> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cahf.gitbook.io/primary-transfer-toolkit/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cahf.gitbook.io/primary-transfer-toolkit/beneficiary-administration-and-transfer-toolkit/data-collection-and-validation/collate-existing-administrative-data-on-beneficiaries/step-1-extract-data-on-project-beneficiaries-from-the-hss.md).

# Step 1: Extract data on project beneficiaries from the HSS

## Get project beneficiaries from HSS

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**What is the HSS?:** the HSS (Housing Subsidy System) is a national system that contains data on beneficiaries allocated to a specific project.  

For more details view the HSS online [here](https://www.hssonline.gov.za/DesktopDefault.aspx).
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Extract data from the HSS in **CSV format.** Only demographic data should be exported from the system. Follow the steps below to gather the requisite information.  

1. Visit the [HSS online](https://www.gov.za/about-sa/humansettlements)
2. Access the project list page
3. Locate specific project list
4. Export the project beneficiaries ID number list for that project

{% hint style="danger" %}
In many cases, **ERF numbers were not available at the time beneficiaries were allocated** to properties and ‘dummy’ site numbers were used. Thus, the quality of this data is poor and may not provide an accurate picture of the actual property allocated to the beneficiary. This data should be used with caution.
{% endhint %}

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**Maturity Roadmap: suggestion for improvement**

It is possible to streamline this process by creating an API that would allow data to be requested and extracted in a specified format. This would enable automated uploading of the data into a database
{% endhint %}