Social Grants 10 min read

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.

All Bursaries Team
21 January 2024

Quick Balance Check Methods

🌐
Online
Free & instant
📱
USSD: *120*3210#
Any phone
💳
ATM
All bank ATMs

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

1

Online Balance Check

Check your balance 24/7 through the official SASSA website

Cost: Free

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Visit www.sassa.gov.za
  2. Navigate to 'Check Balance' section
  3. Enter your SASSA card number
  4. Enter your ID number
  5. Enter your phone number
  6. 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
2

Dial *120*3210# for Balance

Quick balance check using USSD code on any phone

Cost: Standard USSD rates (usually R1-R2)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Dial *120*3210# on your phone
  2. Select 'Balance Enquiry' from menu
  3. Enter your SASSA card number
  4. Enter your PIN when prompted
  5. Your balance will be displayed
✓ Advantages:
  • • Works on any phone
  • • Quick and easy
  • • No internet required
⚠ Considerations:
  • • USSD charges may apply
  • • Limited transaction details
3

SMS Balance Check

Get balance via SMS by sending card details

Cost: Standard SMS rate (R1.50-R2)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Send SMS: BAL<space>CARD NUMBER to 32147
  2. Example: BAL 1234567890123456
  3. You'll receive reply SMS with balance
  4. Keep SMS for your records
✓ Advantages:
  • • Simple text message
  • • Works on basic phones
  • • Quick response
⚠ Considerations:
  • • SMS charges apply
  • • No transaction history
4

ATM Balance Enquiry

Check balance at any South African bank ATM

Cost: R2-R5 for balance enquiry

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Insert your SASSA card into ATM
  2. Enter your PIN
  3. Select 'Balance Enquiry'
  4. Choose account type (Savings)
  5. Balance will be displayed on screen
  6. 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
5

Check at Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Checkers

Balance check at participating retail stores

Cost: Usually free or R1-R2

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Visit participating retail store
  2. Go to customer service or till point
  3. Present your SASSA card
  4. Request balance enquiry
  5. Provide PIN if required
  6. 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

R2,090
Payment: 1st working day of month
Paid monthly in advance

Disability Grant

R2,090
Payment: 1st working day of month
Paid monthly in advance

Child Support Grant

R510 per child
Payment: 1st working day of month
Paid monthly in advance

Care Dependency Grant

R2,090
Payment: 1st working day of month
Paid monthly for qualifying children

Foster Child Grant

R1,130 per child
Payment: 1st working day of month
Paid monthly for foster children

Grant-in-Aid

R510
Payment: 1st working day of month
Additional support grant

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

🛡️ Never share your PIN with anyone
🛡️ Cover keypad when entering PIN
🛡️ Don't let others handle your card
🛡️ Check balance regularly for unauthorized transactions
🛡️ Report lost or stolen cards immediately
🛡️ Use ATMs in well-lit, secure locations
🛡️ Keep receipts for record keeping
🛡️ Never give card details over phone

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