The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) recently implemented a new identification verification mechanism to combat fraud. However, this new system has raised serious concerns among award recipients. Hundreds of recipients of the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) program have experienced difficulty receiving their funds.
According to South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi, biometric identification was implemented to prevent fraud, especially with the R370 monthly SRD award, which has witnessed a lot of fraudulent activity.
Beneficiaries who have changed their mobile numbers since earlier this year need to submit to biometric ID verification. This rule now applies to those who are either victims or suspects of identity theft.
“The South African Fraud Prevention Service and banks work together with SASSA to identify clients who are at risk of identity theft,” Letsatsi stated. When a client has to verify their identification, they go through an electronic Know Your Client procedure that is comparable to what banks utilize.
SASSA SRD R370 Payment Dates November 2024
SASSA Disability Grant Payment Coming In Next Week
R1400 Monthly Payment in South Africa
What Are The Major Issues With The Newly Introduced SASSA Identity Verification?
The primary problems that recipients of the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant encounter as a result of this new verification procedure are clarified by Elizabeth Raiters, Deputy Chairperson of Pay the Grant. “The organization has received a lot of complaints all over the country,” he said.
Lack of Notification And Timing
One of the key issues is that beneficiaries were not notified in advance about the new ID verification process. Elizabeth Raiters said that recipients were confused and frustrated when they tried to verify the status of their grants because SASSA failed to notify them in advance.
The timing of this implementation has also been problematic, since it coincided with June pay dates, leaving many recipients with insufficient time to complete the necessary verification while still receiving their payments on time.
SASSA’s New Biometric Verification Process
To complete the biometric verification process required by the new system, recipients must receive a link from SASSA via SMS. This has, however, created several difficulties:
1. Access To Technology
The cell phones and cameras needed to finish the biometric verification are inaccessible to many beneficiaries.
2. ID Document Requirements
Those with outdated green ID books are especially affected, as their grants are suspended until they apply for updated smart card IDs. The expense and logistics of obtaining these smart IDs increase the load on the beneficiaries.
Widespread Impact
According to Elizabeth Raiters, hundreds of recipients have been affected by this impulsive change. The Department of Home Affairs had previously used bank accounts to confirm the identities of many of the people the new system had flagged. It appears that this double verification is unnecessary, and it has prevented many people from receiving the anticipated financial assistance.
Lack of Grace Period By SASSA
Despite efforts to connect with SASSA, there is no provision for a grace period that allows beneficiaries to complete the biometric verification without losing their June awards. This lack of attention has increased the financial burden on many people who rely on these grants to meet their basic requirements.
Implications For Beneficiaries
The new verification method has an immediate and severe impact. Beneficiaries who rely on these payments for a living are now at risk of going hungry. The financial issue is especially acute for people who have green ID books and will not receive their assistance until they can afford to obtain smart IDs. This incident emphasizes the larger issue of systemic inefficiencies and the necessity for more deliberate execution of such systems.
Appeal To SASSA
Elizabeth Raiters and other campaigners have urged SASSA to reinstate the grants for affected beneficiaries and set a reasonable timetable for the biometric verification process. The appeal underlines the importance of taking into account the recipients’ circumstances, as well as the unforeseen repercussions of the quick system change.
While SASSA’s new ID verification method is intended to combat fraud, its implementation has created significant inconvenience and suffering for grant beneficiaries. Improved communication, access to technology, and a more humane attitude to legislative changes are vital to ensure that society’s most vulnerable people are not left without help.
FAQs
Q1: What is biometric verification?
Ans: Biometric verification involves using unique physical or behavioral characteristics, like fingerprints, to confirm a beneficiary’s identity and prevent fraud.
Q2: Why has SASSA introduced biometric verification?
Ans: The measure aims to reduce fraudulent claims, ensure grant payments reach the intended recipients, and enhance the system’s security.
I be waiting for sms from June till now it be hard trying call with no luck to get help 😕 😪