Biometric Verification Alert – South Africans receiving SASSA grants are urged to complete biometric verification to keep payments flowing smoothly. This alert applies to key grants frequently paid at R2,315 (older persons and other qualifying categories), R560 (Child Support Grant), and R1,250 (Foster Care Grant or similar benefits set by SASSA). Biometric verification—usually a quick fingerprint and/or facial capture linked to your ID—helps SASSA confirm the right person is paid and reduces fraud or duplicate accounts. If your profile has not been verified, your payment can be delayed or temporarily suspended until you complete the update. Beneficiaries should watch for official SMS notices and check their status through SASSA’s official channels. Bring your original ID, a working mobile number linked to your account, and updated bank details if you receive payments into a bank account. Never pay anyone for “fast-tracking” verification; SASSA does not charge a fee. Use only official offices, outreach points, or partner sites confirmed by SASSA.
Biometric Update: Who Must Act Now
If you receive a SASSA benefit commonly paid at R2,315, R560, or R1,250, you may be asked to update biometrics—especially if your details have changed, you recently switched payment methods, you missed prior confirmations, or SASSA’s risk checks flagged your file for a routine review. Not every beneficiary will be called at the same time, but if you’ve received an official SMS, letter, or in-person instruction, you should complete the process as soon as possible to prevent avoidable delays. Guardians and foster parents collecting on behalf of children must also ensure their own ID and contact details are accurate before biometrics can be confirmed. If you use a bank account, your bank KYC and your SASSA records must match (name, ID number, and cellphone). Remember: anyone promising “instant approval” in exchange for money is likely a scammer. Always verify instructions through SASSA’s official channels before taking action.
How To Complete Your Biometric Update
Start by confirming whether an update is required—check your latest SASSA SMS, your grant status via official channels, or ask at a SASSA office. If required, visit a designated SASSA service point or an announced community outreach site with your original ID. At the counter, staff will locate your file, confirm your personal details, and capture your fingerprint(s) and, where applicable, your facial image. If you receive your grant via bank deposit, ensure your bank account is in your name and active; bring the bank card or proof of account so records can be aligned. Keep your phone on and accessible, as one-time PINs or confirmations may be sent during processing. If you are elderly or have a disability, ask about priority queues or assisted services. Once captured, keep your receipt or reference number. Processing times vary, but most updates are quick, and your next payment should follow once records are synchronized.
What To Bring On The Day
Carry your original South African ID (smart card or green barcoded ID) or other SASSA-accepted identity document, plus any legal documents confirming guardianship or foster care if you collect on behalf of a child. Bring a functioning cellphone number registered in your name; SASSA uses it for security checks and important updates. If you are paid into a bank account, bring your bank card or stamped proof of account so your KYC can be matched. A recent proof of residence helps resolve address discrepancies and can speed up processing. If your name has changed, carry supporting documents (e.g., marriage or change-of-name certificates). For medical or mobility challenges, consider arriving with a family member or caregiver for assistance, and ask staff about priority assistance on arrival. Dress comfortably, plan for queues, and keep your documents safe—photocopies can help, but originals are usually required for verification.
Avoid Scams & Track Your Status
Your biometrics must only be captured by authorized SASSA personnel or at officially announced partner sites—never in informal settings or via unsolicited links. SASSA does not charge a fee for verification, does not ask for your ATM PIN, and will never request you to share one-time passwords over the phone or message. If you receive a suspicious SMS, verify it via SASSA’s official contact channels before acting. After your update, monitor your grant status through the official website or contact centre and keep your phone reachable in case further confirmation is needed. If your payment is delayed after updating, check that your bank details, surname, and ID number match exactly on both bank and SASSA records. Report lost phones immediately and update your contact number to avoid missing critical messages. Finally, keep copies of all slips and reference numbers; they are invaluable if you need to follow up.