If you are one of the many South Africans relying on the R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant from SASSA, knowing how much money you have left is essential. Whether you’re planning your next grocery run or budgeting your transport costs, checking your SASSA R350 balance ensures you stay in control of your grant payments. Thankfully, SASSA has made the process simple and accessible to all.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to check your SASSA balance, especially for the R350 grant, using different methods like your phone, ATM, or USSD code.
Why It’s Important to Check Your SASSA Balance
The SASSA R350 grant is meant to help people who are unemployed and facing financial challenges. Knowing your balance helps you:
- Avoid unexpected declines at stores
- Track your payment history
- Detect any errors or missing payments early
- Plan your expenses better
By regularly checking your balance, you can ensure that your grant is being paid correctly and on time.
Methods to Check Your SASSA R350 Balance
There are multiple ways to check your balance. You can choose the one that suits your needs based on the phone or bank option you’ve used to receive your grant.
Check SASSA Balance Using USSD Code
This is one of the easiest and most popular methods, especially for people using a SASSA card or Postbank.
Step-by-Step:
- Dial 1203210# on your phone
- Follow the prompts to select “Check Balance”
- Your available balance will appear on the screen
Alternative USSD code: If the above code doesn’t work, try dialing 12069277# instead.
Remember to use the mobile number registered with your SASSA application for the system to recognize you.
Check Balance Through ATM (For SASSA Gold Card Users)
If you have the official SASSA gold card, you can check your balance at any ATM.
Here’s how:
- Visit your nearest ATM
- Insert your SASSA card and enter your PIN
- Choose the “Balance Inquiry” option
- Your available balance will appear on the screen
ATMs of all major banks (such as ABSA, FNB, Capitec, or Standard Bank) support this service. But note: even though checking your balance is free, some ATMs may charge a small fee for printed slips.
Check Balance via WhatsApp
This method is useful for tracking your application status and payment date—but not the exact balance. However, it helps in knowing if your payment has been made.
How to use WhatsApp:
- Save this number: 082 046 8553
- Send “Status” to the number
- Follow the steps by providing your ID number and phone number
- You’ll receive your grant status and payment info
Once you confirm that your payment has been made, you can then check your card or Postbank account balance using other methods.
Check via Bank Notification (For Direct Bank Deposits)
If you chose to receive your R350 grant directly into your personal bank account (like Capitec or FNB), you can check your balance through your bank’s mobile app or SMS alerts.
Many banks offer free balance check services via:
- Mobile banking apps
- Internet banking
- SMS banking (if you have alerts enabled)
Contact your bank’s customer service if you’re unsure how to activate this service.
What If You See a Low or Zero Balance?
Sometimes your balance may be lower than expected or show zero even though you’ve been approved. Here’s what could be going on:
- Delayed Payment: SASSA sometimes takes longer to process payments, especially during holidays or system maintenance.
- Banking Issues: If your banking details were not verified in time, the payment may be delayed or returned.
- Withdrawal Done: Someone with access to your card or account may have withdrawn the money without you realizing it.
- System Glitch: Occasional glitches in USSD or ATM systems may show outdated balances.
In these cases, it’s best to wait 24–48 hours and check again or contact SASSA or your bank directly for clarification.
What to Do If Your Balance Never Updates
If your balance never changes and shows the same amount even after you know a payment has been made, try these steps:
- Restart your phone and dial the USSD code again
- Visit a different ATM
- Check your account history through your bank’s app
- Call the SASSA toll-free number at 0800 60 10 11 for support
Always ensure your contact and banking details are up to date on the SASSA portal to avoid payment issues.
Tips to Keep Your SASSA Funds Safe
Because fraud can happen, here are some tips to protect your R350 balance:
- Never share your SASSA card PIN with anyone
- Use only official USSD codes or websites
- Regularly check your balance to spot suspicious activity early
- Report lost or stolen cards immediately
- Avoid third-party “agents” who claim to speed up your payment—they’re often scams
Final Thoughts
Keeping an eye on your SASSA R350 balance is more than just about numbers—it’s about staying informed, planning ahead, and ensuring your needs are met each month. Whether you use your phone, ATM, or bank app, checking your balance has become quick and simple.
SASSA has done a great job making this process accessible even to those without smartphones or internet. So take a few minutes each week to check your balance—it could save you time, stress, and confusion later on.
