SASSA Complete
Social Grants Guide
Everything you need to know about the R370 SRD grant, Old Age Pension, identity verification, payment dates, and NSFAS — updated for 2026.
What Is SASSA & Its Grants?
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) manages social grants for over 28+ million South Africans. It administers eight grant types to protect the country’s most vulnerable citizens across all nine provinces.
Old Age Grant
Provides monthly income support for South Africans aged 60 and older who do not qualify for a pension. Also called the “SASSA pension.”
Disability Grant
For citizens aged 18–59 who are medically assessed as unable to work due to a disability. Requires a medical report from a registered health professional.
Child Support Grant
Paid to the primary caregiver of children under 18 years. One of the most widely claimed grants, reaching millions of families nationally.
Foster Child Grant
Paid to a registered foster parent for each child placed in their care by a court order. Higher in value than the Child Support Grant.
Care Dependency Grant
For caregivers of children who need full-time special care due to a severe physical or mental disability. Means-tested for caregivers.
SRD R370 Grant
Social Relief of Distress grant for unemployed South Africans aged 18–59 with no income. Assessed monthly. Currently R370/month (2026).
War Veterans Grant
For veterans of the Second World War or Korean War, or their spouses, who are in need of financial support. A small, shrinking group of beneficiaries.
Grant-in-Aid
An additional payment for grant holders who are unable to care for themselves and require full-time attendance from another person.
Updated Grant Amounts — April 2026
All permanent social grants received above-inflation increases from 1 April 2026. The SRD grant remains frozen at R370.
How to Check Your SASSA R370 Status (2026)
There are 6 official methods to check your SRD R370 status. Always use official government platforms to protect your personal details — never enter your ID number on unofficial third-party websites.
Open the Official SRD Portal
Go to srd.sassa.gov.za in your browser. Confirm the exact URL before entering any information. Bookmark it for future checks.
Click “Check Your Status”
Find and click the “Check Your Status” or “Application Status” button on the homepage menu.
Enter Your Details
Input your 13-digit South African ID number and the cellphone number you registered with. These must match exactly.
Enter the OTP
A One-Time PIN will be sent to your registered number. Enter this PIN within the time limit to authenticate your session.
View Your Monthly Status
Your status and personal pay date will be displayed month by month. Note your pay date — it is unique to you and differs from the general payment windows.
Save the SASSA WhatsApp Number
Save 082 046 8553 as “SASSA SRD” in your contacts. This is the official SASSA WhatsApp helpdesk number.
Send a Message
Open WhatsApp and send a message such as: “Hi, my name is [Full Name] and my ID is [13-digit ID]. Please check my R370 status.” Use your registered phone number.
Receive Your Status
You will receive an automated reply with your current application status and payment details. With 28.8 million South Africans on WhatsApp, this is one of the most popular methods.
Dial the USSD Code
From your registered phone number, dial *120*3210#. This method is completely free and works without data or airtime on most networks.
Follow the Menu Prompts
Navigate the menu by entering the numbered options. You will be asked for your ID number to verify your identity.
View Your Status
Your SRD grant status and balance information will be displayed on your phone screen immediately.
Send an SMS
From your registered phone, send an SMS to 082 046 8553. Include your full name and ID number in the message body.
Wait for Reply SMS
SASSA will send back an SMS with your current application status and payment date. No data connection is required — works on any basic phone.
Call the Free Helpline
Dial 0800 60 10 11 — this is a toll-free number from most South African networks. Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 16:00.
Provide Your Details
The operator will ask for your South African ID number and registered phone number to locate your application in the system.
Get Status Information
The agent will provide your current SRD status, payment date, and guidance on resolving any pending or declined issues.
Visit Your Nearest SASSA Office
For complex queries — especially identity verification failures or banking detail problems — visiting a SASSA office in person is often the fastest path to resolution.
Bring Required Documents
- Original South African ID (green barcoded book or smart ID card)
- Proof of bank account (if updating banking details)
- Your SASSA reference number (if available)
- Proof of residence if required
Speak to an Official
A SASSA official will check your status, update your details, and escalate any verification failures directly from the office system.
