How to Check SASSA Balance
Complete guide to checking your social grant balance using 5 different methods. Learn the easiest ways to monitor your SASSA card balance anytime, anywhere.
Quick Balance Check Methods
Checking your SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) grant balance is essential for managing your monthly budget and ensuring payments are received on time. Whether you receive an Old Age Pension, Child Support Grant, Disability Grant, or any other social grant, there are several convenient ways to check your balance.
This comprehensive guide covers all 5 methods available to check your SASSA balance, from free online options to ATM and retail store enquiries. We'll also provide troubleshooting tips and important security information to keep your funds safe.
5 Ways to Check Your SASSA Balance
Online Balance Check
Check your balance 24/7 through the official SASSA website
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Visit www.sassa.gov.za
- Navigate to 'Check Balance' section
- Enter your SASSA card number
- Enter your ID number
- Enter your phone number
- Click 'Submit' to view balance
✓ Advantages:
- • Available 24/7
- • Instant results
- • Transaction history
- • Free to use
⚠ Considerations:
- • Requires internet access
- • System may be down for maintenance
Dial *120*3210# for Balance
Quick balance check using USSD code on any phone
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Dial *120*3210# on your phone
- Select 'Balance Enquiry' from menu
- Enter your SASSA card number
- Enter your PIN when prompted
- Your balance will be displayed
✓ Advantages:
- • Works on any phone
- • Quick and easy
- • No internet required
⚠ Considerations:
- • USSD charges may apply
- • Limited transaction details
SMS Balance Check
Get balance via SMS by sending card details
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Send SMS: BAL<space>CARD NUMBER to 32147
- Example: BAL 1234567890123456
- You'll receive reply SMS with balance
- Keep SMS for your records
✓ Advantages:
- • Simple text message
- • Works on basic phones
- • Quick response
⚠ Considerations:
- • SMS charges apply
- • No transaction history
ATM Balance Enquiry
Check balance at any South African bank ATM
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Insert your SASSA card into ATM
- Enter your PIN
- Select 'Balance Enquiry'
- Choose account type (Savings)
- Balance will be displayed on screen
- Option to print receipt
✓ Advantages:
- • Available at all ATMs
- • Detailed receipt
- • Can withdraw cash
⚠ Considerations:
- • Must travel to ATM
- • May have queues
- • ATM fees may apply
Check at Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Checkers
Balance check at participating retail stores
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Visit participating retail store
- Go to customer service or till point
- Present your SASSA card
- Request balance enquiry
- Provide PIN if required
- Get printed receipt with balance
✓ Advantages:
- • Convenient locations
- • Helpful staff
- • Printed receipt
⚠ Considerations:
- • Store operating hours
- • May have queues
- • Limited locations
SASSA Grant Payment Schedule & Amounts
⏰ Standard Payment Date
1st working day of every month
Payments are made in advance for the current month
Old Age Pension
Disability Grant
Child Support Grant
Care Dependency Grant
Foster Child Grant
Grant-in-Aid
Troubleshooting Common Issues
⚠️ Card Not Working at ATM
- ✓ Check if card is damaged or cracked
- ✓ Clean card with soft cloth
- ✓ Try different ATM machine
- ✓ Contact SASSA if problem persists
- ✓ Visit nearest SASSA office for card replacement
⚠️ Forgotten PIN
- ✓ Visit SASSA office with ID document
- ✓ Complete PIN reset form
- ✓ Wait 24-48 hours for new PIN
- ✓ Never share PIN with anyone
- ✓ Choose memorable but secure PIN
⚠️ Balance Shows Zero
- ✓ Check if payment date has passed
- ✓ Verify grant is still active
- ✓ Check for any suspensions
- ✓ Contact SASSA call centre: 0800 60 10 11
- ✓ Visit local SASSA office
⚠️ Website Not Working
- ✓ Try different browser or device
- ✓ Clear browser cache and cookies
- ✓ Check internet connection
- ✓ Try again during off-peak hours
- ✓ Use alternative methods like USSD or SMS
🔒 Security Tips
Protect Your SASSA Card & PIN
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How often can I check my SASSA balance?
You can check your balance as often as needed. Online and USSD checks are unlimited, but SMS and ATM checks may have small charges. Most people check once weekly or before making purchases.
❓ Why is my balance different from expected grant amount?
Your balance may differ due to: previous purchases, pending transactions, deductions for debt, or if you have multiple grants on one card. Check your transaction history for details.
❓ Can I check someone else's SASSA balance?
No, you cannot check another person's balance without their card and PIN. This is for security reasons. Only the cardholder or authorized representative can access balance information.
❓ What if my grant payment is late?
Grant payments are made on the 1st working day of each month. If payment is delayed, check SASSA announcements for system issues. Contact SASSA after 2-3 working days if still not received.
❓ Can I check my balance without my card?
Yes, you can check online using your card number and ID number, or via SMS by sending your card number. However, ATM and retail store checks require the physical card.
❓ Are there charges for checking my balance?
Online checks are free. USSD codes cost R1-R2. SMS costs standard rate (R1.50-R2). ATM enquiries cost R2-R5. Retail store checks are usually free or R1-R2.
❓ How do I know when my next payment is due?
SASSA grants are paid on the 1st working day of each month. You can check the SASSA website for official payment calendars and any holiday adjustments.
❓ What should I do if my card is damaged?
Visit your nearest SASSA office with your ID document to request a card replacement. There may be a small fee for replacement cards. Keep your receipt as proof of application.
❓ Can I use my SASSA card at any ATM?
Yes, your SASSA card works at all South African bank ATMs. However, different banks may charge different fees for balance enquiries and withdrawals.
❓ How long do SASSA transactions take to reflect?
Payments typically reflect immediately on the payment date. Purchases may take a few minutes to reflect in your balance. If transactions don't reflect within 24 hours, contact SASSA.
Need More Help?
SASSA Call Centre
0800 60 10 11
Monday - Friday: 8:00 - 16:00
Toll-free from landlines
Official Website
www.sassa.gov.za
Online services & information
Available 24/7
Local SASSA Office
Find your nearest office
In-person assistance
Bring ID document
Related Articles
Learn more about SASSA grants and government support