New social security system introduced

SOUTH Africa Social Security Agency (SASSA) has introduced a new system called proof of life certification, whereby beneficiaries will be able to use voice activation to access their social grants.

The process started in February when 1.5 million beneficiaries were activated on the new system. Phase two will be implemented in March 2014 for all beneficiaries who are still using pin codes.

Beneficiaries who have received an sms but were unable to call due to ill health must appoint a procurator. Home visits will be conducted where procurators and beneficiaries must be present for the voice recording of the procurator.

This new system is a way in which a beneficiary must prove that he/she is alive before the social grant is paid out. The social grants will only be paid out after a fingerprint or voice verification is done. Proof of life certification will have to be completed once every month before the social grant is paid.

Beneficiaries can either use their voice verification or fingerprint verification and this can be done at any SASSA pay point or store with fingerprint scanners before collecting the grant every month.

Those who use a pin code to withdraw their grant at an ATM or a store without a scanner, should first call 0860 690 717 or 082 1277 to do the proof of life certification.

Once the voice print is validated, the system will inform you that you have been successfully verified. And the social grant becomes available immediately.

For more information call 0800 60 01 60/SASSA toll free number 0800 60 10 11.