SASSA Smart Card Upgrade 2024: Avoid Payment Delays

SASSA has announced a smart card upgrade to all its grant beneficiaries. This will mark a transition from the old green ID booklet to a new smart card for more security. The DHA warns that the beneficiaries should promptly upgrade to the new cards to avoid fraud and identity theft. This follows a whopping 1.2 million fraud cases reported in the last 5 years involving beneficiaries with green ID booklets. This upgrade is crucial to the beneficiaries and the government—the department explained that the administrative costs and processing times for the green ID booklets are more, necessitating the upgrade. This article sheds more light on the recent SASSA smart card upgrade.

Why should I upgrade to the SASSA smart card?

SASSA urges grant beneficiaries to upgrade their green ID booklets to smart cards as soon as possible. This move aims to curb the rising fraud and identity theft cases linked with the old ID cards. The digitized smart ID cards are designed to be more secure and protect the sensitive personal information of the beneficiaries. The transition is particularly important for SASSA beneficiaries as the green ID booklets were more susceptible to exploitation by criminals.

Moreover, beneficiaries without the smart ID risk payment delays of up to 60 days due to verification problems. The biometric verification system SASSA uses depends on a digital image stored in the Department of Home Affairs’s database. The beneficiaries without a smart ID card may face disruptions in their monthly payments since their biometric data is not on record.

Furthermore, those who still insist on their green ID booklets will be subjected to increased scrutiny. This is because as the government steps up efforts to phase out the green ID booklets, those still in possession of the same will face more administrative obstacles.

Also Check: SASSA Grant Payments Increases for November 2024

How can I upgrade to a smart ID card?

Upgrading to the smart ID card is straightforward and will not cost you much. For most beneficiaries, that is only R140 and free for those under 16 years. The online application can be done as follows:

• Visit the Department of Home Affairs eHome portal.
• Select Apply online for South African Smart ID card.
• Register for the ID card.
• Enter your personal details, including your name, ID number, and contact details.
• Upload the necessary documents.
• To make the required application payment, complete an EFT payment online to the Department of Home Affairs.
• Alternatively, deposit the money into their account. Use the reference number provided during the application.
• Once the payment is confirmed, schedule an appointment with the nearest Home Affairs branch.
• At the branch, you will provide biometric data such as fingerprints and facial recognition.
• Remember to carry along your old green ID booklet and other required documents (proof of address, valid identification, and police affidavit in case of lost or stolen green ID booklet).

What is the recommended timeline for the Smart ID upgrade?

There is no set cut-off date that strictly requires beneficiaries to upgrade to the SASSA smart card. However, the agency requires its beneficiaries to complete the upgrade as soon as possible to avoid the risks of not upgrading, such as payment delays. The beneficiaries residing in remote areas should plan their visit to the department to accommodate wait and travel times.

Also Check: SASSA Cancel Application for R370

What if I still have the green ID booklet?

If you still have the green ID booklet, SASSA recommends the following immediate action.

• Seek assistance from the nearest SASSA office or other support groups such as #PayTheGrants to inquire about upgrade requirements.
• Complete any updates ahead of the payment date to avoid last-minute delays in verification.
• Verify all communication through the official SASSA channels. If uncertain about anything, contact SASSA’s official helpline instead of relying on third-party information.

Also Check: SETA Learnerships 2024 Online Application

Conclusion

SASSA recently introduced new identity verification measures to improve security and reduce fraud risks for beneficiaries. The updates require beneficiaries to transition from the traditional green ID booklets to digitized smart ID cards equipped with verification capabilities. There are consequences of failing to upgrade to smart ID cards, so s