How to check your SASSA balance

Updated on 30 April 2026

There is no single SASSA-wide USSD code for balance checks - despite what some sites claim. Your method depends on where your grant lands: a SASSA Postbank gold card, a regular bank account at Capitec / FNB / Nedbank / Standard Bank / ABSA / TymeBank, or cash collection at a paypoint. Below are the methods that actually work for each setup.

1. ATM (with your SASSA Postbank gold card)

If you collect via the SASSA Postbank gold card, ATMs are the most reliable way to check your balance:

1. Insert your SASSA Postbank card at any ATM.
2. Enter your PIN.
3. Select Balance Enquiry.
4. Choose display only for a free on-screen view, or print receipt for a paper slip.

Costs: Postbank ATMs are usually free for balance checks. Commercial bank ATMs (Standard Bank, FNB, ABSA, etc.) may charge a small fee (typically R3-R10) when used with a non-customer card. The Mini Statement option attracts a printed-slip fee even at Postbank.

Forgot your PIN? Visit any Postbank branch or SASSA office with your SASSA card and ID to reset it. PIN reset cannot be done by phone or app.

2. Bank app (if grant goes into a normal bank account)

If your SASSA grant is paid into a regular bank account, your bank's app is the easiest way to see your balance:

• Capitec app: Log in - balance shown on the home screen. Tap the account for transactions.
• FNB app: Log in - balance shown on the dashboard.
• TymeBank app: Log in - the EveryDay account balance is shown on the home screen.
• Nedbank, Standard Bank, ABSA: Open the bank's app and log in.

Most banks also have their own USSD codes for balance enquiries from a feature phone (each bank's code is different - check on the back of your bank card or in the bank's communications). These bank-specific codes are the closest thing to a "USSD balance check" - there is no SASSA-wide code.

3. Bank SMS notifications

Most South African banks send a free SMS the moment money is deposited into your account, including SASSA payments. The SMS shows the amount and the new balance. To make sure you get these:

• Confirm your cellphone number is correct on your bank's records (check via the app or in branch).
• Make sure SMS notifications are turned on (some banks call this "Notify Me" or "InContact").
• Some banks charge a small monthly fee for premium SMS notifications, but the basic deposit-alert SMS is usually free.

4. Bank statement (printed or in-app)

If you want a full record of every transaction:

• In your bank app: Tap the account, then "Statements" or "Transactions" to download a PDF for any date range.
• At a bank branch: Ask for a printed statement (small fee may apply).
• At an ATM: Use the Mini Statement option (typically shows the last 5-10 transactions).

5. SASSA helpline (toll-free)

Call 0800 60 10 11 from any phone. The agent can confirm whether SASSA has paid your grant for the current month and the amount that was paid. They cannot show your live bank balance - only the SASSA-side payment status.

Open Monday to Friday 08:00-16:00. Avoid the first few business days of the month - lines are busiest then.

Comparing the methods

Why your SASSA balance might look wrong

If your balance is lower than expected, the most common causes are:

• Authorised deductions: Funeral cover (the rules allow one deduction per month, capped at 10% of your grant), or a short-term debt-collection deduction. These must be authorised in writing by you.
• Bank fees: Account maintenance, ATM withdrawal fees, transaction fees. Postbank account fees are very low; commercial bank fees can be higher.
• Pending bank reflection: If today is the day SASSA paid, your bank can take 2-3 business days to reflect the funds. Check again tomorrow.
• Outstanding overdrawn amount: If your account was negative before the grant landed, the bank takes that off first.
• This month's grant declined: Especially for SRD - check your SRD status to see if the month was Approved.

Suspicious deductions? Report any deduction you did not authorise to the SASSA toll-free line on 0800 60 10 11 and to your bank immediately.

Special case: how to check your SRD R370 balance

The SRD R370 grant works differently to the older grants. SRD always pays into a bank account or cash send - never onto a SASSA card. To confirm your SRD payment:

1. Check your bank app on or after your scheduled payment date.
2. Confirm payment status on the SRD status check page.
3. If the status shows "Paid" but money has not arrived within 3 business days, see our approved status guide.

FAQ

How do I check my SASSA balance?

Use an ATM with your SASSA Postbank gold card, your bank app if the grant goes into a normal bank account, or the SMS notifications your bank sends. There is no single SASSA-wide USSD code.

Is there a SASSA USSD code to check my balance?

No. SASSA itself does not run a USSD service for balance checks. Each bank has its own USSD code (printed on the back of their card or available from the bank). Use that, or use an ATM, app, or SMS instead.

Can I check my SASSA balance on WhatsApp?

No. The official SASSA WhatsApp at 082 046 8553 only provides general information, not your live balance. Use an ATM, bank app, or SMS notifications instead.

How do I reset my SASSA card PIN?

Visit any Postbank or SASSA branch with your SASSA Postbank gold card and ID document. PIN reset is done in branch only - not by phone or online.

How do I check SRD R370 grant balance?

SRD pays into your bank account, not a SASSA card. Check your bank app or statement on the payment date. Confirm the payment status on srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status.

Related SASSA pages

• SASSA Hub
• SASSA Postbank Gold Card
• SRD R370 Status Check
• SASSA Banking Details
• SASSA Contact Numbers
• SASSA Payment Dates