SASSA Grant Balance Check USSD Codes

Checking your SASSA grant balance using USSD codes is a convenient way to access your grant information without internet or smartphone. Understanding the correct codes, how to use them, and troubleshooting common issues helps you check your balance easily. This comprehensive 2026 guide covers everything you need to know about using USSD codes to check your SASSA grant balance in South Africa.

Understanding USSD Codes

What are USSD Codes?

USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) codes are short codes you dial on your phone to access services. They work on any mobile phone, even without internet or smartphone capabilities.

Benefits of USSD Codes

Advantages:

• Work on any mobile phone
• No internet needed
• No smartphone required
• Quick and convenient
• Free or low cost
• Available 24/7

Official SASSA USSD Codes

Primary Balance Check Code

Main Code:

• Code: 1347737#
• Purpose: Check grant status and balance
• Works On: All major South African networks
• Cost: Usually free or standard network rates

How to Use:

1. Open phone dialer
2. Dial 1347737#
3. Press call/send button
4. Follow on-screen menu
5. Select balance check option
6. View balance information

Alternative Codes (If Available)

Other Possible Codes:

• Check with SASSA for current codes
• Codes may change
• Verify official codes
• Use official channels only

Important: Only use official SASSA USSD codes. Be cautious of unofficial codes that may be scams.

Step-by-Step: Using USSD Codes

Step 1: Prepare Your Phone

Before Dialing:

• Ensure phone has network signal
• Use phone registered with SASSA
• Have phone ready to dial
• Ensure sufficient airtime (if required)

Step 2: Dial the Code

Dialing Process:

1. Open phone dialer
2. Type: 1347737#
3. Include asterisks and hash
4. Don't add spaces
5. Press call/send button

Important:

• Dial exactly as shown: 1347737#
• Don't add or remove characters
• Wait for menu to appear

Step 3: Navigate Menu

Menu Options:

1. Menu will appear on screen
2. Read available options
3. Select "Balance" or "Check Balance"
4. Or select "Grant Information"
5. Follow prompts

Menu Navigation:

• Use number keys to select
• Follow on-screen instructions
• Read each prompt carefully
• Select appropriate option

Step 4: Enter Your Information

Information Required:

• Your ID number (13 digits)
• May need to confirm
• Follow prompts
• Enter carefully

Entering ID:

1. Type your 13-digit ID number
2. Use number keys
3. Verify number is correct
4. Confirm entry

Step 5: View Balance

Balance Information:

• Current balance displayed
• Grant amount information
• Payment status
• Next payment date (if available)
• Save information if needed

Understanding Display:

• Balance amount shown
• May show available balance
• Or grant payment amount
• Read information carefully

What Information You'll See

Balance Display

Typical Information:

• Current grant balance
• Available amount
• Payment status
• Grant type
• Payment date information

Example Display:

• "Balance: R2,180.00"
• "Available: R2,180.00"
• "Status: Active"
• "Next Payment: [Date]"

Additional Information

May Also Show:

• Grant type
• Payment history (limited)
• Status information
• Payment dates
• Account information

Troubleshooting USSD Issues

Issue 1: Code Not Working

Problem: USSD code doesn't work or returns error

Solutions:

• Verify code is correct: 1347737#
• Check network signal
• Ensure using registered phone number
• Try from different location
• Contact network provider if persistent
• Try alternative method

Issue 2: Menu Not Appearing

Problem: Code dials but menu doesn't appear

Solutions:

• Wait a few seconds
• Check network signal
• Ensure sufficient airtime
• Try again
• Restart phone
• Contact network provider

Issue 3: Can't Navigate Menu

Problem: Menu appears but can't navigate

Solutions:

• Read menu carefully
• Use correct number keys
• Follow prompts exactly
• Don't press buttons too quickly
• Wait for each prompt
• Try again if needed

Issue 4: Balance Not Showing

Problem: Menu works but balance doesn't display

Solutions:

• Verify ID number is correct
• Ensure using registered phone
• Check grant is active
• Try alternative method
• Contact SASSA for assistance

Issue 5: Wrong Information Displayed

Problem: Balance or information seems incorrect

Solutions:

