Use official channels to perform a SASSA status check immediately. WhatsApp (082 046 8553) and the SRD portal at srd.sassa.gov.za are the primary verified channels. USSD codes work on any phone without data, and Moya provides data-free access for students with limited mobile data.
Students need their South African ID number and the phone number used during application. The fastest method is WhatsApp for smartphone users. Non-smartphone users can dial USSD codes. Students without mobile data can access the portal through Moya.
Four methods exist: WhatsApp messaging, USSD dialing, Moya app navigation, and the SRD web portal. Each method requires identical credentials. Verification rules apply to all channels. Students experiencing “NSFAS Registered” flags must follow specific document submission steps.
Table of Contents
Method 1: SASSA Status Check via WhatsApp (082 046 8553)
Send a status request to 082 046 8553 on WhatsApp to receive your SRD response within minutes. This is the verified WhatsApp channel operated by SASSA for status inquiries.
Save and Verify the Number
Save 082 046 8553 in your contacts. Confirm this number on srd.sassa.gov.za or the SASSA newsroom before sending any messages. Third-party social media posts often share incorrect numbers.
| Channel | Contact Details | Verification Source |
|---|---|---|
| 082 046 8553 | srd.sassa.gov.za | |
| Portal | srd.sassa.gov.za | Official SASSA website |
| USSD | 1347737# | Network-dependent |
Send Your Status Request
Open WhatsApp and send the word STATUS or BALANCE as your first message. The automated bot responds with prompts. Provide your South African ID number when requested. Enter the phone number used in your original application when prompted.
The bot processes requests within 30 seconds to 5 minutes during normal operations. Peak hours (Monday mornings, first week of each month) may extend response times to 30 minutes.
Read Your Status Reply
The reply displays one of four statuses: Approved, Referred, Declined, or Paid.
Approved means your application passed verification. Payment processing begins within 24 to 72 hours. Check your bank account or designated pay point after this period.
Referred indicates additional verification is required. Upload the requested documents through the portal’s appeals page. Common requests include proof of address, student registration letters, or identity verification photos.
Declined means your application did not meet the eligibility criteria. Reasons include income exceeding the threshold (R624 per month as of January 2026), receiving other social grants, or incomplete verification.
Paid confirms funds were released to your payment method. Bank transfers appear within 24 to 72 hours. Post office collections remain available for 90 days.
WhatsApp Troubleshooting Steps
No reply within 30 minutes requires a retry. Check network connectivity and mobile data. Airplane mode disrupts WhatsApp services even with WiFi connections.
Bot requests for a PIN you never received indicate portal registration issues. Use the portal recovery flow at srd.sassa.gov.za. Click “Forgot Details” and follow the identity verification steps.
Changed phone numbers require portal recovery or verification center visits. The system links status checks to application phone numbers. Visit the appeals page to update contact details with supporting documentation.
Security protocols require ID and application phone number only. Never provide bank PINs, passwords, or OTP codes through WhatsApp. SASSA staff never request full banking credentials.
Method 2: SASSA Status Check USSD Code
Dial the verified USSD shortcode from your application phone number to complete a SASSA status check without mobile data. Verify the code on srd.sassa.gov.za before dialing.
Available USSD Codes by Network
USSD codes vary by mobile network operator. Community sources list 1347737# and 1203227# as common codes. Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, and Telkom may use different shortcodes.
| Network | Reported USSD Code | Verification Status |
|---|---|---|
| Vodacom | 1347737# | Verify on portal |
| MTN | 1203227# | Verify on portal |
| Cell C | 1477737# | Verify on portal |
| Telkom | 1206927# | Verify on portal |
Confirm the current code on srd.sassa.gov.za under “Check Status” or “Contact Methods” sections. SASSA updates these codes periodically.
USSD Dialing Steps
Open your phone dialer. Dial the official USSD code from the number used during application. Press the call button to initiate the USSD session.
The menu displays within 3 to 10 seconds. Select the SASSA SRD option (usually option 1 or 2). Enter your 13-digit South African ID number when prompted. Include no spaces or dashes.
The system displays your application status within 10 to 30 seconds. Note the reference number shown. This number supports appeals or queries submitted to SASSA offices.
USSD Response Interpretation
The USSD message shows application status labels: Approved, Referred, Declined, or Paid. Additional text provides reference numbers and next steps.
Response times vary by network load. Peak periods (Monday 08:00 to 10:00, the first business day of the month) experience slower processing. Off-peak hours (Tuesday through Thursday, 14:00 to 16:00) return faster responses.
Common USSD Errors and Solutions
“Service unavailable” errors occur when dialing from non-application phone numbers. The system validates the caller ID against application records. Use the exact SIM card from your application.
