WhatsApp is one of the easiest ways to check your SASSA SRD R370 grant status. You do not need to open a browser or visit any website. Just send a message and follow the prompts. It works on any phone that has WhatsApp installed.
This is the only real SASSA WhatsApp number. It has a green verified tick next to the name. Save it to your contacts right now so you always have it.
How to Check Your Status: Step by Step
Follow these six steps. The whole process takes less than two minutes.
Save the official number
Add 082 046 8559 to your phone contacts. Name it something like "SASSA Official" so you can find it easily. This also helps you spot fake numbers later.
Open a WhatsApp chat
Open WhatsApp on your phone. Tap the new chat button and select the SASSA contact you just saved. You should see a green verified tick next to the name.
Send the word "SASSA"
Type SASSA and send it. The bot will reply within a few seconds with a menu of options. If it does not reply, wait a minute and try again.
Select Status Check
The menu will show you several options. Pick the one for checking your application status. You can usually do this by replying with the number next to that option.
Enter your details
The bot will ask for your 13-digit South African ID number. Type it carefully and send it. Double-check that you have not made a typo before hitting send.
Get your result
The bot will reply with your current SRD R370 grant status. This could be Approved, Pending, Declined, or another status. If you get Declined, you can appeal the decision.
What Your Status Result Means
Once the bot replies, you will see one of these results:
- Approved - Your grant was approved and payment is on the way. Check payment dates to see when you will get your money.
- Pending - SASSA is still running checks. This is normal, especially early in the month. Try again after the 15th.
- Declined - Your application was turned down for this month. The bot may give a reason. You can submit an appeal if you disagree.
- Not Found - The system could not find your application. Double-check your ID number and try again.
What to Do When WhatsApp Does Not Reply
Sometimes the SASSA WhatsApp bot goes quiet. This happens more often around payment dates when millions of people are checking at the same time. Here is what you can do.
Try again later
Wait 15 to 30 minutes and send "SASSA" again. The bot usually comes back once the rush dies down. Early morning (before 8am) and late evening (after 8pm) tend to be quieter times.
Switch to another method
If WhatsApp is not working for you, try one of these instead:
- Check on the official website at srd.sassa.gov.za
- Dial *134*565# from your phone (no internet needed)
- Call 0800 60 10 11 (toll-free, speak to a real person)
- Use the Moya app (data-free on Android)
Check if the service is down
Visit our system status page to see if the WhatsApp bot is having problems. We monitor all SASSA channels and update the page regularly.
How to Tell Real SASSA WhatsApp from a Scam
Scammers create fake WhatsApp accounts that look like SASSA. They use similar profile pictures and names. Here is how to tell the real one from a fake.
The real SASSA WhatsApp has a green verified tick
When you open the chat, look for the small green tick next to the contact name. This tick means WhatsApp has verified that the account belongs to SASSA. Scammers cannot get this tick.
SASSA will never ask for your PIN or password
The real bot only asks for your ID number. It will never ask for your banking PIN, SASSA password, OTP, or any other login details. If a WhatsApp account asks for your PIN, it is a scam. Block and report it immediately.
There is only one official number
The only SASSA WhatsApp number is 082 046 8559. There is no second number, no backup number, and no regional number. If someone contacts you from a different number claiming to be SASSA, they are lying.
SASSA will never message you first
The real SASSA WhatsApp bot only responds when you message it. SASSA does not send promotional messages, payment notifications, or links via WhatsApp. If you get an unsolicited message "from SASSA," it is fake.
Quick Tips for Using SASSA WhatsApp
- Save the number 082 046 8559 in your contacts so you always have it.
- Check your status after the 15th of the month for the best chance of getting a result.
- If the bot is slow, try again during off-peak hours (early morning or late at night).
- Take a screenshot of your result. It can be useful if you need to appeal or contact SASSA later.
- Never share screenshots of your status that show your full ID number on social media.