• Verify you're checking correct grant
• Check grant status separately
• Contact SASSA to verify
• Use alternative method to confirm
• Report discrepancy to SASSA

Alternative Balance Check Methods

Method 1: SASSA Website

If USSD Doesn't Work:

1. Visit www.sassa.gov.za
2. Check grant status
3. View balance information
4. Requires internet access

Method 2: WhatsApp

Alternative Method:

1. Message SASSA: 082 046 8553
2. Request balance information
3. Follow menu prompts
4. Receive balance via message

Method 3: Call Centre

Phone Method:

1. Call 0800 60 10 11
2. Request balance information
3. Provide your ID number
4. Receive balance information

Method 4: Bank Statement

If Using Bank Transfer:

1. Check bank statement
2. View recent deposits
3. Check account balance
4. See payment history

Method 5: SASSA Office

In-Person Method:

1. Visit SASSA office
2. Bring your ID
3. Request balance information
4. Get detailed information

Tips for Using USSD Codes

Best Practices

Do's:

• Use registered phone number
• Dial code exactly as shown
• Read menu prompts carefully
• Follow instructions precisely
• Wait for each response
• Save important information

Don'ts:

• Don't use unofficial codes
• Don't share codes with others
• Don't ignore error messages
• Don't dial too quickly
• Don't use unregistered phone
• Don't ignore security prompts

Security Tips

Protect Your Information:

• Don't share USSD codes
• Don't share verification codes
• Use secure location when checking
• Don't let others see your balance
• Be cautious of scams
• Only use official codes

Network-Specific Information

All Major Networks Support

Supported Networks:

• Vodacom
• MTN
• Cell C
• Telkom Mobile
• All major networks

Network Requirements:

• Active SIM card
• Network signal
• May need airtime (check with network)
• Registered phone number

Network Fees

Cost Information:

• Usually free or low cost
• Check with your network provider
• Standard USSD rates may apply
• No subscription fees

Common USSD Code Functions

Available Functions

What You Can Do:

• Check grant balance
• Check application status
• Check payment dates
• Update information (limited)
• Get grant information

Functions May Include:

• Balance inquiry
• Status check
• Payment information
• Account information
• Update services

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the USSD code to check SASSA balance?

The main USSD code is 1347737#. Dial this code and follow the menu prompts to check your balance.

Is the USSD code free to use?

USSD codes are usually free or have minimal costs. Check with your network provider for specific rates.

Do I need internet to use USSD codes?

No, USSD codes work without internet. They work on any mobile phone with network signal.

What if the code doesn't work?

If the code doesn't work, verify you're dialing it correctly (1347737#), check your network signal, ensure you're using your registered phone number, and try alternative methods if needed.

Can I use USSD on any phone?

Yes, USSD codes work on any mobile phone, including basic phones. You don't need a smartphone.

What information do I need to check balance?

You typically need your South African ID number and must use the phone number registered with SASSA.

How often can I check my balance?

You can check your balance as often as needed using USSD codes. There are no limits on checking.

What if I get an error message?

If you get an error message, note what it says, try again, check your network signal, verify you're using the correct phone number, and contact SASSA if the error persists.

Can I check balance for multiple grants?

Yes, if you have multiple grants, you can check each one. The menu may allow you to select which grant to check.

Is USSD secure?

USSD is generally secure when using official SASSA codes. However, be cautious of unofficial codes and never share verification codes with anyone.

Conclusion

Using USSD codes to check your SASSA grant balance is a convenient method that works on any mobile phone without internet. The main code is 1347737#—dial it, follow the menu prompts, enter your ID number, and view your balance. If USSD doesn't work, you have alternative methods like the website, WhatsApp, call centre, or visiting a SASSA office. Remember to use only official SASSA codes and protect your information.

For more information about checking grant status, payment dates, or grant management, explore our other comprehensive SASSA guides.

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Related Articles:

• SASSA Status via USSD — Step-by-Step
• How to Check Your SASSA Status Online (2026)
• SASSA Status via WhatsApp — Complete Guide
• How to Track Your SASSA Application

Official Resources:

• SASSA Official Website
• SASSA USSD Services
• SASSA Call Centre