SASSA Payment Delays Impact 200,000 Beneficiaries Due to Biometric Verification Issues In 2025, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) introduced a new biometric verification system to improve grant security and reduce fraud. While the system was designed to ensure funds reach the rightful beneficiaries, it has caused significant delays for more than 200,000 recipients across the country. Technical glitches, verification backlogs, and limited access in rural areas have left many vulnerable citizens without payments on time. For beneficiaries relying on grants such as the Old Age, Disability, Foster Child, and SRD, these delays are more than an inconvenience—they are a serious financial strain.
SASSA Payment Delays 2025
Biometric verification officially became mandatory in September 2025 for all new SASSA applicants, beneficiaries updating personal details, and those flagged for reviews. The process requires fingerprints or facial scans through the electronic Know Your Client (eKYC) system. This system cross-references data with the Department of Home Affairs to prevent identity theft, fraudulent claims, and duplicate payments.
The new requirement applies across all grants, including the R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, the R2,315 Old Age Grant, and the R1,250 Foster Child Grant. While the goal is to build a stronger, fraud-free grant system, the technical challenges have slowed down implementation, leaving thousands without timely access to essential funds.
Why Are Payments Being Delayed?
The delays stem from several issues:
- System failures: The biometric system has struggled to integrate smoothly with Home Affairs databases, especially for beneficiaries using old green ID books with outdated photos.
- Large-scale reviews: Over 210,000 beneficiaries were flagged for verification due to income discrepancies, suspected fraud, or expired documentation, leading to processing backlogs.
- Rural challenges: Limited internet access and long distances to SASSA offices make it harder for rural beneficiaries to complete verification.
- Capacity issues: Many SASSA offices remain understaffed, and although training programs were launched in August 2025, demand continues to exceed resources.
These problems have created delays ranging from a few days to several months, with some beneficiaries forced to rely on temporary alternatives or borrow money to cover basic expenses.
SASSA Payment Delays 2025 Impact on Beneficiaries
For the 200,000 people affected, the delays mean uncertainty and hardship. Elderly citizens depending on the Old Age Grant due on 5 September 2025 face difficulty buying food and medicine. SRD beneficiaries expecting payment between 27 and 30 August struggle to cover daily expenses. Families relying on the Foster Child Grant or Child Support Grant are also at risk when payments are suspended pending verification.
The situation is particularly tough for people with disabilities and rural communities, where traveling to SASSA offices is both expensive and time-consuming. For many, the grant is their only source of income, and delays erode trust in the system.
read also- SASSA Old Age Pension Payment Dates October 2025 – Full Schedule
SASSA Payment Delays 2025 Affected Grants and Payment Dates
The table below highlights some of the grants impacted by biometric verification delays in September 2025:
| Grant Type | Amount (R) | Scheduled Payment Date | Impact of Delays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Age Grant | 2,315 | 5 September 2025 | Delays for beneficiaries with expired IDs or flagged accounts |
| Disability Grant | 2,315 | 4 September 2025 | Verification challenges for rural and immobile recipients |
| Foster Child Grant | 1,250 | 5 September 2025 | Court order renewal and biometric issues delay payments |
| Child Support Grant | 560 | 6 September 2025 | Processing backlogs for new applicants or updated details |
| SRD Grant | 370 | 27–30 August 2025 | High review volumes have caused payment holds |
Funds are typically expected within two to three working days after verification, but unresolved issues can extend waiting times.
SASSA Payment Delays 2025 Steps to Resolve Verification Issues
Beneficiaries experiencing delays should act quickly:
- Visit a SASSA office with your South African ID (preferably a smart ID card), proof of address, and supporting grant documents.
- Complete biometric enrolment, including fingerprints or facial recognition scans, and obtain a confirmation receipt.
- Respond promptly to SMS verification links sent by SASSA, usually within 72 hours.
- Use mobile verification units where available in rural areas—check schedules on the official SASSA website.
- Track your status via the WhatsApp line (082 046 8553), toll-free number (0800 60 1011), or the USSD code 1347737#.
Acting quickly reduces the risk of longer payment suspensions.
SASSA Payment Delays 2025 Tips to Avoid Future Delays
- Keep your contact details and banking information updated on the SASSA portal (srd.sassa.gov.za).
- Upgrade from a green ID book to a smart ID card to improve verification accuracy.
- Regularly check your grant status online or via USSD to catch issues early.
- If unable to collect payments personally, appoint a procurator or grant power of attorney at a SASSA office.
- Only use official SASSA channels for communication and never share personal details with third parties to avoid scams.
Proactive management of your information can prevent future delays.
SASSA Payment Delays 2025 Updates and Support for 2025
SASSA is working to address these challenges by:
- Expanding mobile verification units for rural beneficiaries.
- Extending operating hours in certain offices to manage demand.
- Rolling out webcam-based verification, successfully tested in Nelson Mandela Bay in 2024.
- Conducting system audits to fix glitches and improve integration with Home Affairs databases.
Importantly, SASSA has confirmed that no legitimate beneficiary will permanently lose their funds. Suspended payments will be released once verification is completed, though the process may take time.
SASSA Payment Delays 2025 Final Thoughts
The biometric verification rollout is a crucial step toward strengthening South Africa’s social grant system, but its introduction in 2025 has created unexpected challenges. With over 200,000 beneficiaries experiencing payment delays, the situation highlights the balance between security and accessibility.
For those affected, the key is to act quickly—complete verification, update details, and use official support channels to reduce waiting times. Grants such as the Old Age Grant and SRD remain vital lifelines, and ensuring compliance with the new system is the best way to secure timely payments. By staying informed and prepared, beneficiaries can navigate these changes and continue receiving essential support.
Disclaimer This article is for informational purposes only. Payment schedules and policies may change, so beneficiaries should always verify updates directly with SASSA through official channels.
