SASSA Status Check

The South African Social Security Agency’s SRD (Social Relief of Distress) R370 grant provides emergency cash support to unemployed citizens with no other income. Introduced during COVID-19, this temporary relief grant is now a crucial monthly lifeline. This page helps you check your SRD R370 application status and understand its meaning – whether your payment is Approved, Pending, Bank Details Pending, or Declined.

What is the SRD R370 Grant?

The SRD R370 is a special social grant paid by SASSA on behalf of the Department of Social Development. It was launched in 2020 to provide temporary aid to unemployed South Africans (ages 18–59) with no other source of income. Eligible applicants must have lost income and not be receiving any other grants or support. The grant amount was increased from R350 to R370 per month, and recipients must reconfirm eligibility every three months to continue receiving payments.

How to do Your SASSA Status Check

Here are the main ways to check your SRD R370 status:

Online via Official Website {#check-status-online}

Go to the official SASSA SRD portal at srd.sassa.gov.za (the only official site for SRD queries). Enter your 13-digit ID number and the cellphone you used to apply, then click Check Status to see your grant result. If approved, you’ll see “approved” and can note the payment date. If pending, it means SASSA is still verifying your details. This online check also shows messages like “bank details pending” or “declined”.

Via SMS {#sms-status-check}

Send an SMS from your registered phone: text STATUS IDnumber (for example, STATUS 1234567890123) to 32555. You’ll receive a text back with your current SRD grant status. This method uses minimal data and works on any phone.

Via WhatsApp {#whatsapp-status-check}

Open WhatsApp and message 082 046 8553 (save it as “SASSA SRD” on your phone). Send any message to this number; it will reply with a menu of options. Choose Status Check, then follow prompts: enter your ID number and phone as requested. The WhatsApp service (which is free to use) will then return your application status.

Via USSD Code {#ussd-status-check}

Dial *134*7737# from the cellphone number you applied with. Follow the menu prompts on-screen to view your SRD status. No airtime is needed (it uses standard SASSA USSD service).

Via Moya App {#moya-app-status-check}

Use the free MoyaApp: download it from your phone’s app store. In Moya, go to Services and find “SASSA SRD”. The app opens the official SRD portal data-free. You can then check status or make applications without using mobile data.

Via Phone Call {#phone-status-check}

Call SASSA’s toll-free helpline 0800 60 10 11. When prompted, enter your ID number. An automated message will confirm your SRD grant status and payment date.

In Person (SASSA Office) {#office-status-check}

You can also visit a local SASSA branch and ask for help. Be prepared to show your ID and provide application details. However, many offices are busy, so it’s usually faster to check status using the methods above. (In the photo above, people queue outside an Athlone SASSA office to collect grants.)

Understanding Your SASSA Status

Your status message tells you what’s happening:

  • Approved: Your application is successful. SASSA will pay your R370 grant from the current month onward (there is no backpay for past months). You should get an SMS or email confirming approval. Continue to reconfirm eligibility every 3 months.
  • Pending: SASSA is still reviewing your application. This is normal – it can take weeks (often 7–90 days) to verify details. You do not need to reapply unless asked to.
  • Bank Details Pending: SASSA has your application but needs your bank info. You must update your payment method on the portal. Visit the SRD site, select “How do I change my banking details”, enter your ID, and follow the SMS link to submit your bank or payment choicecareersportal.co.za.
  • Declined: Your application was not approved. Common reasons include incomplete forms, failing the means test, or having another grant/income. If declined, you can appeal (see below) or reapply. Make sure all your details were correct.
  • Other Errors: Messages like “Status check failed” or “verification pending” usually mean there was a data mismatch (for example UIF registration or typo). Double-check your information and try again later or contact SASSA.

Who Qualifies & How to Apply

To qualify for the SRD R370 grant, you generally must:

  • Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or legally registered refugee/asylum seeker.
  • Be between 18 and 59 years old.
  • Be unemployed with no other source of income or grants (no UIF, NSFAS support, etc.).
  • Not live in government-funded institutions.
  • Have a valid cellphone number for communications (and preferably your own bank account or payment preference).

