How to Check Your SASSA Balance
Complete guide for all South African grant recipients
Last updated: November 2025
Quick Facts
- Check your balance for free using USSD codes
- No airtime or data needed for most methods
- Works for SRD R370 and all SASSA grants
- Multiple checking options available 24/7
Table of Contents
What is SASSA Balance?
Your SASSA balance is the money you have in your grant account. This money comes from your social grant payments. SASSA pays grants every month to South Africans who need financial help.
There are different types of SASSA grants:
- SRD R370 Grant – For unemployed people (was R350 until 2024)
- Old Age Grant – For people over 60 years old
- Disability Grant – For people with disabilities
- Child Support Grant – For children under 18
- Foster Care Grant – For children in foster care
You can check your balance for any of these grants. The same methods work for all grants.
✅ Why You Should Check Your Balance
Checking your SASSA balance regularly helps you in many ways:
Know When Payment Arrives
You can see if your monthly grant has been paid into your account. This helps you plan your spending.
Manage Your Money Better
You know how much money you have left. You can plan what to buy and when.
Spot Problems Early
If your payment is late or missing, you can report it quickly. If someone steals your money, you will know fast.
Stay Safe from Scams
When you check regularly, you can see if strange transactions happen. This helps protect you from fraud.
Method 1: Check Using USSD (Completely Free)
This is the easiest way to check your SASSA balance. You need no airtime and no data. It works on any mobile phone.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Take out your phone
Make sure you use the phone number you registered with SASSA.
Step 2: Dial this USSD code
*120*3210#
If this code doesn’t work, try the second code: *120*69277#
Step 3: Press the call button
A menu will appear on your screen.
Step 4: Follow the prompts
You will be asked for your ID number and phone number. Type them in correctly.
Step 5: Get your balance
Your current balance will show on screen. You may also get an SMS message with your balance.
Method 2: Check Using WhatsApp
If you have WhatsApp and some data, you can check your balance through SASSA’s official WhatsApp line.
WhatsApp Balance Check Steps:
Step 1: Save SASSA’s number
082 046 8553
Save this number as “SASSA Official” in your phone contacts.
Step 2: Open WhatsApp
Start a new chat with the SASSA number you saved.
Step 3: Send “SASSA” or “Status”
Type and send the keyword to start the automated service.
Step 4: Follow the bot instructions
The WhatsApp bot will guide you. Select the option to check your balance.
Method 3: Check at Any ATM
If you have a SASSA Gold Card, you can check your balance at any ATM in South Africa. This method is free at most ATMs.
ATM Balance Check Steps:
Step 1: Find an ATM
Go to any ATM from these banks: ABSA, FNB, Standard Bank, Nedbank, Capitec, TymeBank, or Postbank.
Step 2: Insert your SASSA card
Put your SASSA Gold Card into the ATM card slot.
Step 3: Enter your PIN
Type in your 4-digit PIN number. Cover the keypad with your hand when typing.
Step 4: Select “Balance Inquiry”
Look for the balance check option. It might say “Check Balance” or “Account Balance”.
Step 5: View or print your balance
Your balance will show on screen. You can choose to print a receipt or just view it.
⚠️ Important:
- The first balance check each month is free at Postbank ATMs
- After the first check, you may pay R2.50 per printed statement
- Viewing balance on screen is usually free
- Always use ATMs in safe, well-lit areas
Method 4: Check Online
For SRD R370 grant recipients, you can check your status and payment dates online. This tells you when money will be paid into your account.
Online Status Check Steps:
Step 1: Go to the official SASSA website
srd.sassa.gov.za
Make sure you type this address correctly. Don’t click on links from unknown sources.
Step 2: Click “Check Status”
Find the status check section on the website.
Step 3: Enter your details
Type in your 13-digit ID number and the phone number you used when applying.
Step 4: View your status
You will see if your grant is approved and when payment will be made.
Method 5: Check at Retail Stores
You can check your SASSA card balance at major retail stores in South Africa. This is helpful when you are shopping.
Stores Where You Can Check:
- Shoprite – All branches nationwide
- Pick n Pay – Most locations
- Checkers – Major stores
- Boxer Superstores – All branches
- Usave – Selected stores
How to Check at Stores:
Go to the cashier or customer service desk. Give them your SASSA card. Ask them to check your balance. They will tell you how much money you have.
⚠️ Important Things to Remember
Keep Your Balance Low
For SRD R370 grants, your bank balance must be R624 or less. If you have more than R624 in your account, SASSA may stop your grant for that month.
Use Your Registered Phone Number
USSD codes only work with the phone number you gave SASSA. If you changed your number, update it with SASSA first.
