How do I know if I have outstanding SASSA Grants?

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The South African Social Security Agency disburses various grants to eligible South Africans in need of financial support.

These grants can be useful for meeting basic needs and improving one’s quality of life.

If you’ve applied for a SASSA grant and are unsure about its status, particularly whether there are any outstanding payments, this guide is here to help. 

What is an Outstanding Grant?

An outstanding grant refers to funds allocated to your approved grant application that haven’t yet been paid out.

Reasons for outstanding grants could be delays in processing or disbursement, or the grant may be waiting for collection.

Grant Types and Outstanding Payments

SASSA administers a range of grants, including:

  1. Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant: This temporary grant provides financial assistance to unemployed individuals.
  2. Child Support Grant: This grant supports caregivers of children under the age of 18.
  3. Foster Care Grant: This grant provides financial support for foster parents caring for children in their homes.
  4. Disability Grant: This grant offers financial support to individuals with disabilities.
  5. Older Persons Grant: This grant provides financial assistance to South African citizens aged 60 and over.

An outstanding grant refers to a payment that has been approved but not yet disbursed to the beneficiary.

This could be due to various reasons, such as delays in processing, incorrect banking details, or missing information on the application.

How to Check Your SASSA Grant Status

There are several ways to check your SASSA grant status and see if you have any outstanding payments:

  1. SASSA SRD Website: The SASSA SRD website allows you to check your application status for the Social Relief of Distress Grant. Enter your ID number and cellphone number used during application to view your status.
  2. USSD Code: You can use your cellphone to dial 1203210# to receive an SMS notification with your SASSA balance. This method works for some grant types, but not all.
  3. SASSA App: Download the official SASSA app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Once registered, you can access your grant information and track application status.
  4. WhatsApp: Save the number 082 046 8553 as “SASSA Status” in your contacts. Open WhatsApp and chat with this number, providing your full name, surname, and ID number. You’ll receive a reply SMS with your application status.
  5. SASSA Call Centre: For any grant type, you can contact the SASSA National Call Centre at 0800 60 1011. Be prepared to provide your ID number when speaking to a consultant.
  6. Local SASSA Office: Visiting your nearest SASSA local office allows you to speak to a representative in person and inquire about your grant status.

How long does it take to receive a SASSA grant payment after approval?

The processing time for SASSA grant payments can vary depending on the specific grant type and current workload.

Generally, it can take anywhere between a few days to several weeks after approval for the funds to be deposited into your account.

What if my SASSA grant application is declined?

If your SASSA grant application is declined, you’ll receive notification with the reason for rejection.

You have the right to appeal the decision within a specific timeframe.

The SASSA website and local office can provide further guidance on the appeals process.

Can I check my SASSA grant balance online?

Yes, you can check your SASSA grant balance for certain grants (like the SRD Grant) through the SASSA SRD website or by dialing the USSD code 1203210#.

If you don’t have access to a cellphone or the internet, you can visit your nearest SASSA local office to inquire about your grant status and outstanding payments.

How do I update my banking details for SASSA grant payments?

If your banking details have changed, you can update them through the SASSA website or by contacting the SASSA Call Centre.

Updating your information promptly ensures you receive your grant payments without delays.

What are common reasons for delays in SASSA grant payments?

There can be several reasons for delays in SASSA grant payments, including:

  1. Incomplete or inaccurate application information
  2. Missing documentation
  3. Verification delays
  4. System backlogs
  5. Incorrect bank details