Apply online: Go to the official portal (srd.sassa.gov.za) and click “Apply”. Enter your ID number and phone to receive a verification SMS code, then fill in your personal and banking details and submit. The system will confirm you applied. (You must reconfirm eligibility every 3 months to continue receiving the grant.)

Note: There is no manual or paper application. Do not pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Payment Schedule and Disbursement

SASSA publishes an annual payment schedule for all grants (older persons, disability, child grants, etc.). Grants are paid in the first week of each month according to this schedule. For example, in June 2025 SASSA planned payments on June 3 (older persons), June 4 (disability), and June 5 (children’s and other grants). The SRD R370 payments are typically issued around that same time frame (often mid-month for most recipients).

In other words, if you’re approved in June, expect the R370 grant in that month’s payment run. (SASSA has noted that SRD payments are not on a fixed date – many recipients see funds around the second week of each month.) Payments are made either by direct deposit into your bank, SASSA card, or paid out at designated pickup points. SASSA will notify you by SMS when the payment is processed.

How to Appeal a Declined Application

If your SRD application is declined and you believe this was in error, you have the right to appeal. You should submit an appeal within 30 days of the decision.

  1. Go to the SRD appeals portal at srd.sassa.gov.za/appeals.
  2. Log in and click “Lodge an Appeal”.
  3. Enter your ID and the phone number used in your application (you’ll get an OTP).
  4. After verifying, select the grant month of the declined decision and provide a reason for appeal.
  5. Submit the form. You will see a confirmation that your appeal is lodged.

The appeal is reviewed by an independent panel. You can also call SASSA (0800 60 10 11) for guidance. Keep checking the appeals status online or via the helpline.

Updating Your Personal or Banking Details

If any of your personal information (phone number, address, banking details) changes, you should update SASSA:

  • Online (preferred): Log in to the SRD portal and use the update options (e.g. “Change banking details”). For example, to fix bank details pending, you can update your account by entering your ID on the portal and following the SMS link.
  • Call: Ring 0800 60 10 11 for assistance.
  • Email: Send your request to [email protected].

SASSA confirms these methods allow you to correct your application details if needed.

FAQs

  • How do I check my SASSA status online? Visit the official SRD status check portal, choose the SRD status service, and enter your ID and cellphone number.
  • What does “bank details pending” mean? It means SASSA has your application but is waiting on your banking info. You must log into the SRD portal and update your bank account or payment method so your application can be processed.
  • Who is eligible for the R370 grant? You need to be 18–59 years old, a South African citizen/permanent resident/refugee, unemployed with no other income, and not receiving any other grant.
  • When will I get paid once approved? Once approved, you’ll get the monthly R370 grant on SASSA’s scheduled payment run (usually early in the month). SASSA will notify you by SMS when your payment has been processed.
  • How do I appeal if my application was declined? You can appeal online at srd.sassa.gov.za/appeals by entering your details and stating why you were declined. Follow the steps provided in the “How to Appeal” section above.
  • Can I reapply? Yes. If you become newly eligible (e.g. lost all income) or made a mistake initially, you may submit a new SRD application through the same portal.
  • How do I update my contact number or address? Update your details on the SRD portal or call the SASSA helpline (0800 60 10 11). SASSA also handles changes via email.
  • Why was I declined? Applications are declined for reasons like incomplete data, failing the means test, or receiving other grants. If you’re unsure why, you can call SASSA to ask or lodge an appeal.
  • Is the grant permanent? No. The SRD grant is considered temporary relief. Recipients must reconfirm eligibility every three months, and the grant may be reviewed by SASSA at any time.

Each answer above draws on official SASSA guidelines and credible resources to ensure accuracy. Always use the official SASSA website or call centre for the latest information.