The SASSA toll-free number is 0800 60 10 11. It is free to call from any South African mobile or landline. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm. For SRD R370 grant queries specifically, WhatsApp on 082 046 8553 is often faster than calling.
📞 All SASSA Contact Methods
📞
Toll-Free Helpline
0800 60 10 11
Free from any network · Mon–Fri 8am–4pm
💬
WhatsApp (SRD Grant)
082 046 8553
Send "SASSA" to start · Verified green tick
🌐
SRD Online Portal
srd.sassa.gov.za
Status check, banking details, appeals
✉️
Email (non-urgent)
grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za
Slow response — use phone for urgent issues
📅 SASSA Call Centre Hours
Day
Hours
Status
Monday – Friday
8:00am – 4:00pm
Open
Saturday
—
Closed
Sunday
—
Closed
Public Holidays
—
Closed
Calling early in the morning (before 9:30am) significantly reduces wait times. The call centre is busiest on Mondays and on the days around payment dates.
📱 SASSA WhatsApp — Step by Step
The SASSA WhatsApp service handles SRD R370 grant queries and is available 24/7 for automated responses. Human agents are available during office hours.
Save 082 046 8553 as a contact in your phone.
Open WhatsApp and look for the green verified tick next to the name — this confirms it is the official SASSA account.
Send the word SASSA to begin.
Select Status from the menu to check your SRD grant status.
Enter your 13-digit ID number when prompted.
Scam warning: Do not send your ID number or bank details to any WhatsApp number that does not have the official green verified tick. Fraudulent SASSA WhatsApp accounts are common. The only official number is 082 046 8553.
🏢 When to Visit a SASSA Office in Person
Most SRD R370 queries can be resolved online or by phone. However, you must visit a SASSA office in person for:
Applying for the Old Age Pension, Child Support Grant, or Disability Grant
Biometric verification (fingerprint or facial recognition) if flagged
Submitting a paper appeal if you cannot access the online portal
Collecting a SASSA card or resolving Post Office payment issues
Identity verification disputes that require original documents
Find your nearest SASSA office at our SASSA Offices guide → — includes addresses and phone numbers for all 9 provinces.
⚠️ When the SASSA Helpline Is Unreachable
The SASSA call centre is frequently overloaded, especially around payment dates. If you cannot get through:
Try WhatsApp (082 046 8553) — usually faster than calling during peak times.
Try the online portal at srd.sassa.gov.za — most SRD queries can be resolved without calling.
Try early morning — call before 9am when volumes are lower.
Contact Black Sash at blacksash.org.za — they provide free advice on SASSA grant problems and can assist with escalations.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
The SASSA toll-free helpline is 0800 60 10 11. It is free to call from any South African network — mobile or landline. Lines are open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm. The line handles queries about all SASSA grants including the SRD R370, Old Age Pension, Child Support Grant, and Disability Grant.
For a declined SRD grant, the fastest route is to appeal online at srd.dsd.gov.za — you do not need to call SASSA. Enter your ID number, request an OTP, select the declined month, and submit your reason. See our full appeal guide → for templates and step-by-step instructions.
SASSA does not offer a responsive public email channel for grant queries. The general enquiries address (grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za) exists but response times are very slow. For urgent matters, always use the toll-free number 0800 60 10 11 or WhatsApp 082 046 8553.
There is no separate helpline for the Old Age Pension. All SASSA grants are handled through the main number 0800 60 10 11. When you call, select the option for "Older Persons Grant" from the menu. For new applications, you must visit a SASSA office in person — the pension cannot be applied for online.