SASSA TO USE LIFE CERTIFICATION USING VOICE ACTIVATION

SASSA TO USE LIFE CERTIFICATION USING VOICE ACTIVATION

By BRIAN KAJENGO

Social grant beneficiaries using PIN codes to access their social grants to undergo proof of life certification which done biometrically using voice activation.

That means if a beneficiary receive grant by using a PIN at an ATM or store without fingerprint readers, SASSA needs to record a copy of beneficiary’s voice biometric on its system and this performed by dialling the phone numbers below.

 “If a beneficiary use a PIN (at an ATM or store without fingerprint readers) proof of complete Life Certification once every month before a social grant accessed via a PIN.

“Voice activation conducted in two phases. Phase 1 targeting 378 815 beneficiaries in Mpumalanga who have been sent an SMS message in January 2014 and only they are invited to call at this stage. They may call as soon as they receive the SMS message.

 “Starts in March 2014 and involves all other beneficiaries who not sent an SMS message in January 2014 but are using a PIN to access their grants.” SASSA spokesperson Senzeni Ngubane said.

 Senzeni Ngubane told Bvunzamutupo SADC VOICE that the beneficiaries had to follow voice prompt instructions so that voice matched to their voice recording which taken during SASSA re-registration. They can choose to do the verification in several languages.

 “Once your voice print validated, the system will inform you that you successfully verified and your social grant becomes available immediately. Phase 2 will implement in March 2014 for all beneficiaries utilizing Pin codes.” Ngubane said.

SASSA pleads with those beneficiaries that have received an SMS message but are unable to call due to ill health must appoint a procurator to represent them and request home visits from their nearest SASSA offices.

“Bring home visits the procurator and beneficiary must be present for the voice recording of the procurator to done. No need to panic if you didn’t receive an SMS message because your grant still paid out,” said Ngubane

 The numbers to call for voice activation are: 0860 690 717 if one uses a Telkom line, cell phone number or a public phone.

Also use 082 1277 for free if one uses a starter pack issued during grant re-registration. These free starter packs can still obtained from SASSA offices.