Systems and methods for verifying individuals prior to distribution of one or more benefits are disclosed. One example method includes receiving, at an interface peripheral of a payment card device, a biometric from an individual associated with the device and comparing the received biometric to a biometric reference stored in a memory of the device. The method also includes, in response to the received biometric matching the biometric reference, setting a biometric status in the memory of the device for an expiration interval and enabling the device for transactions to be funded by an account linked to the device, based on the biometric status being set. The method then includes, in response to expiration of the expiration interval, resetting the biometric status in the device and disabling the device for transactions to be funded by the account, based on the biometric status not being set.