The official SASSA WhatsApp number is 082 046 8553. Save it as a contact, open WhatsApp, and send the word "SASSA" to begin. Always check for the green verified tick - fraudulent SASSA WhatsApp accounts are common. The service is free to use and works 24/7 for automated responses.
Official SASSA WhatsApp Number
082 046 8553
Send "SASSA" to start · Green verified tick ✓ · Free service
📱 How to Check Your SASSA Status on WhatsApp
1
Save the numberSave 082 046 8553 as a contact in your phone under any name (e.g. "SASSA Official").
2
Check for the green verified tickOpen WhatsApp and find the contact. Look for the green ✓ verified badge next to the name. If there is no green tick, do not proceed - it may be a scam account.
3
Send "SASSA" to startType the word SASSA and send it. The system will reply with a menu of options.
4
Select "Status" from the menuReply with the number or word for Status when the options appear.
5
Enter your ID numberType your 13-digit South African ID number when asked. Your current SRD R370 grant status will appear - Approved, Pending, Declined, or another status.
✅ What You Can Do via SASSA WhatsApp
Task
Available on WhatsApp?
Check SRD R370 grant status
✓ Yes
Check payment date
✓ Yes
Get information about grant types
✓ Yes
Get help with banking details query
✓ Yes (info only)
Submit a new SRD application
✗ No - use srd.sassa.gov.za
Appeal a declined grant
✗ No - use srd.sassa.gov.za
Update banking details
✗ No - use srd.sassa.gov.za
Apply for Old Age Pension / Disability
✗ No - visit a SASSA office
⚠️ SASSA WhatsApp Scams - How to Spot Them
Warning: Fraudulent WhatsApp accounts impersonating SASSA are widespread. They may offer to "fix" your grant status, request your ID number, or ask for a payment to process your grant. SASSA will never ask for payment.
Protect yourself:
Only use 082 046 8553 - this is the only official SASSA WhatsApp number.
Check for the green verified tick before sending any information.
Never pay anyone claiming to help with your SASSA grant. All SASSA services are free.
Never share your bank PIN, OTP, or full banking details via WhatsApp - the official SASSA service will never ask for these.
If you receive a suspicious message, report it to SAPS and call the real SASSA helpline: 0800 60 10 11.
📶 Does SASSA WhatsApp Use Data?
WhatsApp messages to 082 046 8553 use a small amount of mobile data. However, many South African networks offer zero-rated WhatsApp access, meaning it does not count against your data bundle:
MTN: WhatsApp is zero-rated on most prepaid plans.
Vodacom: WhatsApp is zero-rated on most prepaid plans.
Telkom: Check your specific plan - WhatsApp zero-rating varies.
Cell C: WhatsApp is typically zero-rated on prepaid.
If you have no data at all, use the USSD code *120*3210# instead - this works on any phone with any network and requires no data or internet. See our full status check guide → for all methods.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
The official SASSA WhatsApp number is 082 046 8553. Save it as a contact, then send "SASSA" to begin. Always check for the green verified tick before sharing any personal information.
The SASSA WhatsApp service uses automated replies 24/7, but it can become slow during high-traffic periods (around payment dates). If you get no response after a few minutes, try again later. Alternatively, check your status directly at srd.sassa.gov.za or call 0800 60 10 11.
No. WhatsApp can tell you that your grant was declined and show your reason code, but appeals must be submitted at srd.sassa.gov.za. See our step-by-step appeal guide → for instructions.
The SASSA WhatsApp number 082 046 8553 covers general grant information including the Old Age Pension. However, it is primarily designed for SRD R370 status queries. For Old Age Pension applications and specific queries, call 0800 60 10 11 or visit your nearest SASSA office →.
Every figure on this page is checked against SASSA's official portal at srd.sassa.gov.za, the Department of Employment and Labour, and Government Gazette notices. Grant amounts, income thresholds and payment dates are reviewed at the start of every month and again after each national Budget.
This site is independent and is not affiliated with SASSA. We are not paid to recommend anything, and we do not process applications on your behalf. If you spot something out of date or wrong, tell us and we will correct it. See our editorial policy for how we source and check this content.