“Invalid selection” messages indicate incorrect menu navigation. Start the USSD session again and select options carefully. Network disruptions require retry attempts after 15 to 30 minutes.
USSD menu unavailability requires alternative methods. Switch to WhatsApp or portal checks. Some networks disable USSD codes during maintenance windows (typically 23:00 to 02:00 daily).
Method 3: SASSA Status Check via Moya App
Use the Moya app to access SASSA SRD pages without consuming mobile data. Moya provides zero-rated access to government services for users with limited data budgets.
Moya App Installation and Setup
Install Moya from the Google Play Store (Android) or the Apple App Store (iOS). The app size is approximately 100 MB. Installation requires mobile data or WiFi initially.
Open Moya after installation. No registration or login is required for basic access. The home screen displays categories including Government Services, Health, Education, and News.
Accessing SASSA Services Through Moya
Search for “SASSA” or “SRD” in the Moya search bar. Select the SASSA SRD content tile from the results. The tile displays official SASSA branding and links.
Tap the portal link within the SASSA section. Enter your South African ID number and application phone number in the provided fields. Submit the form to view your status.
Data-free access applies only to SASSA content pages hosted within Moya. External links to srd.sassa.gov.za may consume data depending on your network provider’s zero-rating agreements.
Moya Limitations for Students
Document uploads for verification are not available through Moya. “Referred” statuses require portal access with mobile data or WiFi. Visit a public WiFi location (university library, municipal offices) to upload documents.
Bank detail changes require full portal access. Moya displays read-only status information. Contact information updates need direct portal interaction or in-person verification center visits.
| Function | Available in Moya | Requires Data/Portal |
|---|---|---|
| Status check | Yes | No |
| Document upload | No | Yes |
| Bank details change | No | Yes |
| Appeal submission | No | Yes |
Method 4: SRD Portal Status Check (srd.sassa.gov.za)
Use srd.sassa.gov.za to view complete application details and submit appeals. The portal provides the definitive SASSA status check record with full application history.
Portal Access Requirements
Navigate to srd.sassa.gov.za using any web browser. The portal works on mobile devices, tablets, and desktop computers. HTTPS encryption secures all data transmission.
Click “Check Status” or “Status Check” from the homepage menu. The status page loads within 2 to 5 seconds on standard connections.
Portal Login and Status Retrieval
Enter your 13-digit South African ID number in the first field. Input the phone number used during your original application in the second field. Optional reference numbers from previous checks can speed up retrieval.
Submit the form. The portal displays your status within 3 to 10 seconds. Results show current application status, processing dates, and any pending actions.
Portal Status Display Information
The portal screen shows detailed status labels and guidance text:
Approved displays payment method, expected payment date, and reference number. Approved applications without payments require 24 to 72-hour bank processing windows.
Referred shows specific verification requirements. Common requests include:
- Proof of residence (utility bill, lease agreement, municipal account)
- Student registration letter from institution
- Identity verification photo requirements
- Bank account verification documents
Declined lists rejection reasons. Appeal links appear for declined applications. Click “Submit Appeal” to upload new evidence or corrected documentation.
Paid confirms payment release dates and amounts. Historical payment records display for multi-month approvals.
Portal Security Verification
Confirm the domain displays as srd.sassa.gov.za in the address bar. Look for the padlock icon indicating HTTPS encryption. Browser warnings about invalid certificates require immediate exit.
Avoid clicking links from unverified social media posts, SMS messages, or emails. Scam sites use similar-looking domains (srd-sassa.co.za, sassastatus.com, srd.sassa.org.za). Bookmark the official portal for direct access.
Appeals Submission Through Portal
Click the “Appeals” or “Submit Appeal” link for declined or referred applications. Upload supporting documents in PDF, JPG, or PNG formats. Maximum file size is 5 MB per document.
Required documents for students typically include:
- University registration letter (current academic year)
- Student card scan or photo
- NSFAS funding confirmation or rejection letter
- Proof of residence (campus accommodation letter, lease agreement, utility bill in parent/guardian name)
Appeals processing takes 7 to 21 business days. Biometric verification queues and document review volumes affect processing times. Keep the appeal reference number for follow-up inquiries.
Student-Specific: Understanding “NSFAS Registered” Status
“NSFAS Registered” indicates the system detected an NSFAS record linked to your ID number. Prepare NSFAS documentation and follow portal appeal procedures to resolve the flag.
Why Students See NSFAS Flags
The SASSA system cross-checks applications against NSFAS databases. Any NSFAS registration (active funding, pending applications, historical records) triggers verification flags. The system cannot automatically distinguish between funded and unfunded NSFAS students.
