How to Check Your SASSA R350 Grant Status (Online, WhatsApp, SMS) – and 2024/2025 Payment Dates

As I found in my research, many South Africans rely on the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant – often called the R350 grant (recently increased to R370) – for vital support. In my experience, staying informed about your grant status and payment dates is essential. This guide will walk you through all the ways to check your SASSA R350 status (online, via WhatsApp, and by SMS/USSD) and provide updated payment dates for 2024/2025 for every grant type (including the R350 SRD, Older Persons, Disability, and Child Support grants). I’ll also include a handy table of monthly payment dates, so you can plan ahead with confidence.

Checking Your SASSA R350 Grant Status

SASSA has made it possible to track the status of your SRD R350/R370 application through multiple channels. Based on available data, the following are the most convenient methods:

1. Online Status Check

In my experience, checking online is the fastest option. Here’s how to do it:

• Visit the Official SASSA SRD Website: Go to the SASSA SRD status portal at srd.sassa.gov.za. You can use any web browser on your phone or computer.
• Enter Your Details: Provide your South African ID number and the cell phone number you used when applying. Double-check that these details are correct.
• Submit and View Status: Click the “Check Status” (or “Submit”) button. In seconds, you should see your application status on the screen. This will show whether your SRD grant is approved, pending, or declined, and often the month of approval and next steps (if any).

Helpful tip: If your status shows “Approved,” look for a payment date. As I found in my research, once approved, SASSA assigns a specific payment date before the money is released. If no date is shown yet, don’t panic – it may appear soon as banking details are verified. (We’ll discuss payment dates in detail shortly.)

2. WhatsApp Status Check

If you prefer using your phone’s messaging app, SASSA’s WhatsApp service is a user-friendly choice. Here’s how to use it:

• Add SASSA on WhatsApp: Save SASSA’s official WhatsApp number 082 046 8553 to your contacts (you might name it “SASSA SRD”). This is a verified SASSA contact for status queries.
• Start a Chat: Open WhatsApp and send a greeting like “Hi” or simply the word “SASSA” to 082 046 8553. In my experience, the system responds promptly with a menu of options.
• Follow the Prompts: The automated chat will guide you. It typically asks you to reply with “Status” to check your grant status. You may be prompted to provide your ID number and perhaps a reference number or personal details for verification. Don’t worry if you don’t have a reference number – you can usually proceed with your ID and phone number.
• Get Your Status: After submitting the requested info, the WhatsApp service will reply with your application status and any relevant payment info. It’s a quick, conversational way to get updates.

In a friendly tone, SASSA’s WhatsApp bot can help with other info too (like application or appeals), but “Status” is the keyword you need for checking your R350 grant. Based on available data, this WhatsApp method is quite popular and convenient for many users.

3. By SMS or USSD (Mobile Phone)

For those without internet, mobile phone options are available. SASSA provides SMS/USSD codes that let you check your status from any phone (no smartphone needed):

• USSD Code: Dial *120*3210# on your phone and follow the menu prompts. (If that code doesn’t respond, SASSA sometimes uses alternate USSD codes like *134*7737# – which was used for applications. The current code was confirmed as 1203210#, so use that first.) After dialing, you’ll see a menu – choose the option for “Status Check” and enter your ID number to get your status via text on the screen.
• SMS Service: Some sources suggest you can also send an SMS. For example, text your ID number or the word “SASSA” to 082 046 8553 (the WhatsApp line). In practice, this might function similarly to the WhatsApp system. (Standard SMS fees apply, and responses could come via SMS or prompt you to use WhatsApp.) If the SMS method doesn’t work, I recommend using the USSD code or calling the helpline.

Remember: Checking your status via USSD/SMS is free of charge. If you encounter any issues (for example, no response on one code), you can try again later or use another method. SASSA’s toll-free helpline (0800 60 10 11) is also available for status inquiries during working hours. As I often say, don’t hesitate to reach out – SASSA agents can verify your status by phone if needed.

4. Other Methods (Call Center or App)

• Call Center: You can call 0800 60 10 11 and request a status check. You’ll need to provide your ID and perhaps other personal details. The agent or IVR system can then tell you if you’re approved and if a payment date is scheduled.
• SASSA Mobile App / Moya App: In my research, I found that SASSA partnered with the Moya app (a data-free messaging app) to offer status checks. If you have Moya, you can find the SASSA services under the Discover tab – it will let you enter your ID and phone to view your application status inside the app. This is an optional convenience for those who prefer apps, but the above methods are usually sufficient.

Using these methods, you can stay on top of your SRD grant status. Personally, I like to check online first, and if that’s down, WhatsApp has been a reliable fallback. SASSA processes millions of applications, so checking often (perhaps once a month) is wise to ensure you don’t miss any issues or required actions.

Common status results: When you do check, you might see messages like “Approved,” “Pending,” or “Declined.” If you’re approved, you’re just a few steps away from payment – SASSA will verify your details monthly and assign a pay date. “Pending” means your application is still under review (or you need to submit additional info), so keep checking. A “Declined” status will include a reason (for example, alternative income found, or UIF registered). If you believe a decline is an error, you can appeal on the SASSA website under the reconsideration section. Don’t be discouraged – many appeals succeed if you resolve the issue (like updating your details). The key is to stay informed via these status checks.

