How to Check Your SASSA Balance Using USSD Codes

A SASSA balance check using USSD works on any cell phone, including basic feature phones. Beneficiaries do not need a smartphone, data bundle or banking app. USSD remains a quick way to confirm that a grant has paid and to view the available balance, provided the current code is sourced from the official SASSA or Postbank website.

How to Find the Current SASSA USSD Code

USSD codes for SASSA and Postbank services change from time to time. Always confirm the current code through an official source before dialling:

• The sassa.gov.za website.
• The Postbank website for Postbank Gold or Black cardholders.
• The SASSA toll-free helpline on 0800 60 10 11.
• A SASSA local office.

Avoid USSD codes shared on unofficial WhatsApp groups or third-party blogs, since these may be outdated or fraudulent.

SRD Balance Check via USSD

The SRD grant pays into the recipient’s nominated bank account or Postbank account, so the USSD balance check depends on the chosen payment channel.

Major South African banks each publish their own USSD strings for balance enquiries. The current code for Capitec, FNB, Absa, Standard Bank, Nedbank, Tymebank and Postbank is available on the respective bank’s website or printed on the back of the card.

How to Read a USSD Mini Statement

A mini statement returns the last few transactions on the account. Beneficiaries can use this to confirm that the grant has paid and that no unexpected debits have come off.

A typical mini statement shows:

• The date of each transaction.
• The amount paid in or withdrawn.
• The available balance after each transaction.
• The merchant or ATM where a withdrawal happened.

If a transaction appears that the cardholder does not recognise, contact SASSA on 0800 60 10 11 and the card issuer to block the card.

What to Do If the USSD Code Does Not Work

USSD services sometimes fail during peak periods, especially just after grants pay. Common causes include:

• Network congestion on pay day.
• A SIM swap that has not yet updated on the card system.
• An expired or blocked SASSA Gold or Postbank card.
• Insufficient airtime on prepaid accounts where the code is not free.

If the USSD does not respond, try again after 30 minutes. If the code returns an error after several attempts, contact SASSA or visit the nearest local office with the card and ID.

How to Reset a Card PIN

Most cards linked to a SASSA grant offer a PIN reset option, either via the bank’s USSD menu, an ATM or a branch. The cardholder typically needs:

• The card number.
• The ID number registered for the grant.
• The cell phone number on file to receive a one-time PIN.

If the cell number on file is no longer in use, the PIN reset cannot be completed remotely and the cardholder must visit a SASSA office or the bank’s branch.

Alternative Ways to Check Your SASSA Balance

USSD is not the only option. Beneficiaries can also check the balance through:

• Any ATM in South Africa, by selecting the balance enquiry option (charges may apply).
• A purchase at a major retailer that accepts the card, where the balance prints on the till slip.
• The bank’s app for accounts where the grant is paid into a major bank.

For full details on when each grant pays, see our SASSA payment dates guide. If a payment has not reflected and the balance check returns nothing, our SASSA status check guide walks through the next steps.

Final Note on the SASSA Balance Check USSD Method

Save the current SASSA USSD code from the official sassa.gov.za website in your phone book so it is always within reach. Avoid sharing your PIN, ID number or card details with anyone claiming to assist with a balance check.

About this article

Nuusflits is a South African news publication covering current affairs, social grants and consumer information. This article is sourced from official primary sources, including the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), the Department of Social Development, the National Treasury and SAnews. Facts are verified against the published 2026/27 social grant schedule and current SASSA policy. Last updated 21 May 2026.

Part of our SASSA hub: view all SASSA guides, payment dates and status checks.