NSFAS bridging funding, TVET college funding, and university NSFAS allowances all generate flags. Previous NSFAS applications from prior academic years remain in the database.
Effect on SRD Applications
NSFAS flags result in automatic referrals or application declines. SASSA policy assumes NSFAS funding covers basic needs. Students must prove:
- NSFAS application was declined
- NSFAS funding is insufficient for living expenses
- NSFAS registration exists but no disbursement occurred
- Student deregistered from studies but NSFAS record persists
Required Documentation for NSFAS Flag Resolution
Download your NSFAS statement from the NSFAS portal. The statement shows funding status: Approved, Declined, Pending, or Defunded.
Obtain a university registration letter for the current academic year (2026). The letter must include:
- Student name and ID number
- Registration date and academic year
- Course/qualification enrolled for
- Institution letterhead and official signature
Request a fee statement from your institution’s finance office. The statement demonstrates outstanding fees if NSFAS funding is insufficient.
Appeal Process for NSFAS-Flagged Applications
Access the appeals portal at srd.sassa.gov.za/appeals. Upload your NSFAS statement showing decline or insufficient funding. Attach your current registration letter as proof of student status.
Include a brief affidavit (sworn statement) explaining:
- NSFAS funding status and amounts received
- Monthly expenses not covered by NSFAS
- Dependence on SRD grant for transport, food, or accommodation costs
Processing for NSFAS-related appeals takes 14 to 28 business days. Complex cases requiring manual verification extend to 35 business days. Submit appeals early in each month for faster processing.
Reapplication vs Appeal Decision
Appeal when you have new evidence not included in your original application. New evidence includes:
- Recent NSFAS decline letter
- Updated registration status
- Change in financial circumstances
- Corrected documentation (new bank account, updated address)
Reapply when your circumstances changed significantly:
- Completed studies and no longer NSFAS-registered
- NSFAS funding ended in previous academic year
- Changed institutions without NSFAS transfer
- Six months passed since last application without status change
SASSA Status Check Processing Timelines
Application processing follows distinct stages with variable timeframes:
| Status Stage | Typical Duration | Factors Affecting Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Pending | 1 to 21 business days | Application volume, verification queue length |
| Referred | 7 to 21 business days | Document upload speed, biometric availability |
| Approved to Paid | 24 to 72 hours | Bank processing, payment batch schedules |
| Appeal Processing | 14 to 35 business days | Evidence complexity, manual review requirements |
Pending Status Duration
Initial applications remain pending during automated verification. The system checks:
- ID number validity against Home Affairs database
- Existing social grant recipients in SASSA records
- Banking details validation
- Address verification against municipal records
High application volumes in January (post-holiday period) and July (mid-year) extend pending durations to 21 business days. Standard periods (February to June, August to November) process within 7 to 14 business days.
Referred Status Resolution Time
Referred applications require human intervention. Verification officers review uploaded documents within 7 business days of submission. Complex cases requiring biometric verification or fraud investigation extend to 21 business days.
Resubmissions for incorrect documents restart the 7-day review clock. Ensure documents meet specifications:
- Clear, legible scans or photos
- All corners visible in ID/document photos
- File names indicating document type
- Correct file formats (PDF, JPG, PNG)
Payment Posting Windows
Approved applications trigger payment file generation. SASSA releases payment batches to banks and post offices on scheduled dates. January 2026 payment dates were confirmed as Tuesday, January 6, 2026, for grants and Wednesday, January 7, 2026, for SRD payments.
Banks process received files within 24 to 72 hours. Posting times vary:
- Digital banks (Capitec, TymeBank, Discovery Bank): 24 to 48 hours
- Traditional banks (ABSA, Standard Bank, FNB, Nedbank): 48 to 72 hours
- Post office collections: Available within 48 hours of payment release
Troubleshooting Common SASSA Status Check Issues
Approved Status Without Payment
Check your bank account or designated pay point 72 hours after the approval date. Bank processing delays occur during:
- Public holidays (banks closed for 1 to 3 business days)
- Month-end periods (high transaction volumes)
- System upgrades (scheduled maintenance windows)
Contact your bank’s customer service to confirm if SASSA payments are pending. Provide your SASSA reference number and approval date.
Visit a SASSA office if 5 business days pass without payment after approval. Bring:
- South African ID document
- Bank statement showing no payment
- SASSA reference number
- Proof of bank account (bank card, statement, confirmation letter)
Referred Status Document Requirements
Referred applications need specific documents based on verification flags:
Identity Verification Requirements:
- Clear ID photo (front and back)
- Selfie holding ID next to face
- Proof of address (utility bill, municipal account, lease agreement)
Student Address Verification:
- University residence accommodation letter
- Warden/residence manager signed confirmation
- Campus address with postal code
- Alternative: Parent/guardian proof of address with supporting affidavit
Bank Account Verification:
- Bank statement (last 3 months)
- Bank card photo showing name and account number
- Bank-issued confirmation letter
- Alternative: Post office collection selection
Changed Phone Number Recovery
Access the portal using your ID number and any registered phone number. Click “Update Details” or “Change Contact Information” from the status screen.
