The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is enhancing its operations with the rollout of a new biometric system aimed at reducing fraud in social grant applications. This significant advancement will see all grant applications captured and approved now requiring biometric fingerprint enrolment or facial recognition. The initiative, which is being implemented across all provinces, is expected to bolster the integrity of the grant distribution process.
In light of the growing concern regarding fraudulent practices within the SASSA grant system, the agency believes that the new biometric measures will act as a deterrent to fraudulent activities. By ensuring that grant applicants’ identities can be verified digitally, SASSA is committing to authenticating the legitimacy of its beneficiaries while simultaneously decreasing errors and potential misuse of funds.
As part of its ongoing commitment to safeguarding the financial wellbeing of South Africans, SASSA has also released its payment schedule for September 2025. Beneficiaries can expect their grants to be disbursed on the following dates:
- Old Age Grant: Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
- Disability Grant: Wednesday, September 3, 2025.
- All other grants, including Child Support: Thursday, September 4, 2025.
SASSA has advised beneficiaries against rushing to collection points on the first day of payments, as this often results in lengthy queues. The agency emphasises the importance of planning ahead to avoid unnecessary delays when accessing vital funds necessary for daily living.
In tackling another pressing issue, SASSA has expressed its commitment to addressing unauthorised deductions from social grants, a concern that has been raised by many beneficiaries amidst rising financial exploitation cases. The agency urges individuals to remain vigilant, highlighting the importance of reporting any discrepancies promptly. “Is money being deducted from your social grant without your permission? Report this to your nearest SASSA office as soon as possible,” the agency urged.
To facilitate this, SASSA has made the reporting process more accessible. Beneficiaries can now lodge disputes via SMS by sending their ID number and the name of the financial service provider to 34548. This initiative is expected to empower beneficiaries to take control of their finances and ensure their social grants are safeguarded.
Moreover, SASSA reassures beneficiaries that robust legal protections are in place regarding deductions. “Only one deduction is allowed per month, up to 10% of your grant, and only if a beneficiary has consented to such a deduction,” the agency stated.