South Africans relying on Older Persons Grants, Child Support Grants, and the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) R370 know how critical timely payments are for survival – especially as the cost of living rises, and the economy remains under pressure. With misinformation spreading online, SASSA has confirmed five official, safe and verified ways beneficiaries can check their payment status, reviews, suspensions and updates.

Before visiting an office, beneficiaries are encouraged to first check status online using trusted digital platforms. However, with biometric checks and intensified fraud prevention continuing in the New Year, in-person reviews remain essential in some cases.

Why SASSA status checks matter

It is important to understand that a review is not a sign of wrongdoing. As SASSA explains:

“This review is not a punitive measure to deliberately exclude any deserving beneficiary, but it is intended to ensure continued eligibility and prevent misuse of public funds.”

CEO Themba Matlou has assured the public that “SASSA is undertaking the social grants review process for the better good of the government fiscus, thus ensuring that grants are paid to eligible beneficiaries and all the fraudulent elements are rooted out.”

If your status is flagged, you typically have 30 days to visit an office with the required documents. SASSA notes this “targeted verification process will be conducted on beneficiaries using alternative identification methods other than the required 13-digit ID numbers, changed circumstances and undeclared alternative income.”

Proactive tip: Regularly check your status via the official SASSA website or WhatsApp. Ensure your contact and banking details are always up-to-date on the portal. This can prevent many issues before they arise. If you experience delays, understand that SASSA payment dates can sometimes shift, and staying informed is key.

By using these five official channels and understanding when an office visit is mandatory, you can navigate the system with confidence, ensuring your essential grant support continues without unnecessary interruption.

ALSO READ: January 2026 payment update & delays explained

Five official ways to check your SASSA status E

1️⃣ The Official SASSA Website (The Primary Source)

This is the most comprehensive portal for all grants. For the SRD grant specifically, visit the dedicated SRD website. For broader grant information, applications, and services, use the main SASSA Services Portal.

· How it works: Navigate to the “Check Status” section. Enter your South African ID number and the registered mobile number. You will receive a One-Time Pin (OTP) for verification. The portal then displays your current status, any required actions, and, if approved, potential payment dates. You can also find comprehensive grant information here.

2️⃣ The SASSA WhatsApp Line

A convenient,data-light option for quick checks.

· How it works: Save the official SASSA WhatsApp number 082 046 8553 in your contacts. Send a message saying “Status” and follow the automated prompts, which will ask for your ID number. You will receive a chat response with your status details.

3️⃣ The USSD self-service code

Ideal for those without smartphones or internet access.

· How it works: Simply dial *1203210# or *12069277# from your mobile phone. Follow the menu prompts (which may incur standard network charges) by entering your ID number to query your status and grant balance.

4️⃣ The SMS enquiry

The most basic text-based check.

· How it works: SMS the word “SASSA” followed by your ID number (e.g., SASSA 8501010050080) to 082 046 8553. You should receive an automated SMS reply with your status information.
⚠️ Only trust messages from official SASSA channels. Never share OTPs or bank details with third parties.

5️⃣ Visit a local SASSA office (For complex issues & mandatory reviews)

Digital channels are preferred for simple checks,but a physical visit is OFFICIALLY REQUIRED in specific, critical circumstances. As per recent SASSA statements, visit your nearest office if:

• Your grant is suspended, under review or flagged
• You need to update banking or personal details
• Payments are missed
• Fraud is suspected
• In-person biometric or fingerprint verification is required
• You were requested to report for review
• You use alternative ID methods and must verify identity

SASSA confirms that review suspensions are not permanent punishment, but temporary measures to protect funds and ensure legal eligibility.

“If you did not receive your social grant on the date you were intended to be paid, please urgently visit your nearest SASSA office as you may be due for a review.” — SASSA

CEO Themba Matlou reassures South Africans that reviews are meant to protect the fiscus, remove fraud, and ensure only deserving citizens continue to receive benefits.

📌 What to bring for face-to-face assistance

• Valid 13-digit SA ID / Smart ID
• Proof of income: payslips or last 3 months bank statements
• Proof of residence
• Marriage / divorce certificate (if applicable)
• Medical documentation (where applicable)

Flagged beneficiaries have 30 days to clarify financial circumstances.

Understanding the 8 SASSA grants and their purpose

SASSA exists to protect the vulnerable, reduce poverty, and ensure dignity, providing support for:

• Older Persons Grant (up to R2 340): A monthly pension for South Africans over 60 (those over 75 receive a higher amount).
• Child Support Grant (R510 per child): Assists primary caregivers with the costs of caring for a child.
• SRD R370 Grant: Temporary relief for unemployed adults (18-59) with no other income support.
• Disability Grant (R2 320): Support for adults with permanent or temporary disabilities.
• Care Dependency Grant (R2,315): Supports children with permanent/severe disabilities
• Foster Child Grant (R1,250): Assistance for court-appointed foster parents.
• War Veterans Grant (R2 340): For eligible military veterans.
• Grant-In-Aid (R560): An add-on for grant recipients who require full-time home care.

These grants remain one of South Africa’s strongest social protection tools — ensuring households afford survival needs, dignity and basic stability.

*For the latest official information, always refer to the NOWinSA SASSA Grant Resource Centre.

Final important notice

SASSA stresses that:

• There is no blanket suspension of grants
• Reviews are temporary
• Beneficiaries must always disclose income honestly
• Failure to update changed circumstances may lead to corrective action