SASSA Grant Status: The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides social grants to support eligible South African citizens. With over 18 million recipients, SASSA grants are an essential source of income for many households. This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about checking your SASSA grant status online or via SMS.
What is SASSA?
SASSA is an agency of the South African government’s Department of Social Development. SASSA is responsible for the administration and payment of social grants to eligible beneficiaries.
The agency was established in 2004 to distribute social grants more effectively. Previously, grants were administered by individual provincial governments which resulted in inequality and inefficiency. SASSA centralized grant administration to promote equal access across South Africa.
Types of SASSA Grants
There are seven main types of SASSA grants available:
Child Support Grant
The Child Support Grant provides assistance to the primary caregivers of eligible children. Caregivers must meet income requirements to receive the monthly grant of R480 per child in 2023.
Older Person’s Grant
Citizens aged 60 and older who meet income and asset thresholds are eligible for the Older Person’s Grant. The monthly grant amount is R2,000 for those aged 60-75 and R2,340 for those over 75.
Disability Grant
The Disability Grant provides income support for working-age South Africans with mental or physical disabilities. The monthly grant is R2,000 for approved applicants.
Foster Child Grant
The Foster Child Grant helps foster parents to care for children legally placed in their custody. The monthly grant is R1,100 per foster child.
Care Dependency Grant
Parents and caregivers of children with severe disabilities requiring full-time care can receive the Care Dependency Grant. The monthly grant amount is R2,000.
War Veteran’s Grant
South African citizens disabled during World War 2 or the Korean War are eligible for the War Veteran’s Grant. The monthly grant is R2,140.
Grant-in-Aid
A temporary Grant-in-Aid of R500 per month is available to existing grant beneficiaries who require further assistance due to a temporary disability.
Who is Eligible for SASSA Grants?
Each grant has specific eligibility criteria that must be met. However, there are some general requirements for all SASSA social grants:
- South African citizenship or permanent residence
- Living in South Africa when applying
- Passing an income or means test
- Complying with criteria specific to each grant type
Applicants will need to provide documentation proving their eligibility such as ID documents, proof of income or disability, birth certificates, etc. SASSA will evaluate applications to determine grant approval.
How to Apply for a SASSA Grant
New applicants can apply for SASSA grants in person at their nearest SASSA office. The required documents should be taken along when applying. An application for one type of grant also serves as an application for all other grants.
The application process includes:
- An application interview with a SASSA officer
- Completing application forms
- Providing supporting documentation
- Written consent for verification checks
- Fingerprint scanning
If approved, grant payment commences from the first day of the next month. Applicants are given a SASSA card and banking details are captured. Grants are then paid directly into the recipient’s bank account each month.
How to Check SASSA Grant Status
After applying for a SASSA grant, the status of an application can be checked in a few ways:
SASSA Grant Status Via SMS
Applicants can check their status via SMS by sending their ID number to 31646.
- Send “Status” and your 13-digit ID number to 31646
- An SMS will be sent in reply with your grant status and application details
SASSA Grant Status Online
Applicants can also check their status online at https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19query/status using their ID number on the SASSA website. Feedback will be provided on the current status of the application.
SASSA Grant Status In Person
Application status can be checked in person at local SASSA offices. Bring an ID document and the reference number received when initially applying.
SASSA Grant Status By Phone
Call the SASSA call center at 0800 601 011. An agent will assist with checking the status after the applicant provides their ID and reference numbers.
How to Check SASSA Grant Payment Dates
Once approved, SASSA grants are paid on set dates each month. The payment dates are organized according to the recipient’s ID numbers.
There are five payment dates per month from the 3rd to the 7th of the month. The payment date for an individual depends on the last 3 digits of their ID number:
- IDs ending in 0 or 1 are paid on the 3rd
- IDs ending in 2 or 3 are paid on the 4th
- IDs ending in 4 or 5 are paid on the 5th
- IDs ending in 6 or 7 are paid on the 6th
- IDs ending in 8 or 9 are paid on the 7th
These payment dates are applicable each month. Public holidays may cause payments to be made a day earlier.
