How to Check SASSA Balance Without Airtime?

Checking your SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) grant balance is crucial for keeping track of your available funds and transactions. Many SASSA beneficiaries wish to monitor their balance without depleting their mobile phone airtime.

Fortunately, a cost-free approach exists to check your SASSA balance using USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) without the need for airtime. However, it is important to remain cautious of counterfeit balance checks like *130*.

What is USSD?

USSD stands for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data, a protocol utilized by mobile networks to communicate with the service provider’s computers. USSD messages establish a real-time connection during the session, allowing direct access to services such as checking your SASSA balance through the mobile network without the requirement for mobile internet.

USSD sessions are commonly employed for tasks like airtime recharging, balance checks, and statement retrieval. With USSD, your request is directly transmitted to the mobile provider’s servers, and the response is promptly exhibited on your mobile screen. This makes USSD an ideal option for checking your SASSA balance without utilizing your airtime.

Benefits of Using USSD to Check SASSA Balance

Utilizing the SASSA USSD service to check your balance yields several advantages:

  • cost-free – USSD checks do not incur any deductions in airtime or data, which can help you save money, particularly when you need to monitor your balance frequently.
  • Operates offline – USSD does not necessitate an internet connection, enabling balance checks even without mobile data, as long as there is network coverage.
  • Swift and convenient – USSD offers instant real-time balance information on your mobile screen, eliminating the need to wait for pages to load.
  • Secure – USSD sessions are encrypted for security purposes, ensuring the protection of your personal and financial information during balance checks.
  • User-friendly – Following the USSD prompts to check your balance is straightforward, and it is compatible with both basic feature phones and smartphones.

Step-by-Step Guide to Check SASSA Balance via USSD

Follow these simple steps to check your SASSA grant balance using the free USSD service:

  1. Dial the SASSA USSD Code

On your mobile phone, dial the USSD code provided by SASSA to check your grant balance: 1203210#.

2. Initiate the USSD Session

Once you have dialed the code, initiate the USSD session by pressing the green call button on your mobile phone, connecting you directly to the SASSA servers via the mobile network.

3. Follow Balance Check Prompts

After pressing the call, your mobile screen will display prompts for you to enter details and check the balance. Follow the instructions and enter any required information like SASSA card number or ID number. The exact prompts may vary depending on your mobile network and the SASSA USSD service in use.

4. View Your SASSA Balance

Once you have entered the required information and followed the prompts, your current SASSA grant balance will be displayed on the mobile screen. The balance indicates the exact amount of funds currently available in your SASSA account for withdrawal or use. Your recent transactions may also be displayed to monitor account activity.

5. End the USSD Session

Once you have successfully checked your SASSA balance, end the USSD session by pressing the red call end button on your mobile phone, terminating the connection to the SASSA servers without consuming your airtime or data.

Regular USSD Balance Checks

Now that you know how to conveniently check your SASSA grant balance directly from your mobile phone without using any airtime, ensure you check your SASSA balance at least once a month or whenever necessary. 

Regular checks help you utilize the full amount in your grant and prevent any shortfalls. Monitoring your balance also safeguards you against potential fraudulent activity and ensures your funds are accessible when needed for withdrawals or purchases.

 Stay on top of your SASSA grant funds by using the easy USSD method whenever required.

Troubleshooting USSD Balance Checks

When checking your SASSA balance via USSD, you might encounter errors or issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot some common problems:

  • Wrong USSD code – Verify you are dialing the correct USSD code allocated by SASSA for balance checks. Double-check the code and attempt again.
  • Verification failed – If there’s an error during verification, such as with the ID number, carefully re-enter the correct details. Reach out to SASSA if the issue persists.
  • Session timeout – If the USSD session times out due to inactivity, redial the USSD code and complete the process promptly.
  • Low network signal – Move to an area with stronger reception to avoid disruption caused by weak mobile network signals.
  • Incorrect details – Ensure you provide accurate card numbers, ID numbers, or other information when prompted to avoid errors.
  • Account limits – Some accounts might have limits on balance checks. Contact SASSA if you consistently encounter issues.
  • USSD service downtime – Network problems can cause temporary service interruptions. Retry later or confirm the USSD service status with your provider.

Seek help from SASSA

If you encounter persistent problems using the SASSA USSD service to check your balance, reach out to SASSA directly for support:

  • Call the SASSA contact center toll-free at 0800 60 10 11.
  • Visit your nearest SASSA office for in-person assistance.
  • Log in to the SASSA self-service portal and submit an inquiry.

SASSA has dedicated teams to provide personalized support and aid in troubleshooting any issues related to accessing balance information via USSD. They can also provide information on the latest USSD codes and services available in your area.

With this step-by-step USSD method, you can conveniently monitor your SASSA grant funds and account activity without incurring any airtime costs. Regularly checking your balance ensures continuous access to your available grants for essential expenses.