Before you start
Have three things ready: your 13-digit South African ID number, the mobile phone number you used on your application, and — if you already applied — your application reference number (an SMS SASSA sent when you submitted).
Only use official channels. The only websites SASSA controls end in sassa.gov.za. Everything else — including this site — is unofficial. Never enter your banking password or OTP on any status-check tool.
1. Check online via the SASSA portal
This is the fastest method. Works for all grant types, though each grant has its own URL.
- Open the correct SASSA URL for your grant. For SRD R370 use srd.sassa.gov.za; for other grants use services.sassa.gov.za.
- Click Application Status.
- Enter your ID number and the phone number you registered with.
- Enter the six-digit one-time PIN (OTP) that SASSA sends to your phone.
- Read the status displayed for each month you are eligible for.
2. Check via WhatsApp
SASSA has a WhatsApp channel that guides you through a small menu.
- Save the SASSA WhatsApp number 082 046 8553 in your contacts.
- Send the word
HiorHelloto start the chat. - Reply with Status and follow the prompts to send your ID number.
3. Check by SMS
Useful if you don't have data. Send an SMS to 082 046 8553 with the text SASSA STATUS <ID number>. Standard SMS rates apply.
4. Check by USSD (no airtime needed)
Dial *120*69277# on any South African mobile network. Choose Status from the menu and enter your ID number. The USSD service is free for SRD R370 status checks.
5. Call the SASSA toll-free line
If you'd rather speak to an agent, call 0800 60 10 11. Have your ID number ready. Lines are busiest on payment days and the first two weeks of each month.
What the status message means
| Status message | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Pending | SASSA has not finished the monthly verification checks. | Wait. Check again after 5 working days. |
| Approved | You qualify for this month's payment. | Check the payment method and payment date. |
| Referred | Your case is being reviewed by an agent (e.g. flagged by the bank check). | Wait up to 90 days. No action needed. |
| Declined | You do not qualify. A reason code is given. | Read the reason. Submit a reconsideration within 90 days. |
| Paid | The money has been released to your chosen channel. | Collect from your bank, Post Office or retailer. |
| Cancelled | You cancelled the application or moved off the grant. | Re-apply if your circumstances have changed. |
Common problems
The OTP is not arriving
Check that the phone number registered on your application is still active. If you have changed numbers, use the Change banking details / mobile number option on the SRD portal first.
The portal says my ID does not exist
Either the ID number has a typo or SASSA has no record of an application from you. Apply online first, then wait 48 hours before checking status.
My status has been "pending" for weeks
This normally means one of the third-party checks (bank balance, UIF, SARS) has taken longer than usual. Read our SRD status guide for a deeper look at each step.
Tip: Take a screenshot of every status message. If you later need to appeal or query a payment, the timestamp and reference number will speed things up.