Why is your SASSA still stuck on “Pending” while others are already getting paid? You checked again this morning. Still no update.
Just that same word staring back at you Pending. No money in the bank. No clue what went wrong. And no straight answers. Let’s change that.
SASSA Status Pending? What It Means and How to Fix It
Seeing “SASSA Status: Pending” is frustrating especially when bills are piling up. In 2025, more than 9 million South Africans depend on the R370 SRD grant each month. For many, it’s the only source of income.
If your status is stuck in limbo, it doesn’t always mean you’ve done something wrong. It means SASSA hasn’t made a decision yet. Your application is under review but for how long, and why?
Here’s the full breakdown what it means, why it’s delayed, how long it usually takes, and exactly what you can do to fix it.
What Does “Pending” Mean on Your SASSA SRD Application?
“Pending” means your application hasn’t been approved or declined yet. SASSA is still checking your details. Until those checks are complete, you won’t receive any payment.
They verify:
- Your ID and citizenship through the Department of Home Affairs (DHA)
- Your income via the South African Revenue Service (SARS)
- Your employment status through the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF)
- Your banking information, if selected as payment method
- Your financial aid history, using data from NSFAS
If anything doesn’t match or if something’s missing your status won’t move forward.
Why Your SASSA Status Might Be Stuck on Pending?
Let’s go deeper into the reasons. These are the most common ones causing thousands of delays right now in June 2025:
1. System Overload: Too Many Applications
Unemployment is still high 32.9% as of early 2025. SASSA receives millions of new and reapplying users every cycle. With over 9 million grant recipients, system traffic causes delays. Even error-free applications get stuck sometimes.
2. Identity Mismatch
SASSA uses your ID number, full name, and citizenship to verify your identity with DHA. If your ID has a typo, is expired, or doesn’t match their records, verification fails. Result: status stays “Pending.”
3. Banking Problems
If you chose bank transfer, your account details are sent to your bank for validation. This is mandatory before SASSA can deposit funds. If:
- The account is closed,
- It’s not in your name,
- Or your bank delays verification,
then payment is paused until resolved.
4. Application Errors
Small mistakes can cause big holdups. These include:
- Misspelled names
- Wrong phone number
- Incomplete address
- Outdated info from a previous cycle
Each detail is cross-checked. One error can trigger a system flag.
5. Missing Supporting Documents
If SASSA asks for:
- A recent bank statement
- Your proof of residence
- Or a sworn affidavit
and you don’t upload it, your application goes nowhere.
6. High-Risk Applications
Some cases are flagged for possible fraud especially if there’s unusual banking activity, duplicate IDs, or multiple submissions from the same device. These go through manual investigation, which takes much longer.
7. Home Affairs Delays
Even if you did everything right, delays from Home Affairs can block verification. For example:
- If your ID is recently updated or reissued
- If your status as a permanent resident is being re-verified
- Or if your info is not syncing properly
You won’t get cleared until DHA gives the green light.
How Long Does “Pending” Last in 2025?
SASSA’s official timeline is 60 to 90 days for application review. But that’s not a guarantee. Here’s a rough idea of what to expect:
| Application Type | Expected Duration |
| Complete, error-free | 4–6 weeks |
| With missing documents | 8–12 weeks |
| Flagged or high-risk | 3–4 months or longer |
| Still pending after 90 days | Action required |
If your application is stuck beyond 90 days, it’s time to step in and manually resolve the issue using the steps below.
How to Fix a SASSA SRD Pending Status? Step-by-Step
You can’t speed up SASSA’s internal checks, but you can fix issues on your side that are holding it back.
Step 1: Check Your Application on the Official Site
- ID number
- Cellphone number
- Go to srd.sassa.gov.za
- Enter your: ID number & Cellphone number
- Click “Submit”
Make sure your:
- Name matches your ID
- Phone number is the same one you used to apply
- All fields are correct
Even a small mismatch in spelling or numbers causes a verification error.
Step 2: Submit Missing Documents
If SASSA requested any documents, upload them via: srd.sassa.gov.za
Or visit your nearest SASSA office.
Required documents might include:
- Bank statements (last 3 months)
- Proof of residence (utility bill or lease)
- Signed affidavit confirming no income or assets
Use clear scans or photos. Submit them all at once don’t delay.
Step 3: Update Your Bank Details
If your bank info is outdated, wrong, or linked to another person, update it immediately.
Here’s how:
- Visit the SASSA site
- Click “Update Banking Details”
- Enter your ID
- Choose a verified bank account (Capitec, FNB, TymeBank, etc.)
- Or select Cash Send through retail outlets like Pick n Pay, Boxer, Shoprite
Note: SASSA won’t process payment until your bank confirms your account is active and valid.
Step 4: Contact SASSA for Help
If nothing’s working, contact SASSA directly:
- 📞 Toll-Free Call: 0800 60 10 11
- 📧 Email: [email protected]
- 💬 WhatsApp: 082 046 8553
When contacting them, provide:
- Your ID number
- Your application ID (from the confirmation SMS)
- A short explanation of your issue
They can flag your case for review or inform you of the problem directly.
Step 5: Visit a Local SASSA Office
If digital options fail, visit a branch with:
- Your green barcoded ID or smart ID card
- Any documents related to your application
- Screenshot of the pending status, if possible
The staff can manually review your case and assist with form resubmission, document uploads, or ID confirmation.
Step 6: Use Alternative Status Check Methods
Besides the official website, check your application via:
- WhatsApp:
Save 082 046 8553 → Send “SASSA” → Enter your ID - USSD Codes (no airtime needed):
Dial *120*69277# or *120*3210#
Follow the prompts - Moya App (data-free):
Download from Google Play or App Store
Go to “SASSA Services” → Check Status
These are faster and cheaper ways to stay updated without relying on SMS.
Step 7: Don’t Submit More Than One Application
Avoid applying again if your status is stuck. Duplicate applications confuse the system and can result in your profile being flagged.
Instead, follow up on the original application until it’s resolved.
Helpful Stats to Know in 2025
- R370 is the current SRD grant amount
- 55.5% of South Africans live below the poverty line (World Bank)
- 9 million+ rely on SASSA’s monthly SRD payouts
- The most common delay is bank verification
- Processing time ranges from 4 weeks to 3+ months depending on errors or flags
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait Take Action
A “Pending” status doesn’t mean you were rejected. It means your application is still waiting in the system possibly for no good reason. The key is not to wait blindly.
Check your info.
Submit what’s missing.
Call, message, or walk into SASSA if it’s taking too long.
The sooner you act, the sooner your R370 can hit your account.
