How to Recover Your SASSA Reference Number 

Losing your SASSA reference number is frustrating, as sometimes we as a SASSA beneficiary can need this for multiple purposes.

It can be used for tracking SASSA applications, for authentication by staff, updating SASSA applications, changing banking details, or even reapplying.

In short, this ID is unique for every applicant and tells SASSA staff or system that you’re a legit applicant who submitted a valid application through the channel.

What Is a SASSA SRD R370 Reference Number and Why Is It Important?

For many people this is confusing, but to let you know, reference number and SASSA Application ID are the same thing.

What does the SASSA reference number mean?

• This reference number is uniquely assigned ib 6-digits to every applicant by the system when he/she has applied for a grant.
• The SASSA using this ID is able to track application as this is tied with applicant’s national ID, contact, and  application details.

Important: This serves as a DNA of your application to the system to retrieve your all necessary details from the database. 

Why you need your SRD Application ID

• Status check: when you do a SASSA Status Check online using any tool on internet, even that tools uses your ID and phone number to reach your application ID and tell you your status.
• Get help from staff: sometimes you may need to contact SASSA for any type of help related to you application, the staff also need your reference ID number to assist you in the matter.
• Reapply/Appeal: the SASSA appal do also require the applicants app ID as a core element in order to process and submit your appeal to authorities.
• Update Personal Information: as an applicant or a beneficiary, you may sometimes have to update any type of information in your application, this reference number is required.
• Proof of Application: when SASSA system/staff process anything on your application, your reference ID tells them you’re a legit applicant and also help them in processing many other things on their end.
  

Can you apply for the R370 grant without a reference number?

As this is assigned only once when you apply for the very first time, so YES you can apply for any SASSA grant without application/reference ID, but only first time.

Later all your processing in SASSA is going to be completely dependent on this number once you’ve used the application channel.

Can You Retrieve Your SASSA Application ID If You Lost It?

Yes, everyone who has lost this ID can retrieve it, there are several ways SASSA has made possible for people to get their application ID back, here the best possible ways:

• WhatsApp: send “hello” message to only official SASSA WhatsApp support nhumber and ask to give you ID.
• USSD Code: use your SASSA registered Ph# and dial this code *120*3210# and follow instructions for reference ID.
• Online Status Check: check grant status on official SASSA site by entering your personla ID and Ph# and your application ID will be displayed.
• Using SASSA Helpline: make a call to this number from your phone 0800 60 10 11 and follow operator’s guidelines.
• Through E-mail Support: write a personalized email in simple words that you want help in retrieving your reference ID# and send to this address grantenquiries@sassa.gov.za with your national ID number and phone number.

Important: If you are using any method that includes using your phone number: always use your only phone number you mentioned in your application form.

How long does it take to retrieve your reference number?

Tip: Retrieval method through WhatsApp, USSD, and status check are the quickest and reliable ways.

Different Reference Number Retrieval Methods Step-by-step

Here are step-by-step best possible methods in details you can use to cope with this situation:

WhatsApp Retrieval:

• First save the official WA number of SASSA in your smartphone 082 046 8553 with the name SASSA.
• Type any message and send in the chat, follow auto-generated prompts for Ref# retrieval, you can also get other services from this number.
• You’ll receive your Ref ID with some other details.

Retrieval Through USSD Code:

• From your smartphone, dial this number *120*3210# (your ph# must be tied with SASSA).
• Enter your personal national ID number when the call operator asks.
• Follow instruction for Ref# and it will be shown on your mobile screen, take a snapshot or write it somewhere for future use.

Status Check Method:

• Preferably use SRD official website or you can also use other online websites.
• Enter your SA ID# and Ph# you have given in SASSA application and press enter.
• Your detailed status will be displayed along with ref#.

Note: not all online status checkers will tell you Ref#, thats why official SASSA portal tool is recommended.

Using Official Helpline:

• Make a call from your registered SIM to this official number 0800 60 10 11.
• Follow operator’s prompts for reference number.
• Provide required things like national ID# and Phone# and your reference application ID will be send on the provided number.

Through Email:

• Type an email using your own email you submitted during the application process with the subject “Request for Reference Number” Or “”Request for Ref/App ID”.
• Write a concise email in which you ask that you’ve lost your ref ID due to xyz reason (valid reason) and now you require it for abc reason.
• You’ll get a reply with your desired app ID number once the staff notice your email.

Important: Try to write email as short as possible and describe in a positive tone, also include some other details of yours like SA ID number and Phone#.

FAQs