A new change is about to come as we are getting rid of the green ID booklets. The Ministry of Home Affairs is ready to change the outdated green booklets with smart cards. It will directly impact the SASSA applicants who have provided their green booklets as proof of identity. The SASSA is also changing its policies and moving from green booklets to smart cards.
The plan is initiated by the Home Minister who is encouraged to discard the outdated booklets as they are hard to carry, less credible, and made of paper so they can be torn apart. On the other hand, the smart card is made of plastic, easy to carry, and highly credible. Come with me to understand the reasons why SASSA is changing Home Affairs policy.
Why Smart Card Upgrade is Important?
There are various reasons behind changing the policy in which the top one is the high credibility. Basically, SASSA is unable to manage fraud and fake identities, and catching the culprit is also a long process. People can effortlessly provide fake ID documents to get the SASSA grant if they apply through the green ID booklets.
To reduce the ratio of fraud and false applications, SASSA is changing its home affairs policy. People who hold the smart card will able to get the SASSA grant otherwise, their application will be rejected.
But, you can still appeal for your rejected grant at https://srd-sassa-gov.co.za/.Some consider that the only difference between the smart card and the green ID booklet is the material but the facts are completely different.
Why Green ID Booklet Is Useless for SASSA?
Several factors play a role when it comes to changing the Home Affairs policy. For example, the green ID booklets are fragile and can be torn apart. Furthermore, they are hard to carry as one has to take care of a book rather than a small card. In case, the booklet comes in contact with water, it can be worn out.
Factors
- Vulnerability to Fraud: Using a green ID booklet for applying SASSA twice as simple as one can change the number and the picture from the document and he will be able to get the grant. Criminals have exploited the vulnerability by using the ID documents of people to apply for SASSA.
- Lack of Verification: The green ID booklet does not support biometrics which is why using it can help criminals to exploit vulnerabilities when it comes to verification.
- Costly: One of the major reasons is that Green ID booklets are costly for the administration as each booklet contains various paper pages. Shifting from a Green ID booklet to a smart card will help the government of South Africa cut the cost.
What If Someone Does Not Have a Smart Card?
If someone does not possess a smart card, he can face various challenges including verification failure. When a SASSA applicant applies for the grant, he will be unable to verify without providing biometric proof. For this, he needs a smart card because it supports biometrics.
How SASSA Beneficiaries Can Upgrade to a Smart ID Card
The process of upgrading to a smart ID card is simple as one has to apply for it and then pay the R140. individuals below 16 do not need to pay the charges while all the other beneficiaries are required to pay dues. Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for a smart ID card.
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Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for a Smart ID Card.
- Step 1: Visit the Department of Home Affairs eHome portal.
- Step 2: If you have an account then enter the login credentials otherwise tap on the register button.
- Step 3: Enter your name, address, phone number, and further details.
- Step 4: Provide the ID number and then submit the form.
- Step 5: You will receive an OTP on your phone number, enter it in the empty bar.
- Step 6: Submit it and then create your password.
- Step 7: Use the password to log in to your account.
- Step 8: Select the “Apply Online for South African Smart ID Card.”
- Step 9: Fill out the application form and then upload the documents.
- Step 10: upload a passport-size photo that should not be older than 3 months.
- Step 11: Submit the application form and pay the R140 fee for the smart card.
- Step 12: You will create an SM or email that your payment has been confirmed.
- Step 13: Schedule your appointment at the nearest Home Affairs branch.
- Step 14: Visit the branch on the mentioned date and provide your fingerprints, facial recognition images, and biometrics.
- Step 15: SUbmut your old green ID document at the Home Affairs branch.
Consequences of Not Upgrading
Home Affairs aims to end the green ID booklet and shift to the smart ID card. To achieve this goal, Home Affairs will make it extremely challenging for individuals to access their SASSA accounts. The applicants will be unable to withdraw money without having smart cards.
Final Words
South African Social Security Agency is the light of hope for the people who are unable to manage the monthly budget due to the high inflation, and economic instability. The agency is there to help all the people who meet the eligibility criteria but some of the applicants try to trick the SASSA in order to get more money. To make the verification system robust, the SASSA has changed the policy of verification by shifting from old green booklets to new smart cards. The process to apply is explained above, see the application process and lodge an application.