Understanding Your SRD Status Results
| Status | Meaning | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Approved | Your application is approved for that month. Payment is scheduled. | Wait for your personal pay date (shown on the portal). Allow 2–3 working days for bank reflection. |
| ⏳ Pending | SASSA is still verifying your details. Does NOT mean rejected. | Wait a few days to several weeks. If pending for more than 3 months, contact SASSA via helpline or office. |
| ❌ Declined | Not approved for that month. Possible reasons: income above R628, receiving other grants, UIF eligibility, or database mismatch. | You have 90 days to lodge a reconsideration or appeal via srd.sassa.gov.za. No lawyer needed. |
| 🔄 Referred | Application is under additional review — often a deeper identity or income check. | Wait for the review to complete. You may receive an SMS asking you to verify your face via a link. |
| 🏦 Bank Pending | You applied but have not added your banking details yet. | Log into srd.sassa.gov.za and add your South African bank account. Must be in your name and active. |
| 📝 Not Submitted | Application was not renewed before the deadline. | Visit srd.sassa.gov.za to submit a new application. Have ID, phone number, and banking details ready. |
How to Check Your SASSA Pension (Old Age Grant) Status
The SASSA Old Age Grant — commonly called the “SASSA pension” — is a permanent monthly grant of R2,400 (2026) for citizens aged 60 and older who pass the means test.
Eligibility (2026)
Must be 60+ years old · South African citizen or permanent resident · Pass the means test · Not in state-funded housing · No other SASSA grant receiving
Required Documents
Original green ID book or Smart ID · Proof of residence · Bank account details · Marriage certificate if applicable · Means test declaration form
2026 Pay Dates
Older Persons paid first each month. April 2026: 2 April. May 2026: 4 May. Permanent grants are not paid in batches — they go out on a fixed date.
Step-by-Step: Check Your Pension Status
Visit the Official SASSA Website
Go to www.sassa.gov.za — this is for permanent social grants (pension, disability, child support). Note: this is different from srd.sassa.gov.za which is for the SRD R370 grant only.
Use the eLife / Status Check Portal
SASSA offers an online status check for permanent grant recipients. You can also check via the GovChat app or the Moya App which are officially integrated with SASSA systems.
Call the SASSA Helpline
Dial 0800 60 10 11 (free, Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00). Quote your ID number and grant reference. The agent will tell you your current status, payment date, and any issues.
Check Your Bank / Postbank Account
For pension recipients paid via bank transfer, check your account on or after your payment date. If using the Postbank Black Card (new 2025 replacement for the SASSA Gold Card), check at any ATM or Shoprite/Checkers.
eLife Certification (Annual Requirement)
Pension recipients must complete eLife certification annually to prove they are still alive. This can be done at a SASSA office, selected post offices, or via biometric verification at partnered retailers. Failure to complete this will suspend payments.
How to Complete SASSA Identity Verification
By 2026, SASSA has completed major system upgrades including direct integration with the Department of Home Affairs. All new applicants must now undergo biometric verification — including facial recognition — to authenticate their identity.
Watch for the SMS Verification Link
When SASSA needs to verify your identity, you will receive two SMS messages with a secure link to take a facial photo. Follow the links immediately — they expire quickly. You need:
- Your registered phone with internet connection
- A working front camera on your phone
- Your original green ID book or Smart ID card
Complete the Facial Scan
Follow the on-screen instructions to take a clear facial photo. Ensure:
- Good lighting on your face (natural light is best)
- No glasses, hat, or face coverings
- Look directly at the camera
- Hold your ID document next to your face as instructed
Visit Department of Home Affairs (If Verification Fails)
If the online biometric check fails repeatedly, visit your nearest Department of Home Affairs office with your original ID. Request a record verification and update. Once Home Affairs confirms your details, SASSA’s next database sync will resolve the issue. Carry your SASSA reference number if you have one.
Update Phone Number If Needed
If you have changed your phone number since applying, update it through the SASSA SRD portal online, or visit a SASSA office in person. All notifications and verification links are sent to your registered number — keeping it current is critical.
Resolve Persistent “Referred” Status
A “Referred” status often means additional identity or income verification is in progress. If you remain in “Referred” for more than 60 days, contact SASSA at 0800 60 10 11 or email [email protected].
How to Check Your SASSA R370 Payment (formerly R350)
The SRD grant was R350/month from 2020 to March 2024, then raised to R370/month from April 2024 — maintained at this level into 2026. Both “R350 status check” and “R370 status check” refer to the same Social Relief of Distress grant.
How to Check If Your Payment Has Arrived
Check the SRD Portal First
Go to srd.sassa.gov.za and check that your status shows “Approved” for the current month. If approved, your pay date will be displayed. If it says “Pending” or “Declined,” your payment has not been processed yet.
Check Your Bank Account
Log into your banking app, visit an ATM, or dial your bank’s USSD code to check your balance on or after your pay date. SASSA deposits as a bank transfer will show as a deposit from SASSA.
