Quick Facts

• The R350 grant is now R370 (increased April 2024)
• You can check your status online for free
• Payment dates vary for each person each month
• NEVER pay anyone to check your status
• Multiple checking methods available (no data needed)

What is the SASSA R350/R370 Grant?

The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant helps unemployed South Africans.

This grant started during COVID-19 in May 2020. It was originally R350 per month.

From April 2024, the amount increased to R370. The government extended this grant until March 2027.

✅ How to Check Your SASSA Status

There are six ways to check your grant status. All methods are free. Never pay anyone to check for you.

Method 1: Check Online (Fastest)

Step 1: Go to the official SASSA website: srd.sassa.gov.za

Step 2: Enter your 13-digit South African ID number.

Step 3: Enter your phone number (the one you used to apply).

Step 4: Click “Check Status” button.

Step 5: Your status will show on screen. If approved, you will see your payment date.

Method 2: WhatsApp (Data-Free Option)

Step 1: Save this number in your phone: 082 046 8553

Step 2: Open WhatsApp and start a chat with this number.

Step 3: Type “SASSA” or “Status” and send the message.

Step 4: Follow the menu options. The system will ask for your ID number.

Step 5: You will receive your status through WhatsApp.

Method 3: SMS (No Internet Needed)

Step 1: Open your phone’s SMS app.

Step 2: Type: STATUS (space) Your ID Number

Example: STATUS 8001015800082

Step 3: Send the SMS to 32555

Step 4: You will receive your status by SMS.

Method 4: USSD Code (Works on Any Phone)

Step 1: Dial *120*3210# or *120*69277#

Step 2: Follow the menu instructions on your screen.

Step 3: Enter your ID number when asked.

Step 4: Your status will display on your phone screen.

Method 5: Phone Call (Speak to a Person)

Step 1: Call SASSA toll-free: 0800 60 10 11

Step 2: You may need to wait. The line is very busy.

Step 3: When connected, ask to check your SRD status.

Step 4: Provide your ID number and phone number.

Step 5: The agent will tell you your status.

Method 6: Visit a SASSA Office

Step 1: Find your nearest SASSA office.

Step 2: Bring your ID book or ID card.

Step 3: Arrive early (before 9am) to avoid long queues.

Step 4: A SASSA official will check your status for you.

Understanding Your SASSA Status

When you check your status, you will see different messages. Here is what each one means.

Status Message	What It Means	What You Must Do
Approved	Good news! Your grant is approved for this month.	Wait for your payment date to show. Check again in 2-3 days.
Pending	SASSA is still checking your application. This can take time.	Be patient. Check again after one week. It can take up to 3 months.
Declined	Your grant was not approved for this month. A reason will be shown.	Read the reason carefully. You can appeal within 30 days.
Period Approved	Approved for a specific month (e.g., “December Approved”).	Look for your payment date. It will show soon.
Period Declined	Not approved for one specific month. You can still get next month.	Appeal if you disagree. Wait for next month’s approval.
Awaiting Identity Verification	SASSA cannot verify your ID with Home Affairs.	Check your ID details match Home Affairs. Visit SASSA office.
Bank Details Pending	You did not provide your bank details yet.	Add your bank details on the SASSA website immediately.
Cancelled	Your application was cancelled. This could be by you or SASSA.	If you did not cancel, call SASSA urgently: 0800 60 10 11

Who Can Get the SASSA R370 Grant?

You must meet all these requirements to qualify:

✓ Age Requirement

You must be between 18 and 60 years old. If you are 60 or older, apply for the Old Age Grant instead.

✓ Identity Requirement

You need a valid South African ID card or ID book. Refugees, asylum seekers, and special permit holders can also apply.

✓ Employment Requirement

You must be unemployed. You cannot have a regular job or steady income.

✓ Income Requirement

Your monthly income must be below R624. SASSA checks your bank account to verify this.

