How to Check Your SASSA SRD Status Online for R370 Grant

For millions of South Africans, the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant—now increased to R370—is a vital lifeline. It puts food on the table and covers basic essentials during tough economic times.

However, applying for the grant is only the first step. The most stressful part is waiting to see if you have been approved.

Every month, beneficiaries ask the same frantic questions: “Why is my status still pending?” “What does ‘Identity Verification Failed’ mean?” “My status says ‘Approved’ but I have no pay date!”

If you are confused by the SASSA system, you are not alone. The digital system can be overwhelming, and checking your status incorrectly can lead to frustration.

In this complete 2026 guide, we will show you exactly how to check your SASSA status using three different methods (Website, WhatsApp, and Phone). We will also translate the confusing “Status Codes” into plain English so you know exactly what to do next to get your money.

Check Status via the SASSA Website

This is the most accurate way to see your status for the current month and previous months.

Step 1: Go to the Official SRD Portal

Open your browser (Chrome or Safari) and visit: https://srd.sassa.gov.za (Warning: Always make sure the link ends in .gov.za. Scammers create fake sites to steal your ID number).

Step 2: Find the “Application Status” Section

Scroll down the page until you see a yellow or green bar that says “Check SC 19 Status” (or similar wording for the current SRD grant). Click the button that says “Click here to check online”.

Step 3: Enter Your Details

You will need two things:

South African ID Number (13 digits).
Cellphone Number (The one you used when you applied).

Step 4: Click “Submit”

Once you submit, you will see a list of months (e.g., January 2026, February 2026). Look at the current month to see your status.

Note: If the current month is not listed yet, it means SASSA has not processed applications for this cycle. Check again in a few days.

Check Status via WhatsApp

Don’t have data to load the website? WhatsApp is a great alternative. SASSA has an official chatbot that can give you quick answers.

Step 1: Save the Number

Add the official SASSA WhatsApp number to your contacts: 082 046 8553.

Step 2: Start the Chat

Open WhatsApp and send a message saying “Status” or “Sassa” to that number.

Step 3: Follow the Prompts

The bot will reply automatically.

Reply with the option for “Status Check”.
Enter your ID Number when asked.
Enter your Cellphone Number.

The bot will then message you back with your status for the latest month.

Pro Tip: The WhatsApp line gets very busy at the start of the month. If the bot doesn’t reply, use the website method instead.

Check Status via USSD

If you have a feature phone (dumbphone) or zero airtime, you can use the USSD code. This works on Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, and Cell C.

Step 1: Dial the Code

Open your phone dialer and type: 1347737#

Step 2: Enter ID Number

Follow the screen prompts to verify your identity.

Step 3: View Status

Your status will flash on the screen.

Note: This method sometimes provides less detail than the website. It might just say “Approved” without giving a pay date.

Understanding Your SASSA Status: What Does It Mean?

Seeing your status is one thing; understanding it is another. Here is the dictionary for SASSA lingo in 2026.

1. “Approved”

Good news! Your application was successful.

What to do: Look for the “Pay Date” next to the approval. This is the day the money will be sent to your bank account or be ready for collection at a retailer (Boxer/Pick n Pay).
Note: If there is no Pay Date yet, do not panic. SASSA approves the grant first, then processes the payment file a few days later.

2. “Declined”

Bad news. SASSA has rejected your application for this month.

Why: The system usually gives a reason (e.g., “UIF Registered”, “Alternative Income Source Identified”).
What to do: If you believe this is a mistake, you must lodge an Appeal on the SASSA website within 30 days.

3. “Pending”

Waiting game. SASSA has received your application but hasn’t verified it yet.

Why: They are still checking your ID against databases (Home Affairs, SARS, UIF banks).
What to do: Check again in 48 hours. There is nothing you can do to speed this up.

4. “Identity Verification Failed”

Critical Error. This means the details you gave SASSA do not match the Department of Home Affairs data.

Common causes: You misspelled your name (e.g., “Jon” instead of “John”) or typed one digit of your ID wrong.
What to do: You need to update your details on the SRD portal immediately. Ensure your name matches exactly what is in your Green ID Book or Smart Card.

5. “Bank Details Pending”

Almost there. You are approved, but SASSA doesn’t know where to send the money.

What to do: Go to the SRD website and click “Update Banking Details”. You can choose to be paid into a personal bank account (fastest) or select “Cash Send” for retailer collection.

6. “Referred” (SAFPS)

This is a fraud check. It means your ID number has been flagged by the South African Fraud Prevention Service.

What to do: You will need to contact SASSA directly or email referred@sassa.gov.za to clear your name and prove you are the real owner of the ID.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

“My status is Approved but I haven’t been paid!”

This is the most common complaint.

Reason 1: Banking delays. It can take 2-3 days for funds to reflect after the “Pay Date”.
Reason 2: Cash Send issues. If you collect at a store, ensure you have the SMS voucher.
Reason 3: Wrong Bank Account. Did you use someone else’s bank account? SASSA only pays into accounts registered in your own name. If the names don’t match, the payment bounces.

“I can’t log in because I lost my phone number!”

If you lost the SIM card you registered with, you cannot get the OTP to check your status.

Solution: You must change your registered cell phone number on the SASSA portal. Look for the option “Click here to change your cell phone number”. You will need to answer security questions about your application to prove it is you.

How to Appeal a “Declined” Status

Did SASSA say you have “Alternative Income” but you are actually unemployed? You have the right to fight back.

Visit the Appeals Website: https://srd.dsd.gov.za (Note: This is a different site from the application site).
Enter your ID and Phone number.
Select the month you were declined.
Provide a reason why the rejection is wrong.
Wait: Appeals can take 60-90 days to process. An independent tribunal checks your bank accounts again. If they find zero income, they will reverse the decision and pay you (including backpay).

Conclusion

Checking your SASSA SRD status is a monthly ritual for millions. While the system can be slow and frustrating, knowing how to use the online tools puts you in control.

Remember:

Check regularly: Statuses can change from “Pending” to “Approved” at any time of the month.
Use the Website first: It gives the most detail.
Keep your phone safe: Your OTP is the key to your account.

We hope this guide helps you navigate the R370 grant process smoothly. Fingers crossed for that “Approved” status this month!

Looking for a job while you wait for your grant?

Check out our Jobs & Careers section for the latest learnerships available now.

(Disclaimer: The Mzansi Post is an independent information blog and is NOT affiliated with SASSA. We cannot fix your payment issues. Please contact the SASSA toll-free helpline at 0800 60 10 11 for official assistance.)