How Do I Change My SASSA Phone Number?

If you’ve recently buy a new phone number or lost access to your old one, it’s important to update your contact details with the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to ensure you continue receiving important notifications about your grant. Your registered phone number is essential for receiving alerts, status updates, and OTPs for online services. Fortunately, SASSA offers several ways to change your number, whether online, in person, or via a specific request process. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to update your SASSA phone number quickly and correctly so you don’t miss any critical communication about your benefits.

SASSA Change Cellphone Number Online

SASSA currently offers three official ways to update your cellphone number for the SRD grant, Call Centre, WhatsApp, and a working online self-service form on the SRD website. If you want to change your SASSA phone number, you may first need to find lost reference number to complete the update successfully.

Method 1: Online via Official SRD Website

Sometimes SASSA briefly reopens a secure online form for number changes:

1. Visit the official SRD website at srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/contact

2. Enter your ID number, application ID, and old cellphone number.

3. Enter the new cellphone number and submit.

4. You’ll receive an OTP on the new number to confirm the change.

 After that for exact payment bates you can track SASSA application status.

What if You Don’t Remember Your Application ID?

Your Application ID is a unique number SASSA assigns when you apply for the SRD grant. It’s used to link your personal details to your application in their system. While it’s helpful to have this number when changing your cellphone number online, it’s not the only way SASSA can verify you.

How To Change SRD Phone Number Without Application ID?

You can still complete the process without your Application ID. SASSA will verify your identity by asking for:

• Your South African ID number
• Your full name and surname as per your ID document
• The month and year you first applied for the SRD grant
• Your old cellphone number (if you have it)
• Your physical address or postal code (in some cases)

As long as you pass this verification, they can proceed with updating your details.

Method 2: WhatsApp (Quick Request Option)

SASSA’s WhatsApp line can be used to start the change request:

1. Save 0600 123 456 as “SASSA” in your contacts.

2. Send a message: “Hi”.

3. When prompted, type “Update cellphone number”.

4. Follow the instructions, you’ll be asked for your ID number, old number, and new number.

5. Wait for a verification or follow-up SMS from SASSA.

Method 3: Call Centre (Most Common)

1. Gather Your Information:

• South African ID number
• Old cellphone number (if available)
• New cellphone number
• Proof of identity (green ID book or smart ID card)

1. Call 0800 60 10 11 (toll-free).

2. Explain your request clearly: “I need to update my cellphone number for my SRD grant.”

3. Answer verification questions about your identity, grant application date, and personal details.

4. Wait for confirmation via SMS (usually within 3–14 working days).

Why Updating Your Cellphone Number Matters

SASSA uses your registered cellphone number to send:

• Payment confirmation SMSes
• Status updates about your SRD application
• One-time PINs (OTPs) for verification
• Critical notices about grant eligibility

If you lose access to your old number, you could miss important messages and even face delays in receiving your grant.

Who Can Request a phone Number Change?

You can request a change if:

• SASSA grant beneficiaries
• You’ve lost your old SIM card or changed service providers
• If you entered the wrong number during the original application
• Old number is no longer accessible for security reasons

How To Change SRD Lost Phone Number?

To recover your lost SRD phone number for SASSA, you can follow these steps:

Contact SASSA Directly: You can call the SASSA contact number at 0800 601 011 for assistance. They can guide you on how to recover your phone number linked to the SRD grant.

Important Notes

• Delays are possible: Due to high volumes, some beneficiaries report waiting several weeks.
• Keep proof: Note the date and time of your call and the name of the agent.
• Avoid unofficial forms: Third-party sites may offer “quick fixes” but can put your personal data at risk.
• Use the same SIM card: Once your new number is linked, keep it active to avoid repeating the process.

What If New SIM Is in Someone Else’s ID?

SASSA’s SRD system cross-checks your cellphone number’s registered owner against your own ID. If your new SIM is registered to a friend, family member, or another person, it can trigger a red flag in their system. This is to prevent fraud and ensure that grants are paid directly to the rightful beneficiary.

How to Avoid Delays

• If possible, register the SIM in your own name before requesting the number change. You can do this at your mobile provider’s store with your ID.
• Keep copies of your affidavit and any documents submitted to SASSA.
• If you can’t register the SIM in your name (e.g., due to age, lost ID), make sure your affidavit is clear, detailed, and signed.

Tip to Avoid Confusion

If you have more than one number, make sure you test the exact new number you gave SASSA. Sometimes people mistakenly check using an alternate number that wasn’t updated in the system, leading them to think the update failed.

Safety Measures

By taking these precautions, you can smoothly update your mobile phone number.

1. Carefully change your number and double-check it before submitting. Because a single-digit change may cause the transfer of your grant to someone else’s name, which leads to the cancellation of your grant.
2. Always change your number from the SASSA official Website. Don’t try to change your number by using a third party.
3. Don’t change your SASSA registered number to a new number that is registered in some country other than South Africa.
4. If you plan to change your number, then make sure your new number is working properly or not.
5. Be aware of the confirmation message that you received from the SASSA on changing the number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Changing your cellphone number with SASSA isn’t the quickest process, but it’s a necessary step to keep your SRD grant running smoothly. By following the official route and keeping your documentation ready, you’ll reduce delays and avoid the risks of using unofficial channels.

Remember, your cellphone number is your direct line to SASSA. Keep it current, keep it secure, and you’ll stay connected to the grant you depend on.