SASSA SRD: What "Bank Details Pending" Means

Seeing "Bank Details Pending" status on your SASSA SRD grant application can be confusing and concerning. Your application may have been approved, but payments can't be processed because of banking information issues. This comprehensive 2026 guide explains what this status means, why it happens, how to fix it, and what you need to do to get your payments processed in South Africa.

Understanding "Bank Details Pending" Status

What Does It Mean?

"Bank Details Pending" indicates that your SASSA SRD grant application has been approved, but SASSA cannot process payments because:

• Your banking details are missing
• Your banking details are incorrect
• Your bank account couldn't be verified
• Your banking information needs updating
• There's a mismatch between your ID and bank account

Important: This is actually good news in one sense—your application was approved! You just need to fix the banking information to receive payments.

Bank Details Pending vs. Other Statuses

Understanding the difference helps you know what action to take:

• Bank Details Pending: Approved, but banking info needed (this guide)
• Pending: Application under review (different issue)
• Approved: Fully approved, payments processing
• Declined: Application unsuccessful
• Payment Pending: Approved, payment being processed

Why Bank Details Pending Occurs

Common Causes

1. Missing Banking Information

• No bank account provided during application
• Banking section left blank
• Application submitted without banking details
• Technical error during submission

2. Incorrect Banking Details

• Wrong account number provided
• Incorrect branch code
• Wrong bank name selected
• Typing errors in banking information

3. Bank Account Verification Failed

• Bank account doesn't exist
• Account is closed or inactive
• Account number doesn't match bank records
• Bank couldn't verify account ownership

4. Account Name Mismatch

• Bank account not in your name
• Account name doesn't match your ID
• Joint account issues
• Name spelling differences

5. Account Restrictions

• Account is frozen or restricted
• Account has holds or blocks
• Account requires additional verification
• Bank security restrictions

6. Bank Not Supported

• Bank doesn't participate in SASSA payments
• Bank verification system incompatible
• Bank not recognized by SASSA system
• Regional bank limitations

How to Check Your Banking Status

Method 1: SASSA Website

Steps:

1. Visit www.sassa.gov.za
2. Log into your account or check status
3. Enter your ID number
4. Enter your registered cellphone number
5. View your application status
6. Check banking details section
7. See if "Bank Details Pending" is shown

Method 2: WhatsApp

Steps:

1. Message SASSA: 082 046 8553
2. Send "Status" or "Banking"
3. Enter your ID number
4. Receive status including banking information
5. Check if banking details are pending

Method 3: USSD Code

Steps:

1. Dial 1347737# from your registered phone
2. Select "Check Status"
3. Enter your ID number
4. View banking status on screen
5. See if banking verification is pending

Method 4: Call Centre

Steps:

1. Call 0800 60 10 11
2. Provide your ID number
3. Ask about banking details status
4. Request information on what's needed
5. Get guidance on fixing the issue

How to Fix Bank Details Pending

Step 1: Verify Your Bank Account

Before updating, ensure:

• Bank account is active (not closed)
• Account is in your name (matches your ID)
• Account number is correct
• Bank name and branch code are accurate
• Account has no restrictions or holds

How to Verify:

• Check your bank statement
• Contact your bank to confirm account status
• Verify account is in your name
• Ensure account is active and operational

Step 2: Gather Correct Banking Information

Information You'll Need:

• Account Number: Full account number (no spaces)
• Bank Name: Official bank name (e.g., "Standard Bank", "FNB", "Capitec")
• Branch Code: 6-digit branch code
• Account Type: Savings or current account
• Account Holder Name: Must match your ID exactly

Where to Find This Information:

• Bank statement (most reliable)
• Banking app on your phone
• ATM receipt
• Bank branch (visit if needed)
• Online banking portal

Step 3: Update Banking Details Online

Via SASSA Website:

1. Visit www.sassa.gov.za
2. Navigate to "Update Banking Details" or "Banking Information"
3. Enter your ID number
4. Enter your registered cellphone number
5. Select "Update Banking Details"
6. Enter correct bank account number
7. Select correct bank name from dropdown
8. Enter branch code
9. Verify all information is correct
10. Submit the update
11. Save confirmation reference number

Important: Double-check all information before submitting. Errors will cause further delays.

Step 4: Update via WhatsApp

Alternative Method:

1. Open WhatsApp
2. Message SASSA: 082 046 8553
3. Send "Update Banking" or "Banking Details"
4. Follow menu prompts
5. Enter your ID number
6. Provide new banking information when prompted
7. Verify information is correct
8. Submit update
9. Receive confirmation

Step 5: Update via USSD

For Basic Phones:

1. Dial 1347737# from registered phone
2. Select "Update Banking" option
3. Enter your ID number
4. Follow on-screen prompts
5. Enter banking information
6. Confirm details
7. Submit update

Step 6: Update in Person

If Online Methods Don't Work:

1. Visit your nearest SASSA office
2. Bring your South African ID
3. Bring bank statement or proof of account
4. Request to update banking details
5. Provide correct information to SASSA official
6. Get confirmation receipt
7. Keep receipt for your records

Verification Process After Update

What Happens Next

After Updating Banking Details:

1. Immediate: You receive confirmation that update was received
2. Within 24-48 Hours: SASSA begins verification process
3. Verification: Bank verifies account details
4. Confirmation: Status updates when verified
5. Payment Processing: Payments can then be processed

Verification Timeline

• Update Submission: Immediate confirmation
• Bank Verification: 2-5 business days
• Status Update: 3-7 business days total
• Payment Processing: Begins after verification

