Twenty of the most common SASSA questions, grouped by topic. If yours is not here, use the contact page to reach SASSA directly.
As often as you like. Checking your status never affects your application. That said, the monthly means test runs once a month for SRD grants, so re-checking every hour will not change the outcome.
Log in to the SRD portal, click How do you want to be paid?, and submit your banking details. The bank account must be in your own name.
The SRD grant is re-tested every month. A deposit into your bank account this month can push you above the R624 threshold and cause a decline for that month only.
Yes — with their permission and their ID and phone number. The OTP will still be sent to their registered phone.
Older persons and child support grants typically take up to 30 days; disability grants can take up to 90 days because a medical assessment is required. Applications are backdated to the day you applied if approved.
No. All SASSA services are free of charge — application, status checks, appeals and the medical assessment for a disability grant.
Currently only the SRD R370 can be applied for entirely online. All other grants still require you to attend a SASSA office in person for identity and biometrics capture.
You can only receive one grant on your own ID. However, a caregiver may receive a child support or foster child grant on behalf of a child while also receiving their own older persons or disability grant.
Check the payment status first. Common causes: your monthly means test failed, your banking details are outdated, or you are on the "pending" list because SASSA's monthly checks are still running.
Yes. Log in to the SRD portal or visit a SASSA office. Only one change per month is allowed.
SASSA holds the money for up to three months. If not claimed, it is returned to the state and the grant may be suspended.
No. Boxer, Checkers, Pick n Pay, Shoprite and Usave pay out SASSA grants free of charge. If any till operator asks for a fee, report it on the fraud line 0800 601 011.
No. SASSA only pays into a bank account registered in the recipient's own name. This is a fraud-prevention rule.
Use the SRD portal's Change banking details / cellphone number option, or visit a SASSA office in person. Do not share your new number in random WhatsApp groups.
On the official SASSA portal — yes. On third-party sites — only if the site does not store or transmit it. This site validates your ID number locally in your browser and does not send it anywhere.
Yes. For SRD, use the reconsideration form on the portal within 90 days. For other grants, complete the SASSA appeal form and it will go to the Independent Tribunal.
No. If future months pass the checks they will be paid regardless of an open appeal on a previous month.
Your final option is a High Court review. Contact Legal Aid on 0800 110 110 for free legal representation if you qualify.
SASSA never sends payment links, never asks you to click on a shortened URL, and never asks for your ATM PIN. Any message that does one of these is a scam.
Report it immediately to the SASSA fraud line 0800 601 011 and open a case with the South African Police Service.