How to Check Your SASSA Status Without Using Airtime

In South Africa, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides various social grants to individuals who need financial assistance. Whether you’re receiving an old-age pension, child support grant, or the R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, it’s important to regularly check your status or balance to stay informed about your payments.

However, many SASSA beneficiaries find themselves in a situation where they don’t have airtime available to check their status. Fortunately, there are several methods to check your SASSA status without using airtime. Below, we explore the different ways to access your SASSA information for free, or with minimal costs, using data, Wi-Fi, or simple USSD codes.

1. Using USSD Codes to Check Your SASSA Status

One of the most reliable and easiest ways to check your SASSA status or balance without using airtime is through USSD codes. A USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) code allows you to check your status directly on your phone without needing to access the internet.

USSD Codes: 1203210# and 12069277#

You can dial either of the following USSD codes to check your SASSA status:

• 1203210#
• 12069277#

These codes are free to use on most networks and do not require any airtime. Once you dial the code, you will be prompted to enter your ID number, after which your balance or grant status will be displayed on your screen.

These USSD codes are extremely convenient for those who do not have access to mobile data or Wi-Fi. The process is straightforward and can be done from any mobile phone, even those without internet access.

2. Check Your SASSA Status via WhatsApp

Another popular method to check your SASSA status without using airtime is through WhatsApp. WhatsApp requires data or Wi-Fi to work, but it’s a widely accessible tool that many people already use. The good news is that SASSA has made it easier for beneficiaries to check their grant status through the WhatsApp platform.

Using the SASSA WhatsApp Number

Follow these steps to check your status via WhatsApp:

1. Save the official SASSA WhatsApp number: 082 046 8553.
2. Open WhatsApp on your phone and start a conversation with the saved number.
3. Type the word “Status” or “Check Balance” in the message box.
4. Follow the instructions sent to you by SASSA to receive your status or balance.

This method requires no airtime, but it does require an internet connection, either through mobile data or Wi-Fi. WhatsApp offers a user-friendly experience and is often a preferred method for checking SASSA statuses for people who have internet access.

3. Checking Your Balance at an ATM

If you have a SASSA grant card (whether it’s red, blue, or green), you can easily check your balance at any ATM. This method is a great alternative to using airtime or mobile data.

ATM Balance Check

Follow these simple steps:

1. Insert your SASSA grant card into an ATM machine.
2. Enter your PIN number.
3. Choose the “Check Balance” option from the ATM menu.

This option does not require airtime or internet access and can be done at any ATM, even if it’s not specifically linked to your bank. It is an effective way to check your SASSA balance on the go.

4. SASSA Online Portal for Status Checks

For those with internet access, checking your SASSA status online is another convenient option. The official SASSA website allows you to log in and check your grant status or balance directly from your computer or mobile device.

Using the SASSA Online Portal

To check your status online, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official SASSA website: www.sassa.gov.za.
2. Navigate to the “Check Status” or “Grant Status” section.
3. Enter your ID number or login credentials if necessary.
4. Your balance or grant status will be displayed.

This method does not require any airtime, but you will need a stable internet connection to access the website. Whether you are using mobile data or Wi-Fi, this method is efficient and quick.

5. Visit a Postbank Branch or Use Postbank’s Online Services

Another option to check your SASSA status is by visiting your nearest Postbank branch. If you don’t want to leave your home, you can also make use of Postbank’s online services.

Postbank Branch Visit

At Postbank, you can inquire about your SASSA balance in person. Simply visit a nearby Postbank branch, provide your SASSA card and ID number, and the staff will assist you in checking your grant status.

Postbank Online Services

If you have internet access, Postbank also offers online services where you can check your balance or status. Log in to your Postbank account and check your SASSA-related details.

6. Using the SASSA Call Center

For those who prefer speaking to a representative, the SASSA Call Center offers a toll-free number where you can inquire about your status without worrying about airtime charges.

SASSA Toll-Free Call Center

To speak to a SASSA representative, dial 080 060 1011 from any phone. This call is free of charge and does not require airtime. Simply follow the prompts and provide your ID number, and you will receive your grant status or payment information.

This method is perfect for those who are not comfortable with using online services or WhatsApp and prefer direct assistance from SASSA.

7. SMS Service for Checking Your SASSA Status

Although it may require some airtime depending on your network, sending an SMS can still be an option to check your SASSA status. However, it’s less recommended if you don’t have airtime.

SMS Options

You can send an SMS with the following formats to the numbers below:

• STATUS <space> ID number to 32555.
• SASSA SRD Status <space> ID number to 0600 123 456.

These SMS options may require a small fee, depending on your mobile network, so it’s a less ideal method if you’re trying to avoid spending any airtime.

Check also: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Fill In the SASSA Payment Form

There are many ways to check your SASSA status or balance without using airtime. Whether it’s through free USSD codes, WhatsApp, ATM balance checks, Postbank services, or the SASSA Call Center, you have multiple convenient options to stay updated on your grants.

Always choose the method that best suits your situation, whether it’s access to the internet, Wi-Fi, or proximity to an ATM or Postbank branch. By utilizing these tools, you can easily track your SASSA status without worrying about airtime costs.