✓ Other Grants Restriction

You cannot receive any other SASSA grant or government support. This includes UIF, NSFAS, or government pension. Exception: Child Support Grant caregivers can still apply.

✓ Household Rule

Only ONE person per household can apply. Usually the main breadwinner applies.

🚨 SERIOUS SCAM WARNING – Protect Your Grant Money

Over 90,000 SASSA beneficiaries have been scammed in 2025. Criminals are targeting desperate people. Read this section carefully.

Scam #1: Fake SASSA Websites

How it works: Scammers create websites that look exactly like SASSA. You enter your details. They steal your ID number and bank information.

How to stay safe: Only use the official website: srd.sassa.gov.za – Check the web address carefully. Any other website is fake.

Scam #2: Phishing SMS and Emails

How it works: You receive an SMS or email saying “Your grant is blocked” or “Update your details now”. They include a link.

How to stay safe: SASSA never sends emails. SASSA only sends SMS from their official number. Never click links in messages. Go directly to the official website.

Scam #3: People Offering to “Help” Apply

How it works: Someone offers to apply for you or “speed up” your application. They ask for money or your phone/ID.

How to stay safe: You can apply yourself for free. SASSA never charges any fees. Never give your phone, ID, or SASSA card to anyone.

Scam #4: Fake “SASSA Officials” Visiting Homes

How it works: Someone comes to your home in a uniform. They say they are from SASSA. They ask for money or personal details.

How to stay safe: SASSA does not do home visits without appointment. Real SASSA officials have ID badges. If unsure, call SASSA to confirm: 0800 60 10 11

Scam #5: Fraudulent Applications Using Your ID

How it works: Criminals apply for the grant using stolen ID numbers. They change the phone number and bank details. They steal YOUR grant money.

How to stay safe: Check your status regularly. If you see an application you did not make, report it immediately to SASSA.

Scam #6: Fake WhatsApp Numbers

How it works: Scammers pretend to be “SASSA Help” on WhatsApp. They ask for your details or money.

How to stay safe: Only use the official SASSA WhatsApp number: 082 046 8553 – Do not trust any other number.

Scam #7: Loan Sharks Taking Your SASSA Card

How it works: Someone offers you a loan. They say they need to keep your SASSA card “as guarantee”. They drain your account.

How to stay safe: Never give your SASSA card to anyone for any reason. This practice is illegal. Report it to police.

If You Have Been Scammed

Step 1: Call your bank immediately. Ask them to freeze your account.

Step 2: Call SASSA fraud line: 0800 60 10 11

Step 3: Report to your nearest police station. Get a case number.

Step 4: Change all your passwords and PIN numbers.

Step 5: Visit a SASSA office with your ID to update your details.

⚠️ What If Your Application is Declined?

Do not panic if your status shows “Declined”. You have options. First, understand why you were declined.

Common Reasons for Decline

Decline Reason	What It Means	What to Do
Income Too High	SASSA found money in your bank account over R624 per month.	If this is wrong, appeal with your bank statements.
Registered on UIF	You are receiving unemployment benefits from Department of Labour.	If you stopped receiving UIF, appeal with proof.
Receiving NSFAS	You get student funding from NSFAS.	You cannot get both. No appeal possible.
On Government Payroll	SASSA found you on government salary system.	If you no longer work for government, appeal with proof.
Identity Verification Failed	Your ID details do not match Home Affairs records.	Visit Home Affairs to update your details first.
Invalid Banking Details	Your bank account details are wrong or account is closed.	Update your banking details on SASSA website.

How to Appeal a Declined Application

You have 30 days to appeal after being declined. Here is the process:

Step 1: Go to srd.sassa.gov.za

Step 2: Click on “Appeal” or “Reconsideration”

Step 3: Enter your ID number and phone number

Step 4: You will receive a PIN on your phone

Step 5: Enter the PIN on the website

Step 6: Select the month you want to appeal

Step 7: Explain why you disagree with the decline

Step 8: Submit your appeal

Important: You must appeal separately for each month that was declined.