Check Regularly
Check your balance at least once a week. This helps you spot problems early and manage your money better.
Keep Your Account Active
If you don’t use your SASSA card for 3 months, your account may be suspended. Make small withdrawals or purchases to keep it active.
🚨 SCAM WARNINGS – Protect Yourself
SASSA grant scams are increasing in South Africa in 2025. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe:
Scam 1: Fake SMS and WhatsApp Messages
What happens: You get a message saying your grant is ready or at risk. The message asks you to click a link and enter your details.
The truth: SASSA never sends links asking for your ID number, banking details, or PIN.
What to do: Delete the message. Don’t click any links. Report it to SASSA.
Scam 2: Fake SASSA Officials
What happens: Someone calls or visits you claiming to be from SASSA. They offer to help you get your grant faster – for a fee.
The truth: SASSA services are completely free. No one can speed up your payment for money.
What to do: Refuse to pay anything. Report the person to SASSA and the police.
Scam 3: Fake Websites
What happens: You find a website that looks like SASSA’s site. It asks for your login details or personal information.
The truth: The real SASSA website is srd.sassa.gov.za – no other address is official.
What to do: Only use the official website. Check the address carefully before entering any information.
Scam 4: Fake Cash Send Messages
What happens: You get an SMS saying your grant is ready for collection. It gives you a fake reference number.
The truth: Always check your status on the official SASSA website first.
What to do: Verify any message by checking the SASSA website or calling 0800 60 10 11.
Scam 5: Fake R3,070 Grant Messages
What happens: You see messages on social media about a new R3,070 grant payment. They ask you to apply through their link.
The truth: There is no R3,070 grant. This is a scam to steal your information.
What to do: Ignore these messages. Report them to SASSA and the police.
How to Stay Safe:
- Never share your PIN, OTP, or banking details with anyone
- SASSA will never ask for payment to process your grant
- Only use official SASSA contact numbers and websites
- Don’t click on links in SMS or WhatsApp messages
- Cover your PIN when using ATMs or making payments
- Check your balance regularly to spot fraud quickly
Quick Comparison of Balance Check Methods
| Method | Cost | Requirements | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| USSD Code | Free | Any phone, no data needed | Instant |
| Data costs | Smartphone with WhatsApp | Fast | |
| ATM | Free (usually) | SASSA card and PIN | Instant |
| Online | Data costs | Internet access | Fast |
| Retail Store | Free | SASSA card | Fast |
What to Do If You Have Problems
Your Balance Is Wrong
If you think your balance is incorrect, check it using a different method. If it’s still wrong, call SASSA on 0800 60 10 11.
Your Payment Is Late
Check your status online first. If it shows as paid but you haven’t received it, wait 2-3 working days. Banks can take time to process. If still nothing, contact SASSA.
USSD Code Doesn’t Work
Make sure you’re using your registered phone number. Try the second USSD code (*120*69277#). If both don’t work, try a different method.
Money Is Missing from Your Account
This could be fraud. Call SASSA immediately on 0800 60 10 11. Also report it to the South African Police Service (SAPS). Keep checking your balance regularly to catch fraud early.
You Lost Your SASSA Card
Report it immediately to SASSA. Go to your nearest SASSA office with your ID. They will block your old card and issue a new one. This protects your money from thieves.
✅ Official SASSA Contact Details
Always use these official contact details. Never use numbers from SMS messages or social media:
| SASSA Helpline (Toll-Free) | 0800 60 10 11 |
| WhatsApp Number | 082 046 8553 |
| GrantsEnquiries@sassa.gov.za | |
| Official Website | srd.sassa.gov.za |
| Fraud Hotline | 0800 701 701 |
| Office Hours | Monday – Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
Our Final Recommendations
Checking your SASSA balance is easy and free. The USSD method (*120*3210#) is the best option for most people. It costs nothing and works on any phone.
Check your balance at least once a week. This helps you manage your money better and catch problems early. If anything looks wrong, contact SASSA immediately.
Be very careful of scams. SASSA will never ask for your PIN, banking details, or money to process your grant. Only use the official contact numbers and website listed in this guide.
For SRD R370 grant recipients, remember to keep your bank balance below R624. This keeps you eligible for your monthly payment.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and was last updated in November 2025. SASSA procedures, fees, and requirements may change. Always verify current information through official SASSA channels before making decisions about your grant.
For complaints or disputes, contact the SASSA helpline at 0800 60 10 11 or visit your nearest SASSA office.
Report scams to the SASSA Fraud Hotline: 0800 701 701 or the South African Police Service.