No Internet Needed
You can check your SASSA SRD status by dialling a USSD code, with no internet or smartphone needed. Dial *120*3210# from the phone number registered with SASSA to check your status instantly. The code works on any mobile phone, including basic keypad phones.
There are two main USSD codes for checking your SRD status. Use the first one — the second is an alternative if the first does not work.
| USSD Code | Purpose | Works on |
|---|---|---|
| 1203210# | SRD R370 status check (main code) | All South African networks |
| 12069277# | Alternative SRD status check | All South African networks |
| 1203737# | Child Support Grant balance | All networks |
The code *120*3210# is the recommended code for SRD status checks. It is the most widely used and most consistently updated.
The USSD process is fast — your result typically appears within 30 seconds. Have your 13-digit ID number ready before you start, because USSD sessions time out after about two minutes.
Step 1: Use your registered phone number
The USSD system identifies you by your SIM card. You must use the phone number that you registered with SASSA when you applied for the SRD grant. Using a different SIM will return a “not found” result.
Step 2: Open your phone dialler
Go to the screen you use to make phone calls (the keypad). This is not a SMS — it is dialled like a normal call.
Step 3: Dial *120*3210# and press call
Type the code exactly as written: *120*3210# (star, 120, star, 3210, hash). Press the green call button. Do not press the red end button yet.
Step 4: Follow the on-screen menu
A text menu will appear on your screen. Read the options carefully. Use your phone keypad to type the number of the option you want and press send/reply.
Navigate to “SRD Status” or “Check my status” (the exact wording may vary slightly).
Step 5: Enter your ID number if prompted
Some versions of the USSD menu ask for your ID number. Type all 13 digits carefully. Check them before pressing send.
Step 6: Read your result
Your status will appear on the next screen: Approved, Pending, Declined, or another status code. Note the result or take a photo of your screen.
The session ends automatically once you have your result, or after two minutes of inactivity.
The SASSA USSD code *120*3210# works on all four major South African mobile networks:
| Network | Works? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Vodacom | Yes | Standard USSD rate (usually free) |
| MTN | Yes | Standard USSD rate (usually free) |
| Cell C | Yes | Standard USSD rate (usually free) |
| Telkom | Yes | Standard USSD rate (usually free) |
Most networks do not charge for USSD sessions, or the charge is a few cents. No data bundles are used. If your airtime balance is zero, the USSD code may still work — USSD calls on *120* codes are typically free on all networks.
The USSD method has several advantages over apps and online checking:
The only limitation is that USSD gives less detail than the online portal. It will tell you your status but may not show your exact payment date. For full payment details, use the online portal when you have a connection.
“Feature not available” or no response: Try the alternative code: *120*69277#
“Number not registered” error: You are likely using the wrong SIM. Switch to the phone number you registered with SASSA and try again.
Session times out: Have your ID number ready before you dial. You have about two minutes to complete the session.
No signal: USSD requires a basic voice signal. If you have no bars, move to an area with better signal. As an alternative when you have Wi-Fi, use the online portal at srd.sassa.gov.za.
Dial *120*3210# from your registered phone number. This is the primary USSD code for the SASSA SRD R370 grant. If it does not work, try *120*69277# as an alternative.
Yes, in most cases. USSD codes starting with *120* are zero-rated (free) on Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, and Telkom. You do not need airtime or data to use them. However, some older prepaid plans may charge a small session fee — check with your network if you are unsure.
The most common reasons are: using the wrong phone number (not your registered number), poor network signal, or a temporary SASSA system outage. If the code does not work on one network, borrow a friend’s phone on a different network and try again with the same SIM, or try the online portal when you have Wi-Fi.
Yes. The code *120*3737# can be used to check Child Support Grant balances. Different USSD codes exist for other grants, but the SRD-specific codes (*120*3210# and *120*69277#) are for the R370 grant only.
For all checking methods, see our full SASSA SRD status check guide.
If your USSD check returns “not found” or an ID error, see the SASSA status check by ID number guide for how to resolve identity mismatches.
To check via the official web portal when you have Wi-Fi, use the srd.sassa.gov.za portal guide.
Ready to check your SASSA status?
Use the official SASSA portal — free and updated monthly.
