How to check your SASSA balance when you’ve run out of airtime?

Many South Africans depend on SASSA grants to meet their daily needs. But when airtime runs out, checking your balance can feel impossible.

The good news is you can check your SASSA grant balance without airtime or mobile data, using official and free methods.

How to Check SASSA Grant Balance Without Airtime? (Quick Summary)

Contents

• 1 How to Check SASSA Grant Balance Without Airtime? (Quick Summary)
• 2 Why Checking Your SASSA Grant Balance Matters
• 3 Free Ways to Check SASSA Grant Balance Without Airtime
  • 3.1 1. Dial the USSD Code on Your Phone
  • 3.2 2. Check Balance Using WhatsApp (Free Option)
  • 3.3 3. Use a SASSA Gold Card at Any ATM
• 4 Important Notes When Checking Without Airtime
• 5 When USSD or WhatsApp Doesn’t Work
• 6 Avoid These Common Mistakes
• 7 Why Airtime-Free Options Are Important
• 8 How Often Should You Check Your Balance?
• 9 Official Contact Details for Help
• 10 Quick Summary: All Free Methods
• 11 Final Thoughts

Dial *120*3210# or *120*69277# on your phone to check your SASSA grant balance without airtime. You can also use WhatsApp (082 046 8553) or an ATM with your SASSA card. These methods are free, quick, and don’t require mobile data or airtime.

Why Checking Your SASSA Grant Balance Matters

Millions of people receive social grants through the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). These include the:

• Older Person’s Grant
  
• Disability Grant
  
• Child Support Grant
  
• Foster Child Grant
  
• Care Dependency Grant
  
• SRD R350 Grant
  

These grants help with essential needs like food, transport, and bills. Knowing your available balance allows you to plan expenses and avoid unexpected shortages.

When airtime is unavailable, many beneficiaries worry about how to check their funds. Fortunately, SASSA provides free, airtime-free options for balance checks.

Free Ways to Check SASSA Grant Balance Without Airtime

Here are 100% free methods you can use to check your SASSA balance without airtime or data:

1. Dial the USSD Code on Your Phone

You can use a USSD code to check your balance without airtime or data.

Steps:

• Dial *120*3210# on your phone
  
• Select the option for “Balance Enquiry”
  
• Follow the prompts
  
• Your available grant balance will appear on your screen
  

✅ This method works on all mobile networks in South Africa.
✅ No airtime or mobile data is required.

Note: If *120*3210# doesn’t work, try the alternative USSD code: *120*69277#

2. Check Balance Using WhatsApp (Free Option)

You can also use SASSA’s WhatsApp service, which often works even without airtime or data, depending on your mobile provider.

Steps:

1. Save 082 046 8553 as “SASSA WhatsApp” in your contacts
   
2. Open WhatsApp and send the message “SASSA”
   
3. Follow the prompts
   
4. Choose Balance Check
   
5. Enter your ID and mobile number
   
6. Receive your grant balance in seconds
   

This method is free on some zero-rated mobile networks (like MTN or Vodacom).

3. Use a SASSA Gold Card at Any ATM

If you have a SASSA Gold Card issued by Postbank, you can check your balance at any ATM in South Africa:

Steps:

• Insert your SASSA card into an ATM
  
• Enter your PIN
  
• Select “Balance Enquiry”
  
• View your current balance on the screen or print a slip
  

🟡 ATM balance checks are free at Postbank ATMs.
🔴 Some commercial ATMs may charge a small fee for balance enquiries.

Tip: Always choose “Cancel” and remove your card if you’re not proceeding with a transaction.

Important Notes When Checking Without Airtime

• Always use the mobile number linked to your SASSA account
  
• Never share your ID number or PIN with strangers
  
• Do not pay anyone to check your balance these services are free
  
• If your number has changed, update it at your nearest SASSA office
  

When USSD or WhatsApp Doesn’t Work

If none of the above options work, you can:

• Visit your nearest SASSA office for help
  
• Call the SASSA Toll-Free Number: 0800 60 10 11
  
• Use a friend’s phone to dial the USSD code (if registered to your SASSA number)
  

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Mistake	What to Do Instead
Dialing the wrong USSD code	Use *120*3210# or *120*69277# only
Using unregistered phone numbers	Check only with your SASSA-linked mobile number
Sharing your ID or PIN	Keep your details private and secure
Paying someone to check balance	Use official, free options listed above

Why Airtime-Free Options Are Important

In many rural or low-income communities, even R5 airtime is hard to afford. By offering free access, SASSA helps millions of people stay informed and protected against fraud or missed payments.

How Often Should You Check Your Balance?

It’s best to check:

• Before you visit an ATM or shop
  
• Right after the grant payment date (usually the first week of each month)
  
• If you receive an SMS from SASSA about payment issues or updates
  

Staying informed helps avoid overdrafts and theft, and ensures you can act quickly if something goes wrong.

Official Contact Details for Help

If you’re facing issues checking your balance:

📞 SASSA Toll-Free Number: 0800 60 10 11
🌐 Official Website: www.sassa.gov.za
📍 Visit any local SASSA office for in-person help

Quick Summary: All Free Methods

Method	Airtime Needed	Data Needed	Best For
USSD *120*3210#	❌	❌	All mobile phones
WhatsApp (082 046 8553)	❌	❌ / ❓	Smartphone users with WhatsApp
ATM with SASSA Card	❌	❌	People near ATMs

Final Thoughts

You don’t need airtime to check your SASSA grant balance. Use free USSD codes, WhatsApp, or your SASSA card at ATMs to stay updated. These tools are safe, simple, and help you avoid missing out on your funds. Always use official channels and protect your personal details.

Let SASSA help you stay in control no airtime required.