The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) helps millions of people in South Africa by giving them money called social grants. These grants help older people, disabled folks, and kids who need financial support. If you get a SASSA grant, it’s important to know how much money you have. This guide will show you easy ways to check your SASSA balance using your cellphone.
What is SASSA and What Grants Does It Offer?
SASSA is a government group that gives out money to people who need help. Here are the main types of grants:
- Old Age Grant: For older people
- Disability Grant: For people with disabilities
- Child Support Grant: To help take care of kids
- Foster Child Grant: For people looking after children who aren’t their own
- Care Dependency Grant: For caring for children with severe disabilities
- War Veterans Grant: For older people who fought in wars
- Grant-in-Aid: Extra help for people who already get other grants
- Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant: Also called the R350 grant, for people in urgent need
Why Should You Check Your SASSA Balance?
Checking your SASSA balance often is a good idea because:
- It helps you plan how to spend your money
- You can avoid running out of money
- You can spot if there’s a problem with your grant payment
- It gives you peace of mind knowing your money is there
- For some grants, like the R350 grant, you need to keep your balance under R624 to keep getting the grant
Easy Ways to Check Your SASSA Balance on Your Phone
You can check your balance in four main ways:
- Using a special code (USSD)
- Using WhatsApp
- Using the SASSA app
- Using SMS
Let’s look at each way:
1. Checking Balance with USSD Code
This is an easy way that works on any phone:
- Dial 120*3210# on your phone
- Press the call button
- Follow the steps on your screen
- You’ll need to type in your ID number and PIN
- Your balance will show up on the screen
Why it’s good:
- Works on all cellphones, even old ones
- You don’t need the internet
- It’s quick and easy
- You can do it any time
2. Checking Balance with WhatsApp
If you use WhatsApp, you can check your balance this way:
- Save this number on your phone: 082 046 8553
- Open WhatsApp and send a message to this number
- Type “Hi” to start
- Follow the steps to check your balance
- You’ll need to give your ID number and other info
Why it’s good:
- It’s easy to use
- You can do it any time
- You can ask other questions too
- You can look back at the chat later
3. Checking Balance with the SASSA App
SASSA has its own app you can use:
- Download the SASSA app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store
- Install it on your smartphone
- Open the app and sign up with your ID number and other details
- Once you’re signed in, you can check your balance anytime
Why it’s good:
- You can see all your grant info in one place
- You can do other things like update your details
- It’s safe and official
- It’s easy to use
4. Checking Balance with SMS
If you like using text messages, you can check your balance this way:
- Send an SMS to 45487
- Type “STATUS” and then your ID number
- For example: STATUS 8801015009087
- You’ll get an SMS back with your balance
Why it’s good:
- Works on any phone that can send SMS
- It’s simple and quick
- Good if you don’t like using apps or codes
- You don’t need the internet
Checking Your Balance Without Airtime
If you don’t have airtime, you can still check your balance at an ATM:
- Go to an ATM at a bank like Post Bank
- Put your SASSA card in the ATM
- Type in your 4-digit PIN
- Choose ‘Check Balance’
- You’ll see your balance on the screen and can get a paper receipt
Important Tips for Checking Your Balance
- Keep your PIN secret: Don’t tell anyone your PIN, not even family
- Check often: Try to check your balance every month
- Keep your info up to date: Make sure SASSA has your right phone number and address
- Watch out for scams: Only use official SASSA ways to check your balance
- It’s free: You shouldn’t have to pay to check your balance
- Good signal: Make sure you have good phone signal when checking
- Charged phone: Make sure your phone has enough battery
What to Do If You Have Problems
Sometimes you might have trouble checking your balance. Here’s what to do:
- If the USSD code doesn’t work: • Make sure you have airtime • Check your phone signal • Try turning your phone off and on • Make sure you’re using the right code
- If you forgot your PIN: • Go to a SASSA office to reset it • Bring your ID book or card
- If the app won’t install: • Check if your phone is new enough for the app • Make sure you have enough space on your phone • Try updating your phone’s software
- If WhatsApp isn’t working: • Make sure you’re using the right number • Check your internet connection • Update your WhatsApp app
- If SMS isn’t working: • Make sure you’re writing the message correctly • Check if you have enough airtime to send an SMS • Make sure you’re using the right number
Keeping Your SASSA Information Safe
It’s important to keep your information safe:
- Don’t tell anyone your PIN or ID number if they call or text you
- Be careful of fake messages or emails asking for your info
- Change your PIN if you think someone else knows it
- Tell SASSA right away if you see anything strange with your grant
- Be careful when using public Wi-Fi to check your balance
- Keep your phone’s safety settings up to date
Other Things You Can Do with Your Phone
You can also use your phone to:
- Check if your grant application is approved
- See when you’ll get your next payment
- Update your personal information
- Find the nearest SASSA office
- Get answers to common questions about grants
Important Things to Remember
- If you get the R350 grant, keep your balance under R624
- For other grants, make sure your balance isn’t too high
- SASSA checks if you still qualify for grants regularly, so keep track of your money
- If your money situation changes, tell SASSA
In Conclusion
Checking your SASSA balance on your phone is easy and important. Whether you like using codes, WhatsApp, apps, or SMS, there’s a way that works for you. By checking your balance often, you can make sure you’re getting your grant correctly and manage your money better.
Remember, SASSA gives you these ways to check your balance to help you. If you have any problems or questions about your balance or grants, you can always contact SASSA through their official channels. Stay informed, keep your information safe, and use your SASSA grant wisely to help yourself and your family.
