Biometric Verification – In a critical development that could affect millions of families across South Africa, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has issued an urgent final warning to all caregivers receiving Child Support Grants. The agency has mandated that all caregivers must complete biometric verification before the end of July 2025 or risk having their grant payments suspended. The move is part of a new national fraud prevention initiative aimed at ensuring that grants are disbursed only to eligible and verified individuals.Over 9 million children in the country benefit from the SASSA Child Support Grant, which serves as a lifeline for low-income families. However, due to concerns about fraudulent claims, outdated records, and misuse of funds, SASSA is tightening its identity verification protocols. The latest biometric system requires caregivers to physically verify their identity through facial recognition or fingerprint scanning at designated SASSA offices or partner service centers.Caregivers who fail to comply by the given deadline will have their payments halted starting August 2025. This decision has triggered anxiety among grant recipients, many of whom reside in rural or under-serviced regions. SASSA has urged all affected individuals to act immediately to avoid disruptions in their essential monthly income.Biometric verification has been rolled out nationwide, and SASSA has published a list of official centers where verification can be completed. The Department of Social Development has confirmed that this move is legally backed by the 2024 Social Assistance Amendment Act and will not be reversed.The deadline is final, and caregivers who do not comply will need to reapply for the grant from scratch. Below is everything you need to know about the verification process, deadlines, eligibility, and how to protect your grant from suspension.
What is the Biometric Verification and Why Is It Mandatory?
SASSA has launched biometric verification to curb fraud, ensure authenticity, and streamline monthly payments.
- Verifies caregiver identity using fingerprint and facial recognition
- Ensures the rightful person is receiving the grant
- Required for all caregivers of children receiving the Child Support Grant
- Mandatory before 31 July 2025
- Applicable to both new and existing beneficiaries
- Applies to caregivers using mobile numbers, WhatsApp, or banking apps
- Supported under the Social Assistance Amendment Act, 2024
Key Deadlines and Risk of Suspension for Biometric Verification
Caregivers must take action before the biometric verification deadline to avoid a complete halt in payments.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Deadline | 31 July 2025 |
| Suspension Date | From 1 August 2025 |
| Who Is Affected? | All caregivers of child grant |
| Grant Affected | Child Support Grant (R520/month) |
| Areas Prioritized | Rural areas and metro hotspots |
| Required ID | Green ID Book, Smart ID, Birth Cert |
| Verification Centers | Listed on SASSA.gov.za & local offices |
| Penalty for Non-Compliance | Full suspension of the grant |
Where and How to Do Biometric Verification
The biometric verification must be done in person, and SASSA has provided multiple accessible points across provinces.
Approved Biometric Verification Centers
Below are the most active centers for biometric enrollment in major regions:
| Province | City/Town | Verification Point | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | Johannesburg | SASSA Regional Office, Braamfontein | Mon–Fri, 8AM–4PM |
| Western Cape | Cape Town | SASSA District Office, Bellville | Mon–Fri, 8AM–4PM |
| Eastern Cape | Mthatha | Home Affairs Mobile Unit | Mon–Fri, 9AM–3PM |
| KwaZulu-Natal | Durban | Post Office + SASSA Pop-up Unit | Mon–Sat, 9AM–5PM |
| Free State | Bloemfontein | SASSA Centre, Charlotte Maxeke St | Mon–Fri, 8AM–4PM |
| Limpopo | Polokwane | SASSA Gateway Office | Mon–Fri, 8AM–3PM |
| Mpumalanga | Nelspruit | SASSA HQ Near CBD | Mon–Fri, 9AM–3PM |
Documents Needed for Biometric Verification
- Original ID document of the caregiver
- Birth certificate of the child
- Proof of address (utility bill or affidavit)
- Cellphone number used in grant application
- Bank account details (if applicable)
Who Needs to Verify and Who Is Exempted
Not everyone is required to verify, and certain categories are temporarily exempted from the biometric process.
Mandatory for Verification
- Caregivers who applied before January 2024
- Caregivers receiving multiple child grants
- Applicants flagged for data mismatch
- Applicants using third-party bank accounts
Temporarily Exempted
- Caregivers under medical treatment (with doctor’s letter)
- Individuals with disabilities or mobility restrictions
- Children receiving foster grants (handled differently)
Step-by-Step Process for Completing Biometric Verification
Following the biometric process correctly will ensure your grant payments continue without disruption.
- Visit the nearest verification center listed by SASSA
- Carry original documents as listed above
- Register for fingerprint and facial recognition scan
- Complete digital signature for the affidavit form
- Confirm personal details and banking information
- Receive SMS confirmation upon successful capture
- Verification status updated on SASSA system within 72 hours
SASSA’s Official Helplines and Departmental Contacts
If you face issues during the verification process, use the contact details below to get immediate support.
| Department/Office | Contact Details |
|---|---|
| SASSA National Call Centre | 0800 60 10 11 |
| WhatsApp Helpline | 082 046 8553 |
| Email Support | [email protected] |
| Gauteng Regional Office | 011 241 8320 |
| Western Cape Regional Office | 021 469 0235 |
| SASSA Website | www.sassa.gov.za |
| Department of Social Development | 012 312 7500 |
What Happens If You Miss the Biometric Deadline?
If you do not complete biometric verification by the deadline, your child grant will be suspended without exception.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
- All future grant payments will stop
- Caregivers will be delisted from the active database
- A reapplication process will be mandatory
- May face investigation if fraudulent activity is suspected
Reinstatement Process (After Suspension)
- Visit SASSA office with valid documents
- Submit affidavit explaining delay
- Complete biometric process
- Wait 14–21 working days for case review
- If approved, payments resume from next cycle
Impact on Rural and Underprivileged Families
Many rural caregivers are struggling to reach verification points. In response, SASSA has promised to deploy mobile biometric vans to underserved communities from 22 July to 30 July 2025. Door-to-door outreach has also begun in Northern Cape and Limpopo, focusing on caregivers with transport or mobility issues.
Assistance for the Elderly or Disabled Caregivers
Caregivers who are elderly or disabled can request a mobile verification unit through the SASSA helpline. These units will operate on appointment basis and are prioritizing cases flagged as “urgent” or “at risk of losing the grant.”
FAQs of Biometric Verification
1. What is the last date for biometric verification?
31 July 2025.
2. Will the child’s grant be stopped immediately if I miss the deadline?
Yes, your grant will be suspended starting 1 August 2025.
3. Can I verify online or through the SASSA app?
No, biometric verification must be done in person at an official center.
4. What if I recently verified at Home Affairs?
You still need to complete the process through SASSA unless informed otherwise.
5. Do foster care grant caregivers need to verify biometrics too?
No, foster grant cases are managed differently and are not part of this process.
Caregivers are strongly advised not to wait until the last minute, as verification centers may experience long queues closer to the deadline. Those who rely on the Child Support Grant for basic needs should treat this requirement with urgency to avoid financial distress. Visit your nearest SASSA office or call the helpline to ensure your child’s future payments remain uninterrupted.
