Biometric ID Cards – Starting September 2025, the South African government is rolling out biometric ID cards for all social grant beneficiaries, including those receiving the SRD, Disability, Old-Age, and Child Support grants. This game-changing move is designed to combat rising cases of identity theft and fraudulent claims, which have plagued the SASSA system for years. With billions of rands in social grants disbursed every month, ensuring that the rightful recipients get their funds is now a top national priority. The biometric ID system—based on fingerprint, facial, and iris recognition—will replace traditional plastic SASSA cards and manual ID verification. Officials have confirmed that the rollout will start in phases across provinces, beginning with high-risk areas that have experienced large-scale fraud in recent years. SASSA, in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs and National Treasury, aims to complete the nationwide rollout by March 2026. Beneficiaries will be required to visit designated biometric registration centers with their original ID, proof of address, and grant documents. Once enrolled, they’ll receive the new card embedded with their unique biometric profile, which will be used for all future grant withdrawals and verifications. While the new system promises a safer and smarter way to manage grant disbursements, many are still unaware of how the process works, what documents are needed, and what deadlines they must meet. This article provides a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about the September 2025 biometric ID rollout—who it affects, what benefits it brings, where and how to register, and what happens if you miss the deadlines.
Why Biometric ID Cards Are Being Introduced
The government is launching this new system to stop fraud and ensure transparency in grant distribution. Here’s why the move is necessary:
- Over R21 billion lost to fraudulent claims in the past 5 years
- Fake identities and duplicate grant withdrawals on the rise
- Increased cyber attacks on digital payment systems
- Biometric authentication is faster and more secure
- Prevents grant collection by unauthorized individuals
- Ensures rightful beneficiaries are protected
- Reduces long-term cost of fraud investigations
Who Needs to Register and What Grants Are Affected
Every SASSA beneficiary must register for the new biometric ID to continue receiving payments. This includes:
| Grant Type | Beneficiary Count (Approx.) | Affected? | Registration Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SRD R370 Grant | 8.9 million | Yes | Yes |
| Old-Age Pension | 4.1 million | Yes | Yes |
| Disability Grant | 1.5 million | Yes | Yes |
| Child Support Grant | 13.2 million | Yes | Yes |
| Foster Child Grant | 300,000 | Yes | Yes |
| War Veterans Grant | 59,000 | Yes | Yes |
| Care Dependency Grant | 168,000 | Yes | Yes |
| Grant-in-Aid | 300,000 | Yes | Yes |
What Are Biometric ID Cards and How Do They Work?
Biometric ID cards store your unique physical identifiers—like your fingerprint, facial scan, and iris data—on a secure chip. This chip is then read by scanners during payment and verification processes.
- No more PINs or passwords required
- Identity is verified instantly via scanner
- Reduces card theft or impersonation
- Works even if internet is down (offline verification)
- Updates linked directly with Home Affairs database
How and Where to Register for the Biometric Card
SASSA has set up special registration centers in every municipality. You’ll need to register in person to link your biometrics with your grant profile.
| Province | Registration Start Date | Main Registration Centers | Hotline Numbers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | Sept 1, 2025 | Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni | 0800 60 10 11 |
| Western Cape | Sept 5, 2025 | Cape Town, George, Paarl | 0800 53 53 53 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | Sept 10, 2025 | Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Richards Bay | 0861 85 85 85 |
| Eastern Cape | Sept 15, 2025 | East London, Gqeberha, Mthatha | 0800 72 72 72 |
| Limpopo | Sept 20, 2025 | Polokwane, Thohoyandou | 0860 62 62 62 |
| Mpumalanga | Sept 22, 2025 | Mbombela, Secunda | 0800 61 61 61 |
| North West | Sept 24, 2025 | Mahikeng, Rustenburg | 0800 41 41 41 |
| Free State | Sept 26, 2025 | Bloemfontein, Welkom | 0800 74 74 74 |
| Northern Cape | Sept 28, 2025 | Kimberley, Upington | 0800 90 90 90 |
Documents Required During Registration
When visiting your local center, you’ll need to carry:
- Your original green ID book or Smart ID card
- Latest SASSA grant slip or letter
- Proof of address (not older than 3 months)
- Birth certificates for child grants
- Disability confirmation (if applicable)
- Banking details (for direct deposits)
- Any previous SASSA card if applicable
What Happens If You Miss the Biometric Registration?
If you don’t complete the biometric registration by your province’s deadline:
- Your grant may be temporarily suspended
- You will not be able to withdraw from ATMs
- You must visit SASSA to re-activate the grant
- You may be required to verify ID manually
- Future payments may be held until verification is complete
Benefits of the New Biometric System
This new upgrade isn’t just about security—it’s also about making grant collection easier, faster, and safer for millions.
| Benefit | How It Helps You |
|---|---|
| Faster Payment Processing | No waiting in long queues |
| Safer Verification | Reduces chances of fraud |
| Linked to Home Affairs Database | Updates made in real-time |
| Offline Authentication | No data? No problem—card still works |
| Biometric-Based Access | No PINs to forget |
| Personalized Grant Protection | Only you can access your funds |
| Future-Ready Tech | Sets the stage for mobile wallet use |
What Grant Beneficiaries Are Saying
Many grant recipients who participated in early trials shared their experience:
- “I used to fear losing my card—now no one else can use it.” – Old-age pensioner, Gauteng
- “The registration took only 20 minutes, and now I feel safe.” – SRD beneficiary, KZN
- “They explained the process clearly. I was nervous at first but it was easy.” – Mother of 3, receiving Child Support
Departmental Contacts for Queries or Support
If you face any issues during registration or need help, contact the following official channels:
| Department | Contact Details |
|---|---|
| SASSA National Office | 0800 60 10 11 / [email protected] |
| Home Affairs | 0800 60 11 90 / [email protected] |
| Treasury (Fraud Support) | 012 315 5111 / [email protected] |
| SRD Grant Help | 0800 29 29 29 / [email protected] |
| Western Cape SASSA | 021 469 0235 |
| Gauteng SASSA | 011 241 8320 |
| WhatsApp Support | +27 82 046 8553 (Chatbot SASSA) |
Key Deadlines and Action Checklist
| Province | Registration Ends | Suspension Risk Starts |
|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | Oct 10, 2025 | Oct 15, 2025 |
| Western Cape | Oct 15, 2025 | Oct 20, 2025 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | Oct 20, 2025 | Oct 25, 2025 |
| Eastern Cape | Oct 25, 2025 | Oct 30, 2025 |
| Others | Nov 1–15, 2025 | Nov 5–20, 2025 |
The biometric rollout is one of the most important steps in protecting the future of social grants in South Africa. With deadlines approaching quickly, every beneficiary must act now to register and secure their payments for the months ahead. Missing your registration could mean missed payments—and that’s a risk no one can afford.
FAQs of Biometric ID Cards
1. Is biometric registration compulsory?
Yes, without it your grant payments may be paused.
2. Will old SASSA cards still work?
Only until your biometric card is issued. Then old cards will be deactivated.
3. Can I send someone else to register on my behalf?
No. Biometric registration must be done in person.
4. What if I miss the deadline due to illness or travel?
You can still register late, but your payment may be delayed until verification.
5. Is there a fee for the new biometric card?
No, the card is completely free for all beneficiaries.