The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is an official Govt. body responsible for providing social grants to citizens, refugees, and permanent permit holders in South Africa. Among its many available grants, the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) is highly valuable, with 24 million active beneficiaries.

You can check your SRD balance by dialing *120*69277# on your phone, contacting SASSA WhatsApp line at 082 046 8553, using the SRD smart card at ATM, through the bank app, or visiting the SASSA office. Meanwhile, beneficiaries must also be cautious of any potential scams around them. Read this article to understand how to check SASSA balance quickly with all the online and offline methods. 

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How to Check SASSA Balance?

Here are some of the ways you can check your SRD grant’s balance:

Method 1: Via USSD Code on Mobile Phone

One of the easiest methods to check your SASSA balance is by using the USSD code on your cell phone. This is how you can do it:

  1. Dial *120*69277# on your phone.
  2. Follow the steps displayed on your screen.
  3. Enter your 13-digit South African ID card number and SASSA registered phone number.

After these steps, your current balance will be sent to you through SMS. 

Method 2: Through WhatsApp

Another simple way to confirm your SRD grant balance is by using WhatsApp. Here’s a quick overview of how to do that:

  1. Save the SASSA WhatsApp Number: 082 046 8553.
  2. Send ‘SASSA’ at the given number. 
  3. Reply with ‘Status’ to the texts. 
  4. Provide your 13-digit SA ID card number and registered phone number. 

Once done, your balance will be sent to you over WhatsApp. 

Method 3: Via ATM

You can also check your payment status through an ATM if you have the SASSA debit card. Follow these steps to use this method:

  1. Visit any nearby bank’s ATM.
  2. Insert your SASSA Debit Card and enter your 4-digit Pin Code.
  3. Navigate and tap on the ‘Account Balance’ option on the machine’s screen.
  4. Your SRD grant balance will be displayed to you.

Beneficiaries can even print the receipt from the ATM machine for their balance records. However, this method is only available if you have the SASSA smart card. In case you don’t have one, apply for it by visiting any SASSA office and filling out a special form.

Method 4: Banking App

SASSA gives the beneficiaries many options to withdraw grant payments; one of which is through any South African bank. So, if you have selected any bank as your grant withdrawal method, then you can confirm your balance via their official bank app. Here is the complete step by step process:

  1. Open the Banking App on your phone.
  2. Log in to your account with your Username and Password. 
  3. Click on View Balance to see the grant payment. 

The amount shown on the app screen will be the sum of your total income, which may include payments from other sources. To see the exact SRD balance, you can click on ‘Mini Statement’ to view the specific amount dedicated to the SASSA grant.

Method 5: SASSA Office

Finally, you can also check your SASSA balance by heading to their office. Below is the full process of doing this:

  1. Visit any nearest SASSA balance. 
  2. Ask for your SRD balance check by giving them your South African ID card number and verified phone number. 

You may also need to give your Application ID details. This is a special 6-digit number assigned to your SRD application and can be found by logging into the SASSA web portal. 

SASSA Funeral Policy (Complete Guide) SASSA Funeral Policy (Complete Guide)

Things You Should Avoid While Checking Your SASSA Balance:

SASSA Social Relief Distress (SRD) grants are widely popular in South Africa. However, this has also increased the scam rates. After the last massive SASSA scam that reported the loot of R540 million worth of grants, their team has taken all sorts of measures to ensure that relief payment reaches the deserving people. They have also introduced a biometric verification system to fight fraudsters. 

Despite these efforts, scammers can always find other ways to steal your grants. As you can view the SRD account balance in five simple methods, it’s important to know what things you should neglect while doing so to minimise risk related to the R350 or R370 grant theft. 

1. Third-Party Apps

Many online platforms might suggest downloading unverified apps for a quick balance review. Try not to use these random third-party apps, because they can result in you losing access to your SRD account. 

2. Clicking Unknown Links

If you receive any unknown links related to SASSA on SMS, WhatsApp, Email, or any online platform, never click on them. These links may be fake and could be designed to empty your relief funds.

3. Giving information on Scam Calls

Fraudsters may also disguise themselves as SASSA representatives and call you on your cell phone. Don’t ever give away your 13-digit South African ID card number, registered phone number, or Application ID. This information could be used to access and alter your SASSA account, including changing your banking or contact details.

4. Using Public Wifi Service

When in public places, avoid connecting to open public Wifi networks on your phone to check your account balance. This applies to all legitimate methods you might use to see your payment status. Public Wifi can store your phone’s typed data in their main databases. 

5. Sharing your SRD Account or Bank Details

Don’t share your 13-digit SA card number, verified phone number, or Application ID with anyone. Anyone with access to your phone and these details could alter your payment method and secretly receive your R350 or similar relief. Also, never share the pin code of your added bank account. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Are There Any Fees Deductions for Checking SRD Account Balance Through ATM?

No, there are absolutely no fees for checking your SRD balance via ATM. Charges are only applied when you withdraw your relief amount.

2. Are There Any Fees Deductions for Checking SRD Account Balance Through Cell Phone?

​​Yes, a small fee may be deducted when checking your grant amount through USSD or phone number. The charges will depend on the sim card network you are using. To avoid this cut, consider using other methods such as viewing your balance at an ATM, via WhatsApp, or at a SASSA office.

3. Do I Have to Maintain Some Balance in my SASSA account?

Yes, you must maintain a balance lower than R624 in your SRD account. If the SASSA team finds an amount higher than R624, your grant application may be cancelled. This is to ensure that social relief is given to financially weak citizens, refugees, or permit holders in South Africa.

4. How to Check SASSA Balance Via *130*?

The method of checking your grant balance via *130* is not confirmed by SASSA officials. To protect yourself from potential loss, only use the official USSD code 120*69277# for this purpose.

5. Can I Cancel My SRD Grant?

Yes, if your economic conditions have improved, you can cancel your SRD grant. To do this, go to the ‘SRD web portal’, click on ‘South African ID Holders’, tap on ‘Click Here to Cancel’, enter your SA ID card number and related phone number, and then finally provide OTP to suspend your application.

 

 

 

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