SASSA Status Not Updating – Causes & Fixes (2025 Guide)

On: November 16, 2025
SASSA Status Not Updating

If your SASSA SRD R370 status is not updating, you are not alone. Many people check their status every day and see the same result for weeks. This can be stressful, especially when you depend on the grant for daily needs.

The good news is that a “stuck” status usually has a simple cause, and in most cases, you can fix it or speed it up.

This guide explains why your status is not updating, how long updates normally take, and what you can do to get your approval or payment date faster.

What It Means When Your SASSA Status Is Not Updating

When your SASSA status is stuck, it means:

“The system has not finished processing your verification checks.”

SASSA verifies:

  • Your identity
  • Your income
  • Your UIF records
  • Your NSFAS records
  • Your bank details
  • Your Home Affairs profile

If any part of this process is slow, your status will not update.

How Long SASSA Status Updates Usually Take

The timeline depends on where you are in the process:

  • New applications: 1-4 weeks
  • Monthly re-checks: 1-3 weeks
  • During busy months: 2-6 weeks
  • After changing bank details: 3-10 working days

If your status hasn’t changed in 2-3 weeks, one of the checks below is likely delayed.

Why Your SASSA Status Is Not Updating (Real Causes)

Below are the most common reasons your status is stuck:

1. Bank Verification Is Delayed

This is the number one reason your status doesn’t move.

SASSA waits for your bank to confirm that:

  • Your account is active
  • Your account is in your name
  • Your ID matches their records

If the bank takes long, your status stays the same.

2. Identity Checks Are Still In Progress

If your ID recently changed or was updated at Home Affairs, SASSA may struggle to verify it.

Your status will not update until this check is complete.

3. Monthly Income Check Not Finished

Each month, SASSA checks your bank activity.

If they detect:

  • Cash deposits
  • eWallet payments
  • Transfers
  • Multiple small deposits

the system may delay your status while it reviews your income.

4. You Updated Your Phone Number Recently

Your phone number is used for:

  • Verification
  • OTP codes
  • Identity checks
  • Banking updates

If your number changed, the system can freeze your status until it syncs.

5. SASSA System Overload

During the end of the month or after public holidays, the system is slow because millions of people are checking.

This can cause:

  • Delayed updates
  • Missing pay dates
  • Frozen statuses

This is common and usually clears on its own.

6. Your Application Needs a Referral Check

If your data looks irregular, SASSA may send your application for referral.

Referral checks can take:

  • 2-8 weeks

Examples:

  • Suspicious banking activity
  • Conflicting ID information
  • Possible duplicate application
  • UIF or NSFAS mismatch

Your status will not update until referral checks are complete.

How to Fix a SASSA Status That Is Not Updating

If your status has not changed in 2 weeks or more, follow these steps:

1. Update Your Banking Details

This is the fastest solution.
Visit: https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/banking-details-update

Enter your ID and update your details.
Make sure:

  • The account is in your name
  • The account is active
  • Your bank profile matches your ID

Once re-submitted, your status often updates within a few days.

2. Update Your Phone Number

If SASSA cannot reach you, your updates may freeze.

Update your number at: https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/contact

3. Check Your ID Status at Home Affairs

If your ID was recently replaced or corrected, confirm:

  • It is active
  • All info is correct

After Home Affairs updates your record, wait 48–72 hours and check again.

4. Reduce Bank Activity That Looks Like Income

Deposits above R624 can delay verification.

Avoid:

  • Cash deposits
  • eWallets
  • Multiple transfers from others

This helps SASSA process your income check faster.

5. Check Your Status Early Morning or Late Afternoon

System load is lower at these times.

Updates often appear when traffic is quiet.

6. Wait Until the Monthly Payment Cycle

Many status updates only appear near the end of the month:

24th-31st

If you check too early, your status will look stuck.

When You Should Contact SASSA

Contact SASSA if your status has not updated for:

  • More than 6 weeks
    or
  • After fixing your details

Use the helpline: 0800 60 10 11 and always have your ID number ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why hasn’t my SASSA status changed in a month?

You likely have a bank, ID, or income verification delay.

Can my status update at night?

Yes. Updates can appear at any time.

Do I need to reapply?

No. You only apply once.

Why does my friend’s status update but mine doesn’t?

Verification times and banking systems are different for everyone.

Can I still get paid if my status updates late?

Yes. If approved, you get paid for that month.

Tip to Avoid Delays

To avoid long delays in the future:

  • Keep your banking details stable
  • Use a bank account in your name
  • Keep your phone number active
  • Avoid deposits above R624
  • Fix your ID details early if they change

These steps help SASSA approve you faster and keep your status moving smoothly each month.

Jennifer Mabaso

Jennifer Mabaso is a content writer and researcher who focuses on SASSA services, grants and social support information in South Africa. She specialises in breaking down complex processes into simple guides that help people understand how to apply, check their status and access the support they qualify for. Her work is driven by clarity, accuracy and a commitment to helping readers navigate the social grant system with confidence.

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