- Last Verified: July 2026
- Primary Route:
*120*3210#or*120*69277# - Official SRD Portal:
https://srd.sassa.gov.za
Quick Answer
To check your SASSA balance or grant status using USSD, dial *120*3210# or *120*69277# from the mobile number registered with your SASSA profile.
- For SASSA Card / Postbank Holders: Dialing
*120*3210#allows you to navigate the balance enquiry menu using your 13-digit South African ID number or SASSA card details. - For Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant Recipients: If your SRD funds are paid directly into a personal bank account (e.g., Capitec, FNB, Absa, Standard Bank, Nedbank, TymeBank), your available cash balance is managed through your bank’s specific USSD code or banking app rather than SASSA’s card ledger. To check whether an SRD payment has been approved or processed to your account, check your status online at
srd.sassa.gov.zaor dial*120*3210#.
Note: USSD sessions require a small airtime balance (usually R0.20 per 20 seconds or standard network rates) if your network does not zero-rate the service.
What the Service Is and Who Can Use It
The SASSA USSD balance enquiry service is a low-data, text-based feature designed for South African grant beneficiaries, including SRD recipients, pensioners, and child support grant holders. It allows you to confirm whether funds have been deposited and check available account balances without requiring a smartphone, internet connection, or data bundle.
Eligible Users
- Beneficiaries holding an active SASSA Gold/Postbank card.
- Approved SRD grant applicants checking status or Postbank balances.
- Users dialing from the mobile phone number registered on the SASSA/SRD database.
Prerequisites
- A basic feature phone or smartphone.
- Active network signal (Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, or Cell C).
- Your 13-digit South African ID number.
- Sufficient airtime balance for USSD session fees (if applicable).
How to Check the Balance
Before You Start
- Ensure your SIM card is inserted into your phone and has network signal.
- Confirm you are dialling from the mobile number registered during your SASSA/SRD application.
- Have your 13-digit SA ID number ready.
Verified Step-by-Step Process
- Open Phone Keypad: Open the phone dialer on your device.
- Dial Code: Enter
*120*3210#(or*120*69277#) and press the Call button. - Select Service: On the prompt menu, select the option for SASSA Grant Enquiry or Balance Enquiry.
- Enter ID Number: When prompted, type in your 13-digit South African ID number.
- Follow Prompts: Select your grant type or confirm your card/account details as requested on screen.
- View Result: Read the displayed balance or grant payment status.
Confirmation or Expected Result
When the USSD session successfully completes, an on-screen text pop-up will display:
- Available Balance: The current cash amount available for withdrawal or purchase.
- Payment Status: Confirmation of the last payment date or status for the current processing cycle.
Plaintext
SASSA Account Summary:
Available Bal: R350.00
Last Payment Date: 25/07/2026
Status: Approved / Paid
Recovery Route: If your mobile airtime was deducted or the USSD session timed out before displaying your balance, wait 5 minutes to prevent multiple session charges, then re-dial or verify your balance using the official web portal at
srd.sassa.gov.za.
Fees, Limits, Eligibility, and Processing Times
| Feature | Details |
| Session Fee | Standard network USSD rates apply (typically 20c per 20 seconds or up to R1.50–R2.00 per session). |
| Free Access | Some networks zero-rate official government channels, but airtime is recommended. |
| Daily Limits | No strict limit on queries, but repeated sessions incur airtime charges. |
| Processing Delay | Real-time for Postbank card ledgers. Bank deposits reflect according to standard bank clearance times. |
| Eligibility | Must be a verified SASSA applicant/beneficiary with a linked mobile number. |
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Code, Session, SIM, or Account Errors
- “Connection Problem or MMI Code Invalid”: Re-check the code string (
*120*3210#) or restart your phone to reset network connections. - “User Not Found / Unregistered SIM”: Ensure you dial from the exact cellphone number submitted during your SASSA/SRD registration. If you changed numbers, you must update your details via the official SASSA SRD portal.
- Session Timeout: USSD menus timeout after 20–30 seconds of inactivity. Enter your ID number quickly when prompted.
- Insufficient Airtime: Ensure you have at least R2–R5 airtime on your prepaid SIM.
When the Service Has Changed or Is Unavailable
During peak payout days (e.g., first week of the month), USSD gateways experience high congestion. If the service times out repeatedly, use one of the official alternative routes below.
Official Alternatives
If the USSD route is unavailable or your balance fails to display, use these verified channels:
- Official SRD Web Portal: Visit srd.sassa.gov.za on a phone or computer to view your monthly approval status and payment status.
- SASSA WhatsApp Self-Service: Send “Hi” to
082 601 0111or082 046 8553on WhatsApp and follow the automated prompts. - Personal Banking USSD / Mobile App: If your SRD grant is paid into a personal bank account, check your balance directly using your bank’s USSD code (e.g., Capitec
*120*3279#, FNB*120*321#, Absa*120*2272#, Standard Bank*120*2345#, Nedbank*120*001#). - Till Point Balance Enquiry: Present your SASSA Gold/Postbank card at major retail till points (Pick n Pay, Checkers, Shoprite, Boxer).
- SASSA Toll-Free Call Centre: Call 0800 60 10 11 for grant and payment assistance.
Safety and Privacy
- Never Share Your PIN: SASSA and bank officials will never ask for your 4-digit card PIN or OTP.
- Avoid Unofficial Third-Party Apps: Do not enter your SA ID number or bank account details into unofficial third-party apps or social media groups.
- Report Fraud: Report suspicious activity or unauthorized debits directly to the SASSA Fraud Hotline at 0800 60 10 11 or email
[email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current SASSA SRD USSD Code To Check Balance?
The main USSD codes for SASSA grant balance enquiries and status checks are *120*3210# and *120*69277#.
Which balance does the code show?
For SASSA Gold/Postbank cardholders, it displays the available cash balance on the card. For commercial bank accounts, it displays payment status, while the cash balance must be checked via your respective bank.
Must I dial from my registered number?
Yes. The SASSA network cross-references your mobile number with your grant registration profile to prevent fraud.
Is the displayed amount real-time or delayed?
Postbank ledger checks are real-time. However, if payments are actively processing on payout days, reflect times may vary by bank or merchant.
What should I do if the SASSA USSD route does not work?
Use the free online status check tool at srd.sassa.gov.za, contact SASSA on WhatsApp (082 601 0111), check your balance at a major retail store till point, or call the toll-free helpline at 0800 60 10 11.