What is the SASSA USSD Code?

If you’re a beneficiary of South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grants in South Africa, you’ve probably heard talk of the USSD codes used to check your status, balance, payment date and application details. In this post, we provide you with the USSD codes that you can use in this regard. We also show you how to use them, and things to watch out for. So, what is the SASSA USSD Code?

What is USSD and why is it useful for SASSA?

USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) is a phone-based service that lets users interact with a service provider’s system without using the internet. In the context of SASSA, this means:

• You don’t need data or WiFi to check your grant.
• You can get a quick response via your mobile phone.
• It works with basic phones (feature phones) as well as smartphones.
• USSD works even when you do not have airtime in your phone

Because many beneficiaries may not have access to high-end smartphones or stable internet, USSD is a very practical way for SASSA to reach people.

Key USSD Codes for SASSA

There are a couple of SASSA USSD codes that people in South Africa can use;

• The first SASSA USSD code is *120*3210#. Dial it from the phone number that you used when you made your SASSA application. Then follow the prompts to check your grant status, balance or next payment date.
• The other SASSA USSD code is *120*69277#. Again, you can use it to check your balance, view your grant status and find your next payment date.

How to Use the USSD Code – Step by Step

The codes above work only if the phone number you dial from is the same number you registered with SASSA when applying for your grant. But how do you use the above codes? Here’s a simplified process to check your SASSA status or balance via USSD:

1. On the mobile phone you used to apply for the SASSA grant, open the dial pad.
2. Dial either of the SASSA USSD codes, *120*3210# or *120*69277#
3. Press the dial button on your phone.
4. You will be asked to enter your ID number and/or your registered mobile number.
5. Enter the required details.
6. Choose from the available options, depending on whether your sith to view your status or to get some other information.
7. You will get an SMS with the result.

Tips

• Ensure your mobile number is correct: If you’ve changed your phone number after applying, the USSD might not recognise you. You will need to change your phone number with SASSA.
• No airtime required (usually): The USSD check typically doesn’t deduct airtime, but depending on your network there might be standard charges.
• Beware of third-party apps: There are many websites or apps out there that claim to check your SASSA status. It’s best to stick to official channels or known USSD codes. Otherwise you risk giving your information to the wrong people and you could end up losing everything.
• Keep your ID number ready: You’ll usually need your South African ID number and the registered phone number.
• If your status is “Approved” but no payment yet: It might mean your payment is being processed or your bank details are pending verification.
• Scams: Be cautious of SMSs or callers posing as SASSA asking for your PIN, bank or card-details — SASSA will not ask you to pay a fee to receive a grant.

Why This Matters

For many people relying on SASSA grants, the USSD check is a lifeline:

• It gives you real-time visibility of your application or payment status.
• It empowers you to plan finances (knowing when payment is coming).
• It reduces the need to physically visit an office or wait in line. Whether your are in far off Matatiele or distant Thohoyandou, you can check your status without need to travel anywhere.
• It promotes inclusion, where internet access may be limited. USSD can be accessed from anywhere in South Africa, regardless of the type of phone that you have.

Final Thoughts

The SASSA USSD code is important for those that get grants. USSD codes are especially important because they can be accessed from any phone. You do need to make sure that you are dialing from a number that you registered with SASSA.

You can use the code on your registered phone to check your grant status, balance and next payment date. They’re simple, quick and don’t require data. That means wherever you may be in South Africa, you will be able to find the information that you are looking for.

And remember: always keep your ID number safe, make sure your mobile number and bank/payment details are up to date, and use only official channels for such checks.