SASSA Face Scan – As of November 1, 2025, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has officially mandated biometric Face ID verification for all social grant beneficiaries. This move, confirmed by the Department of Social Development, aims to eliminate fraud and ensure that only eligible recipients access government-funded social grants. However, the sudden rollout has triggered widespread concern among millions of grant recipients—especially the elderly and rural citizens—who fear losing their payments due to technical or logistical challenges. The announcement marks one of the most significant shifts in the administration of SASSA grants, including Older Person’s Grant, Child Support Grant, Disability Grant, and the SRD R350. The government claims this AI-powered system will tighten identity checks and protect grant funds from misuse. But critics argue it may pose barriers to the most vulnerable—those without smartphones or access to verification centers. SASSA has already begun sending SMS and email alerts to registered beneficiaries warning them about the consequences of skipping Face ID verification. The deadline is strict: No verification, no grant from November 1, 2025. With over 5 million SASSA recipients needing to comply within just a few months, understanding the new rules, deadlines, and alternative options is critical. This article explains everything you need to know.
Who Must Do SASSA Face Scan? New Verification Rules Explained
All active SASSA grant recipients, regardless of age or location, must complete Face ID verification. The system will use a mobile phone camera or biometric kiosk for live facial recognition.
- Applicable to all SASSA grant types: Old Age, Disability, Child, SRD, and War Veteran Grants
- One-time facial scan required before November 1, 2025
- Ongoing Face ID checks may be required in future months
- System linked to Home Affairs and SASSA databases
- Failure to complete will result in automatic grant suspension
SASSA Grants That Require Face Verification
| Grant Type | Monthly Amount (2025) | Age/Eligibility | Face ID Required? | Deadline for Scan | At Risk of Suspension? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Age Grant | R2,180 – R2,200 | 60+ years | Yes | Nov 1, 2025 | Yes |
| Disability Grant | R2,180 | Medically Unfit | Yes | Nov 1, 2025 | Yes |
| Child Support Grant | R530 | Guardians of minors | Yes | Nov 1, 2025 | Yes |
| War Veterans Grant | R2,200 | Veterans over 60 | Yes | Nov 1, 2025 | Yes |
| Foster Care Grant | R1,180 | Foster parents | Yes | Nov 1, 2025 | Yes |
| SRD R350 Grant | R350 | Unemployed adults | Yes | Nov 1, 2025 | Yes |
| Care Dependency Grant | R2,180 | Parents of disabled | Yes | Nov 1, 2025 | Yes |
How to Complete SASSA Face Scan Verification: Step-by-Step Process
SASSA has launched multiple ways for grant beneficiaries to verify their identity. The most common is through smartphone-based face scan.
Option 1: Using Your Smartphone Camera
If you own a smartphone, you can complete the scan at home using the official app or web portal.
- Visit: https://sassa.gov.za/verify
- Log in using your ID number and mobile number
- Click on “Start Face Verification”
- Allow camera access and align your face
- Follow the scan instructions
- Submit and wait for confirmation via SMS
Option 2: Walk-In Biometric Centers
For those without smartphones or internet access, SASSA is setting up verification kiosks at post offices and community centers.
- Find the nearest biometric center via SASSA’s branch locator
- Carry your South African ID book/card
- Present your SASSA card or payment slip
- Face scan will be done on-site
- Staff will assist elderly or disabled applicants
Technical Issues and Delays – What If the Face Scan Fails?
Not all face scans are successful on the first try. Many factors—poor lighting, old cameras, or aged faces—can cause errors. Here’s what to do:
- Try re-scanning in better lighting
- Remove glasses, hats, or masks
- Clean your phone’s camera lens
- If still unsuccessful, call SASSA helpline at 0800 60 10 11
- Visit a biometric helpdesk for manual override
Special Exemptions: Who Might Be Excluded from SASSA Face Scan?
While the rule applies to all, some groups might receive temporary exemptions or assistance.
- Senior citizens over 80
- Individuals with severe disabilities
- People in care homes or hospital facilities
- Remote rural residents without access to verification tools
How to Apply for Exemption
SASSA has issued instructions for exemption requests through official documentation.
- Visit the SASSA office in person or send a representative
- Submit a medical or mobility-related certificate
- Complete “Exemption Application Form 325-A”
- Wait for confirmation within 7–10 working days
- Exempted users will still receive grants after November
List of Provinces with On-Ground Face ID Support
SASSA has activated mobile help teams in high-risk areas to assist with in-person scanning.
| Province | Cities Covered | Verification Units Available | Rural Support Mobile Vans |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | Johannesburg, Pretoria | 85+ kiosks | Yes |
| Western Cape | Cape Town, George | 60+ centers | Yes |
| KwaZulu-Natal | Durban, Pietermaritzburg | 78 units | Yes |
| Eastern Cape | East London, Mthatha | 50+ mobile vans | Yes |
| Limpopo | Polokwane, Thohoyandou | 47 support teams | Yes |
| North West | Mahikeng, Rustenburg | 32 fixed sites | Yes |
| Northern Cape | Kimberley, Upington | 18 mobile vans | Yes |
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
If you don’t complete your face scan by November 1, 2025, your grant will be suspended automatically.
- Grant payments will stop from November cycle
- You will receive an SMS alert regarding suspension
- To reinstate your grant, you must complete Face ID plus fill “Reactivation Form 18-B”
- It may take up to 3 weeks to restore payment
Consequences of Missing Face ID Deadline
| Missed Deadline Date | Status of Grant | Action Required | Estimated Time for Reactivation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 1 – Nov 10, 2025 | Suspended | Do Face Scan + Form 18-B | 7 working days |
| Nov 11 – Nov 30, 2025 | Suspended | Face Scan + Manual Review | 10–15 working days |
| After Dec 1, 2025 | Deactivated | New Grant Reapplication | 4–6 weeks |
This Face ID rollout may cause temporary disruptions, but it’s designed to ensure the integrity of social assistance programs. Beneficiaries are strongly urged to complete verification early, seek help if needed, and stay updated through official SASSA channels. Missing the deadline could result in grant suspension and significant delays in reinstating your payments.
FAQs of SASSA Face Scan
Q1. Is this Face ID requirement permanent?
Yes, SASSA has confirmed that Face ID will be a permanent part of their fraud control strategy starting November 2025.
Q2. Can someone else do the scan on my behalf?
No. The system matches your unique facial data. A proxy cannot complete the scan for you.
Q3. What if I live in a rural village without a smartphone?
You can use SASSA’s mobile vans or visit a community center to complete the scan.
Q4. Will my grant money be paid late if I scan after November 1?
Yes, any delay in verification will pause your grant disbursement until the scan is completed.
Q5. Do children receiving Child Grants need to do the scan?
No. The guardian (mother, father, or registered caretaker) must verify their identity via Face ID.