The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has confirmed that biometric registration will become mandatory for all grant beneficiaries from February 2026. The new requirement establishes nationwide rules that apply to all social grant types which include Old Age Disability Child Support Foster Care and the SRD grant. The rollout forms part of a broader effort to strengthen grant security and ensure that payments reach only eligible recipients.
The new system will lead to payment delays and suspension for beneficiaries who do not complete biometric registration.
Why SASSA Is Introducing Biometric Verification
SASSA uses biometric verification to prevent fraudulent activities and identity theft and duplicate grant claims from occurring. The agency loses millions every year because of its ongoing battles against fraudulent applications and grant payment systems which grant unauthorized access. SASSA develops a better identification system through its use of biometric data which includes fingerprints and facial recognition technology.
The officials believe that biometric verification will decrease system abuse while making social grant system users more trustworthy.
Who Must Register Under the New Rule
The biometric requirement applies to all current grant recipients and new applicants. This group includes pensioners and child support caregivers and disabled persons and SRD grant recipients. Biometric registration will remain mandatory for beneficiaries who have received grants for multiple years.
Beneficiaries who update their personal information through banking detail changes or mobile number changes or address changes must undergo biometric identity verification again.
The Biometric Registration Process Will Proceed Through These Steps
Biometric registration will take place at designated SASSA official offices and certified registration facilities. The process requires beneficiaries to undergo fingerprint scanning and facial recognition procedures. The system will safely archive the data which establishes a connection to the beneficiary’s grant profile. SASSA will dispatch additional personnel and resources to handle the increased service requests which will occur during the implementation phase. Beneficiaries should complete their registration process before the peak time because this will help them avoid the crowded registration period.
What Beneficiaries Should Bring
Beneficiaries who attend biometric registration must present either a valid South African ID document or a smart ID card. The authorities may ask for proof of residence or other relevant documents in certain situations. SASSA advises beneficiaries to verify their personal information when registration begins.
How to Prevent Scamming Activities Which Lead To Payment Problems
SASSA has issued a warning to beneficiaries about staying alert for scam messages which falsely state that biometric registration can be completed through online platforms or third-party services. Official sites are the only permitted locations for capturing biometric data which requires in-person attendance. Biometric registration services do not require any payment fees from users.
The completion of biometric registration by its deadline will guarantee that grant payments remain uninterrupted when the new regulations become effective in February 2026.
Also Read: South Africa Disability Grant 2026 Update: R2,310 Payments, Dates And Who Qualifies