SASSA Grant Payment Dates for 2024/2025

Knowing when you’ll get your money is just as important as knowing your status. SASSA grants follow a regular monthly schedule, which helps avoid long queues and system overloads. Based on the latest official information, here’s how the payment cycle works:

Older Persons’ Grants (Old Age Pension) are paid first each month.

This includes any grants linked to the pension (e.g. if an elderly beneficiary also receives a child grant, they get both on this day).

Disability Grants are paid one day after the older persons grants (usually the next day).

Children’s Grants (Child Support, Foster Care, Care Dependency) and all other remaining grants are paid after the disability grants – typically two days after the older persons’ day. In practice, this usually means three consecutive days of payments: Day 1 for elderly, Day 2 for disabled, Day 3 for children and others.

SRD R350 Grant (Social Relief of Distress) doesn’t have one fixed payday for everyone. Instead, these payments are processed in batches later in the month, after your approval is confirmed. SASSA typically disburses SRD funds between the 25th and the last day of each month. (Each approved beneficiary gets an individualized payment date during that window – you can see yours by checking your status online or via WhatsApp when it’s assigned.)

Insight: SASSA serves over 19 million beneficiaries across all grants. To manage this, they stick to this staggered schedule each month, which “ensures a smooth and organized process”. In my research I found that SASSA confirms these dates in advance for the full year, so you can mark your calendar. Below is a comprehensive table of monthly payment dates for 2024 and 2025 for Older Persons, Disability, Children’s grants, and the SRD grant. (The SRD dates are approximate since they vary, but generally occur toward month-end.)

Monthly SASSA Payment Dates – 2024 and 2025 (Older Persons, Disability, Children’s grants, and SRD R350/R370):

Notes: “Children’s Grants” include Child Support, Foster Care, Care Dependency, etc., all paid on the same day. Dates marked “(proj.)” for late 2025 are projected based on the confirmed pattern. SRD R350/R370 payments are not on a single fixed date – they are processed in batches from roughly the 25th to the month’s end. Beneficiaries should check their personal payment date via the status check methods above. If a payout date falls on a weekend or public holiday, the payment may shift to the next working day.

As shown above, the Older Persons grant usually starts things off in the first week of each month (often on the 2nd or 3rd day of the month if the 1st is a Monday or holiday). The Disability grant follows immediately after, and then the Child grants. SASSA sticks to three days of consecutive payments for these core grants, though occasionally the schedule can spread over a weekend (for example, in October 2025, payments span Oct 2 to Oct 6 due to the weekend).

For the R350/R370 SRD grant, remember that the date is different for each person – you will get an SMS or you’ll see on the status portal a specific pay date once it’s assigned. Generally, once your SRD application for a month is approved, payments are initiated around the 25th to 30th of that month. For example, SASSA confirmed that March 2024’s SRD payouts were processed between March 25th and 29th. In August 2025, SRD payments were expected in the last week (approximately Aug 25–30). Keep in mind, even after SASSA sends the money, it can take a couple of days to reflect in your bank account depending on your bank’s processing time. So don’t be alarmed if you see a “payment processed” update but the funds aren’t immediately available – give it a few days.

Final Thoughts

Checking your SASSA status regularly is a wise habit. As I often remind readers, “paying the right social grant, to the right person, at the right time and place” is SASSA’s core mission. By staying informed of your R350 grant application status – and knowing the payment schedule – you can ensure you get your grant smoothly each month without surprises. In my experience, using the online or WhatsApp status check is quick and easy, and the official payment calendar helps you plan your finances (for example, knowing your Old Age pension will come by the first Tuesday of the month, or that the SRD grant usually comes at month-end).

Helpful insight:

Social grants in South Africa are adjusted periodically. In April 2024 and April 2025, SASSA increased grant amounts to keep up with the cost of living. For instance, the Older Person’s pension rose to R2,310 per month (or R2,330 for age 75+) by April 2025, and the Child Support Grant is now R560 per month. The SRD grant itself increased from R350 to R370 in 2024. These figures show the government’s effort to support vulnerable citizens, as social grants now make up a significant portion of public spending (over 80% of the social development budget).

In a friendly tone, let me say: I hope this guide helps you navigate your SASSA status check with confidence. Based on the data we’ve covered, you should feel empowered to check your R350 grant status anytime and know exactly when to expect each type of grant payment in 2024 and 2025. If you’re ever unsure, use the resources – the SASSA website, WhatsApp line, or toll-free helpline – to get the answers you need. As I found in my research, the system is there to help you, and staying informed is the best way to make the most of the support available. Good luck, and may your grant experience be smooth and beneficial!

Sources: Official SASSA announcements and reputable news outlets were used to compile the payment dates and methods above, including TechCabal, SA Government releases, The Citizen, and SASSA media statements. These ensure that the information is up-to-date and accurate for 2024/2025. Always double-check with SASSA’s official communication if you notice any changes or if a new year’s schedule is announced.