Verification requires:
- ID number
- Date of birth
- Original application reference number
- Bank account number used in the application
Submit a change request through the portal. Processing takes 3 to 7 business days. Alternative method: Visit a SASSA verification center with an ID document to update contact details in person.
Fraud and Identity Theft Resolution
File a police report at your nearest South African Police Service (SAPS) station. Request an affidavit stating someone used your ID for fraudulent SASSA applications.
Visit a SASSA office with:
- SAPS case number and affidavit
- Your original South African ID document
- Bank statements showing no SASSA payments received
- Sworn statement denying application submission
SASSA investigates fraud claims within 14 to 30 business days. Biometric verification may be required to confirm your identity. Fraudulent applications are cancelled and flagged for prosecution.
Contact your bank to report unauthorized transactions if payments appear in your account. Banks reverse fraudulent SASSA payments within 10 business days of confirmed fraud findings.
Frequently Asked Questions About SASSA Status Check
How do I check SASSA status on WhatsApp?
Send “STATUS” to 082 046 8553 and provide your ID number and application phone number when prompted. Verify this number on srd.sassa.gov.za before sending messages. The automated bot responds within 5 to 30 minutes with your current status.
What does “Referred” mean in SASSA status?
Referred means SASSA requires additional verification documents to process your application. Upload requested documents through the appeals portal at srd.sassa.gov.za/appeals. Common requests include proof of address, student registration letters, or identity verification photos.
Can I perform a SASSA status check without mobile data?
Yes, use USSD codes or the Moya app for data-free status checks. Dial 1347737# (verify on portal) from your application phone number or access SASSA services through the Moya app’s zero-rated content.
Why is my status Approved, but I received no payment?
Wait 24 to 72 hours for bank processing after approval. Banks require time to clear payment files from SASSA. Contact SASSA with your reference number if payment does not appear within 5 business days after approval.
How long do SASSA appeals take to process?
Appeals typically take 7 to 21 business days, depending on verification requirements and document review queues. Complex cases requiring biometric verification or fraud investigation extend to 35 business days. Keep your appeal reference number for follow-up inquiries.
How do students resolve NSFAS flags on SASSA applications?
Upload your NSFAS statement and current university registration letter through the appeals portal. Include documentation showing NSFAS funding status (declined, insufficient, or not disbursed). Processing takes 14 to 28 business days for NSFAS-related verification.
Which documents can students use without utility bills?
Use university registration letters, campus residence accommodation letters, warden-signed confirmations, or fee statements. Alternative options include sworn affidavits from campus housing authorities or parent/guardian proof of address with a supporting affidavit explaining student status.
How do I change my phone number linked to my SASSA application?
Use the portal recovery options at srd.sassa.gov.za or visit a verification center. Portal changes require ID number, date of birth, and original application reference. In-person updates need your South African ID document and proof of new phone number ownership.
Where do I confirm official SASSA contact numbers?
Confirm all numbers on srd.sassa.gov.za or the SASSA newsroom at www.sassa.gov.za/newsroom. Verify WhatsApp numbers, USSD codes, and office locations before sharing personal information. Third-party social media posts often share incorrect or outdated contact details.
What should I do if someone used my ID for fraudulent SASSA applications?
Report to SAPS immediately and obtain a police affidavit. Visit a SASSA office with your ID document, SAPS case number, and sworn statement denying application submission. SASSA investigates fraud claims within 14 to 30 business days. Contact your bank to report unauthorized SASSA payments.
Next Steps After Checking Your SASSA Status
Use WhatsApp, USSD, Moya, or the SRD portal today to complete your SASSA status check. Follow document submission guidelines if your status shows Referred. Confirm all phone numbers and shortcodes on srd.sassa.gov.za before sending personal information.
Submit appeals through the portal appeal link at srd.sassa.gov.za/appeals for declined or referred applications. Keep your reference number for follow-up inquiries and verification center visits.
Students with NSFAS flags must prepare institution documentation and funding statements. Upload complete evidence packages to avoid resubmission delays. Processing prioritizes applications with complete, legible documentation submitted in correct formats.
Monitor your status weekly during processing periods. Payment dates follow monthly schedules announced on the SASSA website and official newsroom publications. Subscribe to SASSA alerts through their WhatsApp channel for payment date notifications.
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