The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has introduced a new WhatsApp self-service platform that allows beneficiaries to check their Social Grant application status, review status and proof of life verification status without visiting an office. The service is available on the WhatsApp number 082 601 0111. According to SASSA, beneficiaries can access the service by sending ‘Hi’ to the number, selecting social grants from the main menu, and verifying their identity by confirming their mobile number, entering a One-Time Pin (OTP) and entering their ID number. To check application status, users need to open WhatsApp and send ‘Hi’, select social grants from the main menu, select the relevant grant type such as old age grant, child support grant or disability grant, complete identity verification, choose application status, and the system will return the beneficiary’s current application status. To check review status and proof of life, users follow the same initial steps and choose the option “Am I in Review?”. After completing identity verification, the system checks whether the beneficiary is due for a review and whether they are due for proof of life verification. The system will then respond with one of three outcomes: “Grant Review Required”, along with guidelines on what to do, “Proof of Life Verification Required” with guidelines, or “Your grant is currently Not in Review.” SASSA says the WhatsApp channel is part of its drive to ensure it is paying the right social grant to the right person at the right time and place, and to reduce queues at local offices. Beneficiaries are encouraged to save the official number 082 601 0111 and use the SASSA Self-Service Chatbot for quick updates on their grants.

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