If Your Appeal is Rejected

The Independent Tribunal decision is final. You cannot appeal again through SASSA. However, you can take legal action in High Court within 180 days if you believe the decision was unfair.

Payment Dates and How to Collect Your Money

When Do Payments Happen?

SRD R370 grants do not have fixed payment dates. Each person gets a different payment date each month.

Most people receive their grants after the 2nd week of each month. Payments usually happen between the 15th and 30th of the month.

You will see your specific payment date when you check your status. The date shows only when your application is approved.

How to Receive Your R370

You have three options to receive your grant money:

Option 1: Bank Transfer (Recommended)

• Provide your bank account details on SASSA website
• Money goes directly into your account
• Takes 2-3 business days after payment date
• Safest and fastest method
• Any South African bank account works

Option 2: Cash Send

• You do not need a bank account
• SASSA sends you an SMS with a voucher code
• Take the SMS to participating retailers
• Show your ID and SMS
• Collect cash at the till

Option 3: Retail Collection

• Pick n Pay
• Shoprite
• Checkers
• Boxer
• Usave

Important: The Post Office no longer pays SRD grants. Do not go to the Post Office.

If You Did Not Receive Payment

Sometimes payments are delayed. Here is what to do:

Step 1: Check your status again. Make sure it says “Approved” with a payment date.

Step 2: Wait 3-5 business days after the payment date. Banks take time to process.

Step 3: Check your bank account or SMS for payment notifications.

Step 4: If still no payment after 7 days, call SASSA: 0800 60 10 11

Step 5: If problem continues, visit a SASSA office with your ID.

✅ How to Get Help

SASSA Contact Information

Contact Method	Details	When to Use
Toll-Free Helpline	0800 60 10 11	General questions, status checks, problems
WhatsApp	082 046 8553	Quick status checks, simple questions
Official Website	srd.sassa.gov.za	Status checks, applications, appeals
Appeal Website	srd.dsd.gov.za/appeals	Check your appeal status
SASSA Office Visit	Find nearest office on SASSA website	Complex problems, document verification

Reporting Fraud

If you discover fraud or someone using your ID:

• Call SASSA immediately: 0800 60 10 11
• Report to your nearest police station
• Visit a SASSA office with your ID
• Contact your bank if money was stolen

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem: Lost my phone number

Solution: Visit srd.sassa.gov.za/contact with your ID number to update your number

Problem: Changed my bank account

Solution: Update banking details on SASSA website. It takes 3-5 days to process.

Problem: Status stuck on “Pending” for months

Solution: Call SASSA helpline or visit an office. Bring your ID and phone.

Problem: Someone else applied using my ID

Solution: Report fraud immediately. Visit SASSA office for biometric verification.

Quick Troubleshooting Guide

Problem	Quick Fix
Website not loading	Try early morning or late evening. Clear your browser cache.
Cannot get OTP/PIN	Check your phone has airtime and signal. Try again in 5 minutes.
Status shows “Null” or blank	System is updating. Check again tomorrow.
ID verification keeps failing	Visit Home Affairs to update your records first.
Payment date not showing	Wait 2-3 days after approval. Date appears later.

✓ DO These Things

• Check your status regularly (at least once a week)
• Only use official SASSA channels
• Keep your phone number and bank details updated
• Save important SMS messages from SASSA
• Collect your money within 3 months
• Report fraud immediately if you see suspicious activity

✗ NEVER Do These Things

• Never pay anyone to check your status or apply
• Never share your PIN, password, or OTP with anyone
• Never give your SASSA card or ID to anyone
• Never click links in SMS or emails about your grant
• Never use unofficial websites (only srd.sassa.gov.za)
• Never trust people offering to “speed up” your application

Remember: The R370 grant is yours by right if you qualify. You do not need to pay anyone. SASSA provides free services. Stay alert for scams. Protect your personal information.

If you follow this guide, you can check your status safely and collect your money without problems. Share this information with family and friends who need help with their SASSA grants.