If Verification Fails

If banking verification fails again:

1. Double-check all information is correct
2. Verify account is active and in your name
3. Contact your bank to ensure account is verified
4. Try updating again with verified information
5. Consider using alternative payment method

Alternative Payment Methods

If Banking Continues to Fail

Option 1: SASSA Card

• Apply for SASSA card at SASSA office
• Collect card from designated location
• Withdraw payments at SASSA pay points
• No bank account required

Option 2: Post Office Collection

• Update payment method to Post Office
• Collect payments from Post Office branches
• Bring ID and reference number
• Available at most Post Office locations

Option 3: Cash Send (Specific Providers)

• Available through certain mobile money providers
• Update to Cash Send option
• Receive payments via mobile money
• Withdraw at designated locations

Common Banking Update Issues

Issue 1: "Account Not Found"

Problem: Bank says account doesn't exist

Solutions:

• Verify account number is correct
• Check if account is closed
• Ensure you're using the right bank
• Contact your bank to verify account status

Issue 2: "Name Mismatch"

Problem: Account name doesn't match your ID

Solutions:

• Ensure account is in your name
• Check for spelling differences
• Update account name with bank if needed
• Provide proof that account is yours

Issue 3: "Account Inactive"

Problem: Bank account is frozen or inactive

Solutions:

• Contact your bank to activate account
• Resolve any account restrictions
• Clear any holds or blocks
• Update SASSA once account is active

Issue 4: "Bank Not Supported"

Problem: Your bank doesn't support SASSA payments

Solutions:

• Verify if bank is actually supported
• Contact SASSA for list of supported banks
• Consider opening account with supported bank
• Use alternative payment method

Preventing Bank Details Pending

Best Practices

1. Provide Accurate Information

• Double-check all banking details before submitting
• Verify account number is correct
• Ensure bank name matches exactly
• Confirm branch code is accurate

2. Use Active Accounts

• Only provide active bank accounts
• Don't use closed or frozen accounts
• Ensure account is in your name
• Verify account has no restrictions

3. Keep Information Updated

• Update banking details if account changes
• Notify SASSA if you change banks
• Keep contact information current
• Respond promptly to any requests

4. Verify Before Submitting

• Check bank statement for accuracy
• Confirm with bank if unsure
• Review all information carefully
• Don't rush the submission

Timeline Expectations

After Fixing Banking Details

Expected Timeline:

• Update Submission: Immediate
• Verification Start: 1-2 business days
• Bank Verification: 2-5 business days
• Status Update: 3-7 business days
• Payment Processing: Begins after verification
• Payment Reflection: 2-5 business days after processing

Total: Typically 7-14 business days from update to payment

What If Banking Update Doesn't Work?

Troubleshooting Steps

Step 1: Verify Information Again

• Double-check all banking details
• Confirm with your bank
• Ensure no typing errors
• Verify account is active

Step 2: Try Different Method

• If online doesn't work, try WhatsApp
• If WhatsApp fails, try USSD
• If all fail, visit SASSA office
• Sometimes one method works when others don't

Step 3: Contact Your Bank

• Ask bank to verify account status
• Ensure account can receive payments
• Check for any restrictions
• Get confirmation account is verified

Step 4: Contact SASSA

• Call 0800 60 10 11
• Visit nearest SASSA office
• Explain the banking issue
• Get assistance with update

Step 5: Consider Alternative Payment

• Apply for SASSA card
• Use Post Office collection
• Consider Cash Send option
• Find solution that works for you

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to fix bank details pending?

After updating banking details, verification typically takes 3-7 business days. Payments can then be processed within 7-14 business days total.

Can I receive payments while bank details are pending?

No, payments cannot be processed until banking details are verified. You must update and verify your banking information first.

What if I don't have a bank account?

If you don't have a bank account, you can:

• Apply for a SASSA card
• Use Post Office collection
• Use Cash Send (if available)
• Open a bank account (many banks offer free basic accounts)

Can I use someone else's bank account?

No, the bank account must be in your name and match your ID. Using someone else's account will cause verification to fail.

What if my bank account was closed?

If your bank account was closed, you need to:

• Open a new bank account in your name
• Update SASSA with new banking details
• Or use alternative payment method

How do I know if my banking update was successful?

You'll receive SMS confirmation when banking details are verified. You can also check your status on the SASSA website—it should change from "Bank Details Pending" to "Approved" or show payment processing.

Can I change my banking details after they're verified?

Yes, you can update banking details at any time through the SASSA website, WhatsApp, or by visiting a SASSA office. Changes may take one payment cycle to take effect.

What banks are supported by SASSA?

Most major South African banks are supported, including:

• Standard Bank
• FNB (First National Bank)
• ABSA
• Nedbank
• Capitec
• African Bank
• And most other registered banks

Conclusion

"Bank Details Pending" status means your SASSA SRD grant application was approved, but payments can't be processed due to banking information issues. The good news is this is fixable—simply update your banking details with correct, verified information, and payments can begin processing. Act promptly to resolve this, as payments are delayed until banking details are verified. If you continue having issues, consider alternative payment methods like SASSA card or Post Office collection.

For more information about updating banking details, checking your status, or payment dates, explore our other comprehensive SASSA guides.

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Related Articles:

• How to Update Banking Details for SASSA R350
• How to Check Your SASSA Status Online (2026)
• SASSA R350 Grant Payment Dates (2026 Full List)
• SASSA R350 Pending Status — What It Means

Official Resources:

• SASSA Official Website
• SASSA Banking Update Portal
• SASSA Call Centre