The HANIS system is a tool of the Department of Home Affairs used to confirm an individual's identity by matching biometric data, such as fingerprints, with information held by the Department of Home Affairs.
For many elderly residents in South Africa, a request to complete verification through the Department of Home Affairs' National Identification System (HANIS) can cause confusion, especially if it relates to issues encountered when receiving a SASSA benefit or a failed biometric check. The system has long been used for identity verification by financial institutions and government services.
What is HANIS verification?
HANIS verification is a method to ensure that an individual matches the data associated with their identification information and that their biometric data can be cross-referenced with Department of Home Affairs records. The goal of this process is to prevent identity fraud and ensure that services are provided to the correct person. This is particularly important when dealing with social grants.
SASSA previously stated that biometric verification enhances identity authentication when submitting and reviewing grant applications, helping to prevent personal data theft, duplicate applications, and other forms of fraud. The Department of Home Affairs also uses biometric enrollment and verification through systems like HANIS, Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS), and the National Register of Persons to help identify suspicious fraudulent documents.
Why might an elderly person be asked to undergo this procedure?
HANIS verification may be required when there is an issue confirming the recipient's identity. For example, a person might have difficulty completing a biometric check through SASSA, or there might be a discrepancy between their information and the Department of Home Affairs records. Elderly grant recipients may also face difficulties with fingerprint scanning, as biometric equipment can struggle to read them. It is important to understand that this does not automatically mean the person is accused of wrongdoing; a failed biometric check simply indicates that the required verification is incomplete.
What should elderly grant recipients know
It should be noted that a request to complete HANIS verification itself is not an indication that a person is being accused of fraud. It is an identity verification process designed to establish the match between an individual's identification and biometric data and the Department of Home Affairs records. Elderly grant recipients, especially those with fingerprint or mobility issues, should clarify with officials exactly which verification is incomplete and what the next step is before making repeated trips to government offices. Official SASSA guidance on grants for the elderly confirms that benefits are available to qualified individuals aged 60 and over, and the application and benefit provision services are free.
Why might fingerprints be difficult to read?
With age, fingerprints can become more difficult for biometric equipment to read. Years of manual labor, wear, and skin changes can affect the clarity of fingerprints. A technical failure may also occur due to the scanner or the conditions under which the print is captured. Therefore, a failed fingerprint scan should not automatically be interpreted as a failure of identity verification.
What to do if fingerprints cannot be scanned?
This is one of the main problems for older people who have already experienced failed biometric checks. If fingerprints cannot be successfully scanned, the problem should be explained to the Department of Home Affairs employee instead of repeatedly returning for retries without knowing the reason for the verification failure. Recent reports have highlighted cases where elderly residents faced difficulties with fingerprint checks and were forced to visit offices multiple times. The next appropriate step will depend on individual circumstances and the information held in the Department of Home Affairs records.
What to do if you are directed to the Department of Home Affairs? If SASSA or another government department directly requires HANIS verification, ask the official to explain: why the verification is needed, what documents to bring, which department within the Department of Home Affairs to approach, whether an appointment is necessary, what to do if fingerprints cannot be scanned, and if an alternative form of biometric verification is available. Bring your valid identification document, as well as any reference numbers, letters, or documentation received from SASSA or the referring department. Keep copies of important documents and, if possible, request confirmation of any visit or submission of documents.
What to do if a person is too frail to travel?
Official SASSA guidance states that if a person is too old or ill to attend an office to apply for an old-age grant, a family member or friend may apply on their behalf, provided the necessary letter and, if applicable, a doctor's certificate explaining the person's inability to attend are provided. SASSA has also reported that grant recipients who cannot attend an office may be represented by a curator in applicable circumstances. However, since HANIS verification is an identity verification process, families should first clarify with the Department of Home Affairs or SASSA which agreement applies to the specific case, rather than assuming someone else can complete the biometric check on the recipient's behalf.
Is HANIS verification the same as a SASSA grant review? No. A grant review concerns checking whether the recipient continues to be entitled to their grant. This may include verifying identity, income, assets, marital status, and other circumstances. On the other hand, HANIS verification relates to identity verification. But these two processes can overlap, as identity verification may be part of a grant review. SASSA advised grant recipients whose grants were selected for review to bring documents such as a valid ID, proof of income, bank statements for three months, and proof of residence, depending on their circumstances.
