Lost your number but need to check your SASSA grant status? You’re not the only one. Thousands of South Africans lose access to their phone or change SIMs, making it hard to track their SASSA R370 or social grant updates.
If you still have your South African ID, here’s how you can check your status without needing the linked cellphone number.
How to Check SASSA Status Without Phone Number (Only ID)? (Quick Answer)
Visit your nearest SASSA office with your South African ID to check your status without a phone number. You can also call 0800 60 10 11 and verify your identity. Online tools need the registered number, so in-person or phone methods are your only options if you’ve lost it.
Why SASSA Needs Your Phone Number?
When you apply for a SASSA grant, the system connects your ID number with your cellphone number. This is used to:
- Send One-Time PINs (OTPs)
- Confirm your application status
- Notify you about payment updates or reviews
- Protect your data from fraud
Without that number, online platforms like the SRD website, WhatsApp, or USSD codes (*120*69277#) won’t work.
Is It Possible to Check SASSA Status Using Only ID?
Yes but not online. If you don’t have the phone number linked to your application, you must use direct, in-person or call-based methods to check your status.
1. Visit a SASSA Office with Your ID
This is the most reliable option if you can’t access the linked number.
Steps:
- Go to your nearest SASSA office.
- Bring your 13-digit South African ID document.
- Tell the staff that you don’t have your registered phone number.
- They’ll verify your identity using your fingerprint or facial data (biometric scan).
- Once verified, they’ll check your application status and explain any issues.
✅ Pros:
- Instant help from a SASSA official
- You can update your phone number on the spot
- Secure, verified access through official records
⚠️ Cons:
- Long queues
- Office visits may take time, especially in busy areas
Tip: You can also request a printed status or update your grant info while you’re there.
2. Call the SASSA Toll-Free Number
If you can’t get to an office, use the SASSA national call center.
Steps:
- Dial 0800 60 10 11 from any working phone.
- Provide your full name and 13-digit ID number.
- Explain you don’t have the linked phone number anymore.
- The call centre agent will ask questions to confirm your identity like your address, application month, or grant type.
- Once verified, they’ll share your current grant or SRD status.
✅ Pros:
- No need to leave home
- Works with landlines or other mobile numbers
⚠️ Cons:
- Long hold times
- Calls may drop if lines are busy
Important: The agent cannot help you if you fail the identity check. So make sure your personal details are accurate and ready.
What If You’ve Lost the Number Forever?
You can’t use online status checks if the original phone number is gone. This includes:
- srd.sassa.gov.za
- WhatsApp (082 046 8553)
- USSD Code (*120*69277#)
These tools need an OTP (sent to the registered number), so if you’ve changed SIMs or lost access, they won’t help. That’s why in-person visits or phone calls are your best bet.
How to Update Your Phone Number?
To fix the issue for future checks, update your number at a SASSA office.
Steps:
- Visit the office with your ID.
- Fill in the phone number update form.
- SASSA will link your new number to your existing grant profile.
- After verification, you’ll receive all SMS notifications on the new number.
How SASSA Verifies Identity Without a Phone?
SASSA checks your ID using:
- The Department of Home Affairs database
- Biometric scans (fingerprint or face)
- Cross-checks with your banking or residential info
This helps ensure only you can access your grant especially in cases of fraud risk or stolen details.
Common Problems Without a Registered Phone
Problem | Cause | Solution |
No OTP received | Number is lost or changed | Visit SASSA office to update it |
SRD portal locked | Wrong info entered | Call 0800 60 10 11 |
Missed payment alerts | Old SIM still on file | Submit new number at local branch |
Why Online Access Fails Without a Phone Number?
Without SMS access, you won’t receive verification codes. SASSA’s digital systems are built for two-step security, and ID-only login is not allowed online. That’s why manual verification is required through:
- Walk-ins
- Live calls
- Biometric ID checks
Conclusion
You can check your SASSA status with only your ID number, but you’ll need to go in person or call the help centre. SASSA’s online tools won’t work without the registered phone number because of fraud prevention and security steps. To make things easier in the future, update your phone number as soon as possible.
Contents
- 1 How to Check SASSA Status Without Phone Number (Only ID)? (Quick Answer)
- 2 Why SASSA Needs Your Phone Number?
- 3 Is It Possible to Check SASSA Status Using Only ID?
- 4 What If You’ve Lost the Number Forever?
- 5 How to Update Your Phone Number?
- 6 How SASSA Verifies Identity Without a Phone?
- 7 Common Problems Without a Registered Phone
- 8 Why Online Access Fails Without a Phone Number?
- 9 Conclusion