Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person. If the website is down, if your status makes no sense, or if you have a question that a bot cannot answer, calling SASSA directly is your best option. The call is free, and you can do it from any phone.
Free from any phone, landline or cellphone. You will not be charged airtime.
Best Times to Call
The SASSA call centre gets very busy. If you call at the wrong time, you could sit on hold for a long time. Here is when to call for the best chance of getting through quickly.
- Best days: Tuesday to Thursday. These are the quietest days of the week.
- Best hours: 08:00 to 10:00 in the morning. The earlier you call, the shorter the queue.
- Avoid Mondays. Monday is the busiest day because everyone calls after the weekend.
- Avoid Fridays after 14:00. The call centre winds down before the weekend.
- Avoid the first week of the month. Thousands of people call at the start of each month to ask about their status.
- Avoid payment dates. When SRD payments are going out (usually the last week of the month), the lines are packed.
What to Have Ready Before You Call
Get everything ready before you dial. This saves time and makes sure the agent can help you properly.
- Your 13-digit South African ID number. The agent will need this to look up your application.
- The cellphone number you registered with when you applied for SRD. This is tied to your application.
- A pen and paper to write down any reference numbers or instructions the agent gives you.
- If you are calling about a specific month, know which month you want to ask about. The agent will ask you.
What to Expect When You Call
Here is how the call works from start to finish, so you are not caught off guard.
Choose your language
You will hear an automated voice menu in multiple languages. Listen to the options and press the number for the language you want.
Select SRD grant enquiries
The menu will give you several options. Pick the one for SRD grant or Social Relief of Distress enquiries.
Enter your ID number
The system may ask you to key in your 13-digit ID number using the number pad on your phone. Type it in carefully.
Speak to an agent
You may be connected to a live agent. Explain your query clearly. Tell them your ID number and what you need help with.
Get your result
The agent will look up your status and tell you the result. Write it down, along with any reference number or next steps they give you.
If You Cannot Get Through
SASSA's phone lines do get full, especially around payment time. If you cannot get through, try these alternatives.
- Try calling between 08:00 and 09:00 on a Tuesday or Wednesday. This is the quietest window of the week.
- If the line is busy, hang up and try again in 10 minutes. Do not stay on hold forever. Sometimes redialling gets you through faster.
- Use the official website instead. You can check your status online on the SRD portal if you have data or WiFi.
- Try WhatsApp. Send a message to 082 046 8559 and the SASSA bot will reply with your status.
- Dial USSD. Press *134*565# from any cellphone. No internet needed.
- Visit your nearest SASSA office in person with your ID document. An official can check your status on the spot.