USSD is the simplest way to check your SASSA SRD R370 status. You do not need data. You do not need an app. You do not even need a smartphone. Any cellphone will work, as long as it can make calls.
All you need to do is dial one short code and follow the prompts on your screen.
The USSD Code
Dial this code and press the call button.
How to Check in 4 Steps
Open your phone dialler
This is the app you use to make normal phone calls. On most phones, it looks like a green phone icon.
Type *134*565#
Enter the code exactly as shown. Do not add spaces or extra numbers. The star (*) and hash (#) symbols are on your keypad.
Press the call button
Tap the green call button. A USSD menu will appear on your screen within a few seconds.
Follow the prompts
The menu will ask you to enter your 13-digit South African ID number. Type it in and press send. Your SASSA status will appear on screen.
Network-Specific Tips
USSD works on all South African networks, but each one behaves a bit differently. Here is what to expect.
Vodacom
Generally reliable. The USSD code works well in most areas, including rural towns. Vodacom tends to process the request quickly.
MTN
Works well most of the time. It can be slow during peak hours, especially around month-end when millions of people check their status at the same time.
Cell C
Can be slower to connect than Vodacom or MTN. If it does not go through on the first try, wait a few minutes and try again. Off-peak hours (early morning or evening) work best.
Telkom Mobile
May have issues in rural areas where Telkom coverage is weaker. If the USSD keeps failing on Telkom, try checking via the website or WhatsApp instead.
Fixing "Invalid MMI Code" Error
This is the most common USSD problem people run into. If you see this error, do not worry. It does not mean your application has a problem. It just means the network could not connect to the USSD service at that moment.
Here is what to do:
- Wait 15 to 30 minutes and try again. The service might be overloaded, especially during busy times.
- Try during off-peak hours. Before 07:00 in the morning or after 19:00 in the evening is best. Fewer people are using the service then.
- Restart your phone and try again. Switching your phone off and on clears old network connections that might be blocking the USSD.
- Make sure you are dialling exactly *134*565#. No extra spaces, no extra numbers, no missing symbols. Every character matters.
- If it keeps failing, use another method. WhatsApp and the SASSA website give you the same information. Do not waste your whole day on USSD if it is not cooperating.
What if USSD Does Not Work at All?
Sometimes the USSD service goes down for hours, or your network just will not play along. That is fine. You have other options that give you the exact same status result.