Official SASSA Channels: What Each Can and Cannot Do

SASSA runs six channels: the SRD portal at srd.sassa.gov.za, WhatsApp on 082 601 0111, USSD on *134*7737#, SMS to 32555, the toll-free line 0800 60 10 11, and local offices. Only the portal can change anything — appeals, banking details, phone number, verification. The others check status or answer questions. All are free.

What can the SRD portal do?

Everything that changes your SRD record happens here and only here.

Pages on the official SRD portal. Bookmark the ones you use.
TaskPage
Applyhttps://srd.sassa.gov.za
Check statushttps://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status
Appeal a declined monthhttps://srd.sassa.gov.za/appeals/appeal
Check an appealhttps://srd.sassa.gov.za/appeals
Update banking detailshttps://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/banking-details-update
Change phone numberhttps://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/mobile-number-update
Identity verification (eKYC)https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/ekyc
Reinstate a cancelled applicationhttps://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/reinstate

The address always begins srd.sassa.gov.za. Any other domain — however similar — is not SASSA.

What can WhatsApp, USSD and SMS do?

WhatsApp 082 601 0111
Send the word Status and follow the prompts. It checks status only. SASSA's WhatsApp never messages you first and never asks for a PIN or a fee.
USSD *134*7737#
Dial from your registered number. Works on any phone with no data. Status only.
SMS to 32555
Send STATUS followed by your ID number from your registered number. Status only.

None of these can change details, lodge an appeal or release a payment. They run on separate systems from the portal, so they are useful when the website is busy.

What can the toll-free line do?

0800 60 10 11, Monday to Friday, 08:00–16:00. Agents can explain a status, confirm why no payment date was assigned, log a missed payment, and record a complaint. They cannot lodge an appeal, change your banking details or phone number, or see appeal progress — those are portal-only. Have your ID number ready, ask about a specific month, and note the date and any reference number.

When should I go to a SASSA office?

  • To apply for a permanent grant — these are not online
  • For identity verification when you have no smartphone or no link arrives
  • For life certification or a grant review when you cannot do it online
  • When the toll-free line could not resolve a problem and you want it logged in person

Bring your ID. SRD applications and appeals are not handled at offices; staff will direct you to the portal.

Which channel for which problem?

Start with the channel in the first column.
ProblemChannel
Month declinedPortal appeals page — how to appeal
Approved but no payment datePortal banking page, then the toll-free line — guide
Referred, or a verification SMSPortal eKYC page — guide
Lost the phone you applied withPortal phone-number page — guide
Website busy or downWhatsApp, USSD or SMS for status
Permanent grant not paid on its dateToll-free line, then your office — dates
Someone used your IDToll-free line to report, and SAFPS on 0860 101 248

How do I tell a real channel from a fake?

  • The website address starts with srd.sassa.gov.za or sassa.gov.za. Nothing else.
  • The WhatsApp number is 082 601 0111 and it only replies to you — it never messages first.
  • No SASSA channel ever asks for money, a PIN, a banking login, or the OTP it has just sent you.
  • No SASSA channel offers to approve, unblock or speed up a grant.
  • A link that arrives by WhatsApp, email or from a number that contacts you first is not from SASSA, even if it looks official.

More than one WhatsApp number circulates

Several grant websites publish a different SASSA WhatsApp number to the one above. We publish 082 601 0111 because that is the number given in SASSA's own SRD material. Before you trust any number, check it against sassa.gov.za — and remember the test that matters more than the digits: SASSA replies to you, it never messages you first, and it never asks for a PIN, a fee or an OTP.

See how fake status-check sites work.

Common questions

Can I appeal by phone or WhatsApp?

No. Appeals are lodged only on the portal appeals page. Phone agents cannot lodge one or see its progress.

Does SASSA have an app?

SASSA services are on the website and the channels listed here. Treat any app claiming to check or manage your grant as unofficial.

What are the call-centre hours?

Monday to Friday, 08:00–16:00. Outside those hours use the portal, WhatsApp, USSD or SMS.

Sources: srd.sassa.gov.za; sassa.gov.za. Channels last verified August 2026.

Reviewed by Secure The Grant editorial team against official SASSA sources on . How we check our facts