How to Apply for the SASSA SRD R370 Grant on WhatsApp
Official SASSA WhatsApp Number 2026
The official SASSA SRD WhatsApp number is 082 046 8553.
Save this number to your contacts before you start. Label it “SASSA SRD” so you can find it easily. Do not use any other WhatsApp number claiming to be SASSA — scammers frequently create fake numbers mimicking official SASSA accounts.
This number is for SRD R370 grant applications and status checks only. For other grant types, visit your nearest SASSA office or call the toll-free helpline on 0800 60 10 11.
What You Need Before You Start
Have the following ready before opening WhatsApp:
A smartphone with WhatsApp installed and active mobile data or WiFi. Your 13-digit South African ID number. Your current residential address. A charged phone — the process takes several minutes.
How to Apply for the R370 Grant on WhatsApp
Save 082 046 8553 to your contacts as “SASSA SRD.” Open WhatsApp and start a new chat with that contact. Type “SASSA” and send it as your first message. The SASSA bot will respond — type “SRD” to select the R370 grant application. When asked, type “myself” to confirm you are applying for your own grant.
Enter your personal details when prompted: your full name exactly as it appears on your ID, your 13-digit ID number, and your contact number. Read the terms and conditions and type “Yes” to accept. Enter your current residential address when asked. Select your residency status — South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee/asylum seeker.
The bot will send you a link — click it and complete the online application form. Submit the form and wait for confirmation via SMS.
Double-check every detail before submitting. A wrong ID number or cellphone number will delay or disqualify your application.
How to Check Your SASSA R370 Status via WhatsApp
Open WhatsApp and message 082 046 8553. Type “Status” or follow the bot prompts to check your application. Enter your ID number when requested. Your current status will display — pending, approved, declined, or payment details.
Note: WhatsApp status checks work for the SRD R370 grant only. For other grant types (Disability, Old Age, Child Support), check your status at www.sassa.gov.za or call 0800 60 10 11.
What Happens After You Apply?
SASSA assesses applications monthly. You will receive an SMS update on your status. Most applicants receive a decision within 2 to 4 weeks. If approved, you will receive R370 per month starting from the month you applied. If declined, SASSA will send you a reason via SMS. You can appeal within 90 days or reapply — do not give up if your first application is unsuccessful. You can check your status at any time via WhatsApp or at srd.sassa.gov.za.
Tips for a Successful WhatsApp Application
Do not close the chat mid-way. The bot may take a few minutes to respond if many people are applying at the same time. Stay in the chat and wait — closing it may require you to start over.
Use the same number you registered with SASSA. Your application is linked to your cellphone number. If you use a different number to apply, it may cause a mismatch in the system.
Apply on a weekday. The system processes faster during business hours Monday to Friday.
Only use the official number. If you receive a WhatsApp message from a different number claiming to be SASSA and asking for your banking details or ID, do not respond. Report it to SASSA at 0800 60 10 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SASSA WhatsApp number for the R370 grant? The official number is 082 046 8553. Save it to your contacts before messaging.
Can I apply for the SASSA R370 grant on WhatsApp? Yes. Save 082 046 8553, open WhatsApp, send “SASSA” to start, then follow the steps to complete your application. The process takes around 10 to 15 minutes.
Can I check my SASSA status on WhatsApp? Yes. Message 082 046 8553 on WhatsApp and follow the prompts to check your SRD R370 application status using your ID number.
What if I don’t have WhatsApp? You can apply online at srd.sassa.gov.za or visit your nearest SASSA office in person. You can also call 0800 60 10 11 for assistance.
Can I apply for someone else via WhatsApp? No. The WhatsApp application process is for your own application only. If you need to apply on behalf of someone else, visit a SASSA office in person.
How long does approval take after applying on WhatsApp? SASSA assesses applications monthly. Most applicants receive a decision within 2 to 4 weeks. Check your status regularly via WhatsApp or at srd.sassa.gov.za.
Is it safe to share my ID number on WhatsApp with SASSA? Only when messaging the official SASSA number 082 046 8553. Never share your personal details with any other WhatsApp number claiming to be SASSA.
What if the WhatsApp bot does not respond? Wait a few minutes — the system may be busy. If there is no response after 30 minutes, try again later or apply directly at srd.sassa.gov.za.
Can I update my banking details through WhatsApp? No. Banking detail updates must be done through the official SRD portal at srd.sassa.gov.za. WhatsApp is for applications and status checks only.
