Benefits Distribution

Fraud is an ever-present problem for the distribution of government and private sector benefits. The use of duplicate identities can lead to significant losses in national welfare systems, undue provision of emergency aid in disaster zones, and payroll "double dipping".

Governments and private sector employers are now turning to biometrics as a way to minimize losses from benefit fraud. Ensuring the identity of a benefit recipient ensures that only qualified applicants receive the aid that they require. Many governments now use biometrically enabled documents such as national ID cards and passports to verify identities before benefits can be collected.

In the complex logistical environment of a natural disaster or emergency situation, governments and aid organizations are looking to distribute food and supplies efficiently and equally. Using a biometric system allows aid agencies to ensure that only qualified recipients get the help they need. Duplicative or fraudulent distributions of supplies vanish when biometrics enable a comprehensive look at who has received benefits and when.

In many countries with weak banking systems, payroll distribution can be difficult to account for in the field. This often leads to duplicate payments, creation of phantom "relatives", and other fraudulent schemes. Biometrics in payroll distribution ensures that the proper recipient gets the pay they are due, providing accountability which minimizes loss.