Knowing how to check your SASSA status helps you keep track of your SASSA grant application. This ensures you get the support you need while pursuing your studies. In this article, we will show you how to check your SASSA status. This way, you can plan your studies with peace of mind.
Ready to find out how to check your SASSA status as as student? Then read on!
Key Takeaways
- The SASSA Grant helps support individuals who are looking to pursue higher education.
- The SASSA status check helps you see how your application is doing.
- It’s important for students to check their SASSA status. This helps in planning your finances and making sure you get the support you need.
- You can look at your SASSA status online, via WhatsApp, or by using a USSD code.
- Knowing what ‘Pending’, ‘Approved’, ‘Declined’, and ‘Cancelled’ mean helps you understand your application’s progress.
- If your application is turned down, you can appeal the decision within 30 days.
Table of Contents
What is the SASSA Grant?
Before we dive in, you may be wondering: What is the SASSA grant? Well, the SASSA grant is a social grant that supports individuals between the ages of 18 to 59 without jobs and no other income. It’s for people who don’t get other social grants or UIF help. Essentially, it is there to help people meet their basic needs and keep a bit financially stable. Â
How the SASSA Grant Supports Students
The SASSA Grant ensures that students get the support they need to study and cover basic living costs. Additionally, prospective students who are already covered by the grant automatically qualify for bursaries from external organisations as well as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). This ensures that all students have a chance at tertiary education in South Africa.
Ater all, the goal is to have 1.6 million students in universities and 2.5 million in TVET colleges by 2030. This includes students with disabilities, which make up nearly 1% of the total student population in universities and colleges. This shows how SASSA grants support a wide range of students.
What is the SASSA Status Check?
The SASSA status check helps people know if their grant application has been accepted. This means finding out if it’s still being reviewed, has been approved or maybe denied. You can check your status on the SASSA website, through WhatsApp or by using a special USSD code.
Understanding SASSA Status Messages
When you check your SASSA status, you might see ‘Pending’. This means SASSA is still looking at your application. They check if you qualify for the grant. You don’t need to do anything now, but keep checking your status.
‘Approved’ status means SASSA has accepted your application. This shows you’re eligible. SASSA will soon pay you. They usually pay via bank or cash transfer. Watch your bank account or check for messages about your grant.
If your application is ‘Declined,’ you won’t get the grant. The message will say why, maybe due to missing information. You can appeal within 30 days. Appeal on the SASSA SRD website. Give more info or correct mistakes.
‘Cancelled’ shows your SASSA grant has stopped. This could be if you’re no longer eligible or got a different aid. If you think this is wrong, or your situation changes, you can reapply or contact SASSA for help.
Eligibility Criteria for SASSA Grants
Understanding your eligibility for a SASSA grant is crucial in ensuring you receive the support you need. Here’s a breakdown of the requirements for various grants, which may be relevant to students, offered by SASSA:
Child Support Grant
Students who either have a child to support or who are still in matric may be eligible for the Child Support Grant. Requirements for this Grant are:
- The primary caregiver must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
- Both the applicant and the child must reside in South Africa.
- The applicant must be the primary caregiver of the child/children concerned.
- The child/children must be under 18 years of age.
- The applicant and spouse must pass the means test.
- The applicant cannot apply for more than six non-biological children.
- The child cannot be cared for in a state institution.
Disability Grant
Reportedly over 2 million South African youth live with disability. If you are a student in need of support, be sure to see if you meet the below requirements for the SASSA Disability Grant:
- The applicant must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
- Live in South Africa.
- Be between 18 and 59 years of age.
- Submit a medical/assessment report confirming the impact of the disability, not older than three months at the date of application.
- Meet the means test requirements along with their spouse.
- Not be maintained or cared for in a State Institution.
- Not receive another social grant for themselves.
Care Dependency Grant
If you are caring for a dependent with a severe disability, you might qualify for the Care Dependency Grant. Eligibility for the Care Dependency Grant includes:
- The applicant must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
- Both the applicant and the child must reside in South Africa.
- The child must be under 18 years of age.
- Submit a medical/assessment report confirming a permanent, severe disability.
- The applicant and spouse must meet the means test requirements, except for foster parents.
- The care-dependent child/children must not be permanently cared for in a State Institution.
It’s important to keep up-to-date with SASSA’s rules. Check your status often to make sure you keep getting the help you need for your studies.
How to Check Your SASSA Status
Figuring out government information can seem complicated at first. But don’t worry, there are easy ways to check your SASSA status. We’ll look into the steps that will help you feel like an expert quickly.
SASSA SRD Website
One top way to check your SASSA status is through the SASSA official website. Once there, fill in your details, such as your ID number and cell number, and follow the prompts.
WhatsApp Messaging
Another easy way to check your SASSA status is through WhatsApp. Save the SASSA WhatsApp number, 082 046 8553, to your phone. Then, send a message saying ‘Status’.You’ll be asked to type in your ID and phone number. After that, you’ll get your SASSA grant status. Now, you’ll always know what’s happening with your grant.
USSD Code
You can also check your SASSA status with a USSD code. Just dial *134*7737# on your phone. Follow the steps to enter your ID and phone number. The USSD code will then show your SASSA grant status on your screen. It’s a fast and simple way to get the latest info.
Appealing a Declined SASSA Status
Finding out that SASSA said ‘no’ can feel really tough. But, you can appeal within 30 days from the day you were told. First, you should figure out why they said ‘no’ to have a strong chance at winning your appeal.
Reasons for Denial
The SASSA message usually explains why they turned you down. It might be because you missed some rules or your documents weren’t complete. It’s key to go through this info carefully, as it will help you know what to fix in your appeal.
Appeal Process and Documentation
To start your appeal, send a request on the SASSA website. You might need to add more info or correct things in your application. Make sure you have your ID and address proof ready to back up your appeal.
Stay focused and sharp during the appeal. With a good strategy and the right papers, you might change their ‘no’ to a ‘yes’. Go ahead and fight for your chance – it could be crucial to your future.
SASSA Payment Dates for June 2024
If you’re a student in South Africa, knowing your SASSA payment dates is key. This ensures your, and your family’s, finances are sorted and your studies run smoothly. Luckily, SASSA gives a clear payment schedule for the year. It shows when the Older Persons, Disability, and Children’s Grants will be paid.
In March 2024, here are the key dates: The Older Persons/Pensioners Grant is due on Tuesday, 4 June. The Disability Grant follows on Wednesday, 5 June. Finally, the Child Support and other grants will be paid on Thursday, 6 June.
Keeping track of these dates is vital for your student life. They affect how well you can handle your money and set your study plans. Be aware that payment amounts might change in April and October. Always check the SASSA website for any updates.
Fund Your Tertiary Education with Fundi
If you’re a student who is planning to study in 2025, securing funding is essential. Fortunately, Fundi provides financial support for students aiming to study next year. Fundi’s coverage includes allowances for textbooks, tuition, electronics and more.
Use our Fundi student loan calculator to estimate your instalments and see how we can help turn your dream of higher education into reality.