Check via USSD (Postbank / eWallet)
If you receive your grant via Postbank Black Card, dial *120*3210#. For eWallet recipients, open the eWallet app — a deposit of R370 from SASSA confirms your approval. No deposit means your status may be pending or declined.
Verify Banking Details Are Correct
Ensure your bank account is:
- In your own name
- An active South African bank account
- A registered bank (ABSA, Capitec, FNB, Nedbank, Standard Bank, TymeBank, African Bank, etc.)
- Updated on the SASSA portal — changes take 1–2 payment cycles to take effect
Update Banking Details If Needed
If your bank details are wrong or outdated, update them at srd.sassa.gov.za under “Change SRD Banking Details.” You can also update in person at any SASSA office. If your status shows “Bank Details Pending,” you must add your account number to receive payment.
Accepted South African Banks for SRD Payment
🏦 Major Banks
ABSA · FNB · Nedbank · Standard Bank · Capitec
🏦 Digital Banks
TymeBank · African Bank · Discovery Bank · Bank Zero
📮 Other Options
Postbank Black Card (new 2025) · eWallet · GovChat Wallet
SASSA Payment Dates — April & May 2026
Permanent grants follow a fixed monthly schedule. The SRD R370 grant uses a personal batch payment window — your individual pay date is shown on the SRD portal.
April 2026
Older Persons
Disability Grant
Children’s Grants
SRD R370 – Window 1
SRD R370 – Window 2
May 2026
Older Persons
Disability Grant
Children’s Grants
SRD R370 Batches
How to Appeal a Declined SASSA SRD Application
A declined status does not mean the end of your application. You have the right to appeal — and it is free, no lawyer needed. Over 1.2 million applications were declined in early 2026, many due to false-positive bank flags.
Act Within 90 Days
You have 90 days from the date of decline to lodge a request for reconsideration. After 90 days, a declined appeal is final for that assessed month. Do not delay.
Submit Reconsideration via the SRD Portal
Visit srd.sassa.gov.za and use the reconsideration or appeal function. Enter your ID number and select the declined month. Provide supporting information such as why your bank deposit exceeded R628 (e.g., it was a family loan, not income).
Request Independent Tribunal Review
If SASSA’s reconsideration still results in a decline, you can escalate to the Independent Tribunal for a formal appeal. This is a free process — you do not need a lawyer. Track your appeal via the portal.
Common Decline Reasons & Fixes
- Income above R628: Explain in appeal if it was a temporary loan or gift
- Receiving other grants: Verify no duplicate grant exists in your name
- UIF eligibility: If you resigned or were dismissed, you may not qualify for UIF — clarify this
- ID mismatch: Visit Home Affairs to correct your records first
- NSFAS registration: If you are registered with NSFAS, you cannot receive SRD simultaneously
NSFAS — National Student Financial Aid Scheme
Provides financial aid to eligible South African students at public universities and TVET colleges. Administered separately from SASSA — but important: receiving NSFAS disqualifies you from the SRD R370 grant.
Who Qualifies for NSFAS?
South African citizens · Household income below R350,000/year · Enrolled at a public university or TVET college · Studying for a first qualification · Not in receipt of another bursary
What NSFAS Covers
Tuition fees · Accommodation (if eligible) · Living allowance (meals, transport) · Learning materials allowance · Personal care allowance for students with disabilities
Check NSFAS Status
Log into your myNSFAS account at my.nsfas.org.za · Use your SA ID and student number · Check funding status, allowance payments, and appeals · Call 0800 067 327 (toll-free)
How to Apply (2026)
Applications open annually (usually October–January). Apply at my.nsfas.org.za · Provide ID, proof of income, and academic information · Track via the myNSFAS portal
NSFAS vs. SRD — Key Rule
If you are registered with NSFAS, you cannot receive the SASSA SRD R370 grant simultaneously. SASSA cross-checks all SRD applications against the NSFAS database monthly.
NSFAS Appeals
If your NSFAS application is rejected, you have the right to appeal. Log into myNSFAS portal and submit an appeal with supporting documents. Appeals are reviewed within 30 working days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common SASSA and NSFAS questions in 2026.
Official SASSA Contact Channels
Only use official government channels to protect your personal information. Never share your ID number or banking details with unofficial third parties.
Toll-Free Helpline
Mon–Fri · 08:00–16:00
Save & message for status
SRD Portal
Official SRD status & applications
SASSA Website
All permanent grants info
Info Resource
Guides & updated information