The South African Social Security Agency is set to make biometric registration mandatory for grant beneficiaries from 2026, marking a major step toward tightening control over the social grants system. The move is aimed at improving identity verification and reducing fraud linked to duplicate or ineligible grant claims.
What Mandatory Biometric Registration Means
Under the new requirement, beneficiaries will need to verify their identity using biometric data such as fingerprints or facial recognition. This biometric record will be linked directly to an individual’s grant profile, ensuring that each beneficiary is uniquely identified and cannot be registered multiple times under different details.
Why SASSA Is Introducing Biometric Verification
SASSA has stated that biometric registration will help eliminate ghost beneficiaries and curb misuse of public funds. With millions relying on social grants every month, accurate identification is critical to ensure that payments reach only eligible recipients and that the system remains financially sustainable.
Who Will Be Affected by the 2026 Rule
All existing and new grant beneficiaries are expected to fall under the biometric registration requirement. Those who fail to complete biometric verification within the prescribed timeframe may face delays, temporary suspension, or cancellation of grant payments until their details are updated.
What Beneficiaries Should Do Now
Grant recipients are advised to stay alert for official communication regarding registration dates and procedures. Keeping personal details updated and completing biometric verification as soon as it is made available will be essential to avoid any interruption in grant payments from 2026 onward.
