WhatsApp Guide
You can check your SASSA SRD R370 status on WhatsApp by sending a message to 082 046 8553. This works on any smartphone with WhatsApp installed and takes less than two minutes. The service is free and available 24 hours a day.
New in July 2026: SASSA launched a second SRD self-service WhatsApp channel at 082 601 0111. This channel is specifically for SRD R370 beneficiaries and operates 24/7. If 082 046 8553 is busy, try 082 601 0111 as an alternative.
There are now two official SASSA WhatsApp numbers you can use for SRD status checks:
| Number | Purpose | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 082 046 8553 | General SASSA WhatsApp (all grants, status checks) | 24/7 automated |
| 082 601 0111 | New SRD self-service channel (July 2026) | 24/7 automated |
Both numbers are free to use. Start your message with “Hi” on either number to activate the chatbot.
Save this number to your contacts before you start. Do not use any other number — scammers operate fake SASSA WhatsApp numbers that look legitimate. The real SASSA WhatsApp account will have a verified green tick next to the name once you have saved it.
If someone contacts you on WhatsApp claiming to be SASSA and asks for your ID number or banking details, it is a scam. SASSA never contacts applicants unsolicited on WhatsApp.
Follow these steps carefully. The process takes about two minutes on a working connection.
Step 1: Save the number
Open your phone’s Contacts app and save 082 046 8553 as “SASSA Official” or any name you will recognise.
Step 2: Open WhatsApp
Open WhatsApp and use the search bar to find the “SASSA Official” contact you just saved.
Step 3: Send “Hi”
Type “Hi” or “Hello” and send it. Do not send your ID number in this first message.
Step 4: Follow the menu prompts
The SASSA bot will reply with a numbered menu. Select the option for “SRD Status” or “Check my status” by typing the corresponding number.
Step 5: Enter your ID number when asked
When the bot asks, type your 13-digit South African ID number and send it. Double-check the number before sending — a single wrong digit will return an error.
Step 6: Read your status result
The bot will reply with your current SRD status, the month it applies to, and, if approved, your expected payment date and payment method.
Screenshot your result so you have a record of it.
The SASSA WhatsApp line receives millions of messages every month. At certain times it is very busy and may take several hours to reply.
When it is busiest:
What to do:
| Status shown | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Approved | Grant approved, payment on the way | Check your payment date |
| Pending | Still being processed for this month | Check again after the 15th |
| Declined / Not Approved | Application unsuccessful this month | You can appeal within 90 days |
| Identity Verification Failed | ID does not match Home Affairs records | Contact SASSA to correct |
| Banking Details Pending | Payment method being verified | No action needed |
For a detailed explanation of each status including your next steps, see our status meanings guide.
| Method | Needs data? | Needs smartphone? | Wait time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WhatsApp (082 046 8553) | Yes | Yes | Instant to a few hours | Smartphone users |
| Online portal | Yes | No (any browser) | Instant | Any device with internet |
| USSD 1203210# | No | No | Instant | No data, any phone |
| GovChat (0600 123 456) | Yes | Yes | A few minutes | Smartphone users |
Sending messages on WhatsApp uses internet data (Wi-Fi or mobile data). The SASSA WhatsApp service itself does not charge any extra fees — you only pay your normal data costs for using WhatsApp, which is typically very small or free if you are on a WhatsApp zero-rated plan.
No. WhatsApp requires an internet connection. If you have no data, use the USSD code 1203210# instead — it works on any phone without data or internet.
The most common reasons are high traffic volume (especially at month-end), temporary system downtime, or that you messaged a fake SASSA number. Verify you are messaging 082 046 8553 and try again during off-peak hours. If urgent, use the online portal.
You cannot submit a formal appeal through WhatsApp. Appeals must be submitted at srd.sassa.gov.za under the appeals section, or in person at a SASSA office. However, WhatsApp can confirm whether your status is “Declined” before you begin the appeal process.
See all options in our SASSA SRD status check guide.
For no-data users, the USSD code method works without any internet on any phone.
Prefer government chatbot access to multiple services? Use GovChat (0600 123 456) for SASSA and other government queries in one session.
Written by
Busi specialises in South African social grant systems and SASSA policy. Every guide on this site is independently researched, verified against official SASSA sources, and updated whenever SASSA releases new dates, amounts, or policy changes.
About the authorReady to check your SASSA status?
Use the official SASSA portal — free and updated monthly.