Recipients can check their grant payment dates for upcoming months through the following methods:
SMS
Send an SMS with ‘Payment’ and your ID number to 31646 to receive a reply SMS with your grant payment date.
Online
Use the SASSA online payment calendar to see your scheduled payment dates.
SASSA Mobile App
The SASSA Siyahlola App has a payment calendar showing future payment dates.
Call Center
Phone 0800 601 011 to speak to a SASSA agent who will provide your grant payment schedule.
Reporting SASSA Grant Problems
Recipients should promptly report any issues experienced with receiving grant payments. Common problems to report include:
- Non-receipt of monthly payments
- Errors in the grant payment amount
- Unauthorized deductions from the grant
- SASSA card issues preventing access to funds
- Fraudulent or unauthorized use of the SASSA card
These problems should be reported via the following channels:
SASSA Toll-Free Number
Call 0800 60 10 11 to report grant issues to the SASSA call center for resolution.
Local SASSA Office
Visit the nearest SASSA office in person to report and resolve payment issues. Relevant documents like IDs should be brought along.
SASSA Siyahlola Mobile App
The app allows users to log queries and complaints which will be forwarded to SASSA.
Grant problems can be reported by email to [email protected]. Include the grant recipient’s ID number.
Promptly reporting any issues will enable SASSA to take corrective action and ensure recipients get their entitled benefits paid to them.
How to Manage SASSA Grants
Recipients have options to manage their approved SASSA grants:
Change Payment Method
Recipients can change their grant payment method from cash payments to direct deposits. Submit bank account details at SASSA offices or on the Siyahlola App.
Update Personal Details
Grant beneficiaries must inform SASSA of any changes in personal details such as their address, marital status or bank accounts. Updates can be made at SASSA offices, via email or through the Siyahlola App.
Grant Renewals
Grants like the disability grant require periodic renewals and updated medical assessments. Recipients will be notified by SASSA when their grant requires renewal.
Grant Suspensions and Terminations
Grants can be suspended or terminated if conditions are no longer met such as changes in financial position, or disability status. Recipients will be notified of any adverse changes in grant status.
Child Support Grant Extensions
The child support grant ceases when a child turns 18. Recipients can apply for a temporary extension until the end of the school year.
Proactively managing grants by informing SASSA of relevant changes ensures uninterrupted benefits.
Conclusion
SASSA grants provide vital income security for millions of qualifying citizens. By understanding the grant application process and checking status updates, applicants can ensure progress. Recipients should promptly report any grant issues and proactively manage their grants by informing SASSA of relevant changes. Using the available status check channels can provide peace of mind for both applicants and beneficiaries.
For the most up to date information, consult the SASSA website or visit your nearest SASSA office or our Website for SASSA Grant Status Check
SASSA Grant Status FAQs
How long does it take to process a SASSA application?
Processing times depend on factors like the grant type and verification procedures. But most applications are finalized within 3 months. Applicants can follow up on delays.
Can I apply for multiple SASSA grants?
Yes, applicants can apply for all grants that they qualify for on a single application. The eligibility criteria for each grant will be assessed.
I lost my SASSA card. How do I replace it?
Report a lost card as soon as possible. Visit your nearest local office with an ID document and affidavit to apply and pay R40 for a replacement card.
How can I update my cell phone number with SASSA?
Phone the call center on 0800 601 011 or visit your nearest SASSA office to provide updated contact details.
How do I change my payment method from cash to direct deposit?
Submit your signed SASSA consent form, bank stamp, bank statement and ID at the nearest SASSA office to switch to bank account grant payments.
What happens if a SASSA beneficiary passes away?
The grant will be suspended once SASSA is officially notified of the death. Required documents include a notification letter, death certificate and ID of the deceased.
Can I appeal if my SASSA application is rejected?
Yes, rejected applicants have the right to appeal within 90 days of the rejection. Submit an appeal at the nearest SASSA office with any new supporting documents.
