You can contact the SASSA team for any SRD grant-related queries on these WhatsApp numbers. The purpose of launching the WhatsApp lines is to help South Africans who meet the SRD requirements apply for the Social Relief Distress (SRD) R370 grant, previously known as R350. 

However, they provide many other services beyond application submission via WhatsApp. It’s important to note that the SRD R350 grant has updated to R370 as of April 1, 2024.  

Complete SASSA WhatsApp Number Services

Here’s the list of all the services that SASSA provides on their WhatsApp line. 

1. SRD Grant Application: You can apply for SRD R370 grant.
2. Check Grant Status: Applicants can request to get details on their grant status.
3. Review SRD Balance: You can even check your SASSA grant’s balance.
4. Grant Cancellation: You can request to cancel your application as well. 

How Do I Contact SASSA on WhatsApp?

You can easily contact SASSA on WhatsApp using the method below:

1. Save the SASSA WhatsApp number on your phone: 082 046 8553.
2. Go to Chats, type “Hi,” and send it to their number.

Once they respond, you can provide your personal details and ask any questions you have about your Social Relief Distress (SRD) grant.

How to Check Sassa Balance?

Apply R370 Grant Via SASSA WhatsApp Number:

Luckily, all eligible candidates can apply for the SRD grant using WhatsApp. Here’s the complete process:

1. Save the SASSA WhatsApp number on your cellphone: 082 046 8553.
2. Type your personal details (ID number, valid file number, passport number, and cellphone number) and send them to SASSA.
3. Click on the SASSA website link sent to your WhatsApp.
4. Type the OTP sent by SASSA and tap on ‘Verify Pin.’
5. Enter your 13-digit South African ID (or passport or valid file number), surname, name, address, gender, etc.
6. Read and agree to the Terms and Conditions for the Declaration and Consent Document, as well as the “You and Your Special COVID-19 SRD Grant” document on the web portal.
7. Submit your bank details, including bank name, account number, branch name, account type, and agree to the Terms and Conditions.
8. Lastly, press the ‘Submit’ button.

Once you complete this process, SASSA will send a confirmation SMS to your cellphone In addition to the OTP, they will also send you a unique reference number assigned to your application. Make sure to save this reference number, as it will help you change your SRD Lost phone number. 

SASSA Status Check Via WhatsApp Line:

Applicants who have submitted their applications can check their SASSA Status through this medium as well. 

1. Save the SASSA WhatsApp line number on your phone: 082 046 8553.
2. Send the text “SRD Status Check” to that number.
3. Provide details about your ID card and registered phone number.

After this, you’ll receive your most recent status information which can vary from Application Complete, Bank Details Pending, Reapplication Pending, Pending, Approved, Declined, to Cancelled.

All the approved applicants will be accessed each month by SASSA to see if they still qualify. The declined applicants will receive a reason for rejection on their phone. If they disagree with that reasoning, they can move ahead to lodge an appeal for reconsideration. Here’s an article that can help you lodge an appeal for declined R350 SRD grants.

Check SASSA Balance Via WhatsApp:

All beneficiaries can review their SRD account balance using WhatsApp: 

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. 

Afterward, your SASSA Status will be displayed to you. There’s no fee attached to this service. However, you must keep your balance under R370 according to the latest grant amendment. Any beneficiary above this amount in their bank accounts will not stay no longer eligible to apply for SRD grant. 

SRD Grant Cancellation Via WhatsApp:

Finally, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) also provides R370 grant cancellation services. If your economic conditions have improved, you’ll need to request grant suspension individually. Here’s how to do that using WhatsApp:

1. Save the SASSA WhatsApp Number: 082 046 8553.
2. Enter ‘Cancel SASSA R350 grant’ to SASSA’s chat box. 
3. Respond with your South African ID card number and related Phone Number details.
4. Answer queries and process your application cancellation through Website followed by the link sent you by their team.

If the their team finds out that you’re receiving grants even after being ineligible, you would have to face legal consequences, which includes grant recovery and permanent deactivation of your account.

Alternate Methods to Contact SASSA:

There are other ways you can contact SASSA apart from WhatsApp. Here’s the list:

1. SASSA Website: Visit the official SRD website.
2. SASSA Toll Free Call Centre: For any application or grant queries, contact their toll-free number at 0800 60 10 11; don’t forget to put the code (+27) before dialing the number. 
3. SASSA Facebook Page: Head to the agency’s official news page at @SASSANewsZA.
4. SASSA Email Address: If you’re a user of Gmail, Yahoo, or Bing, you can send an email to [email protected]. 
5. SASSA Office: Check out any nearby SASSA office from Google Maps. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Is ‘0820468553’ SASSA’s Official WhatsApp Number?

Yes, the ‘0820468553’ is SASSA’s official number. SASSA has advised the applicants aiming for SRD R350 (or R370) grants to contact them on this WhatsApp number. 

2.  Are SASSA Whatsapp Services Free?

Yes, all the WhatsApp services including SRD application submission, status checking, balance reviewing or cancellation are free of cost. No hidden costs are there. 

3. Can I Update My Bank Details via WhatsApp?

Applicants can contact SASSA on their WhatsApp line for any questions about changing their bank details. However, it’s recommended to reach out to their toll-free call center at 0800 60 10 11 for queries related to bank method updates.

4. Can I Change My SASSA Phone Number via WhatsApp?

SASSA doesn’t provide phone number change services on WhatsApp. But, you can contact them there to take more details on this subject. Otherwise, this guide on how to change your SRD phone number can be helpful for you.

5. What If I Get No Response from SASSA on WhatsApp?

If you receive no response from SASSA on their official WhatsApp number, you may want to contact them on their second active WhatsApp line at 082 054 0016.

6. How Can Refugees, Asylum Seekers, or Special Permit Holders Can Use WhatsApp Method? 

Since the Refugee, Asylum Seeker, or Special Permit Holders living in South Africa doesn’t have a 13-digit South African ID Card, they can provide their Valid Section 22 Permit, Visa (Passport), or special permit.