?
You must visit the nearest SASSA help center where offline biometric devices are set up.
Q6: Are children’s grants included in this?
Yes, but only the caregiver will need to complete the face scan.
Q7: Is there a fee for verification?
No, this is a free process. Do not pay anyone to help you with this.
Q8: How long does the process take?
About 2–5 minutes via app, and 10–15 minutes at a center.
Q9: Will I be notified after successful verification?
Yes, SMS confirmation will be sent within 24 hours.
Q10: What if my phone doesn’t support the app?
Visit a verification center to complete the scan offline.