Losing access to the phone number you registered for your SASSA SRD can have serious consequences. Not only does it block essential updates about your grant payments, but it also limits your ability to respond quickly to important messages.
Whether your phone was lost or stolen, it is crucial to act swiftly to recover access and continue receiving your SRD grant benefits. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to update your phone number safely and securely through official SASSA channels.
Why Updating Your Phone Number Matters
When you rely on your phone number for critical updates, losing access can lead to various complications. Here’s why updating your phone number should be a top priority:
Payment Notifications: SASSA sends essential payment notifications via SMS, including information on when payments are made. If your phone number is outdated, you might miss these notifications, leading to delays in receiving your grant.
Bank or Retail Payouts: Many SRD recipients receive their payments via bank accounts or retail outlets. If your phone number is linked to these accounts, failing to update it could disrupt your ability to receive payments smoothly.
Prevents Scams and Fraud: Ensuring that your phone number is up to date through official channels helps prevent scammers from accessing your information. An updated number ensures you remain reachable for urgent grant updates, which reduces the chances of fraud or exploitation.
Communication with SASSA: SASSA often needs to communicate directly with you about important updates, such as verification requests or changes to your grant status. Keeping your contact information current guarantees that you won’t miss any important correspondence.
How to Recover Access / Update Your Phone Number
1. Check the SASSA SRD Online Portal
The quickest way to update your phone number is by using the SASSA SRD website. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Visit the official SASSA SRD website at https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/contact/.
Step 2: Log in using your credentials. If you no longer have access to your old phone number or account, you can still proceed with the next steps by using alternative verification methods.
Step 3: Navigate to the “Update Contact Details” section. Follow the on-screen instructions to initiate the process.
Step 4: Complete the biometric face verification process. This step is required to authenticate your identity securely and verify that you are the rightful owner of the grant.
Step 5: After successful verification, you will be prompted to enter your new phone number.
Step 6: You will then receive a One-Time PIN (OTP) on your new number. Enter this OTP to confirm the change.
Step 7: Once the OTP is entered correctly, your phone number will be updated in the system.
If you encounter any issues with biometric verification (for example, if your photo does not match the Department of Home Affairs records), follow the instructions to visit the nearest DHA office for an update.
2. Use the SRD Contact Center
If you’re unable to update your details online, calling the SRD Contact Center is the next best option:
Step 1: Call the SASSA helpline at 0800 60 10 11. This toll-free number is available for assistance with SRD-related issues.
Step 2: Inform the agent that you’ve lost or changed your phone number and would like to update it in their system.
Step 3: Provide the agent with your South African ID number and your SRD Application ID. If you cannot find your Application ID, you can retrieve it from reliable platforms like checkmygrant.co.za by entering your ID number and old phone number.
Step 4: The agent will verify your identity and assist you in updating your phone number. You will likely be asked to complete a secondary verification step, such as biometric authentication.
3. SMS/WhatsApp Updates (If Available)
Some users may be able to update their phone number through official SMS or WhatsApp channels. These options are not always available but can be a convenient alternative if supported.
Step 1: Look for SMS or WhatsApp instructions from SASSA regarding updating your contact details.
Step 2: Always verify that the numbers you’re interacting with are official SASSA contact numbers to avoid falling victim to scams.
4. Visit a Local SASSA Office (If Necessary)
If you are unable to update your phone number online or through the contact center, visiting a SASSA office in person is your final option.
Step 1: Find the nearest SASSA office to you and gather the necessary documents, such as your original South African ID and proof of your old phone number, if possible.
Step 2: Upon arrival, explain the situation to the SASSA staff and request assistance in updating your phone number.
Step 3: Staff will help you through the verification process, ensuring your new phone number is correctly registered.
Tips & Precautions
When updating your contact details, here are a few important tips and precautions to keep in mind:
Avoid Third-Party “Helpers”: Some individuals or agencies may offer to update your SASSA SRD details for a fee. This is unnecessary as SASSA never charges for this service. Avoid such offers to prevent falling victim to fraud.
Keep Your ID and Old Phone Details Ready: Having your ID number and previous phone number available will help speed up the verification process. If you have your old SIM card or proof of phone number, bring it along to assist in verification.
Double-Check Your New Number: Once you’ve updated your number, check your SASSA profile on the portal to confirm that the change has been processed successfully.
Notify Your Bank or Retail Outlet: If you receive payments via a bank or retail outlet, be sure to update your phone number with them as well. This ensures that your payment method remains linked to the correct contact information.
FAQ
Can I update my number without visiting a SASSA office?
Yes, you can update your number online through the SASSA SRD portal or by calling the SASSA helpline. In some cases, SMS or WhatsApp updates are also available.
How long does it take for the new number to be active?
Once you’ve updated your phone number and completed the verification process, the change should be immediate. However, ensure you check your profile in the SASSA SRD portal to confirm that the update has been successfully processed.
What if I don’t have the old number or SIM card?
You can retrieve your SRD Application ID through trusted websites like checkmygrant.co.za. This ID will allow you to update your phone number through the contact center or website.
Can someone else update my number on my behalf?
No, only you can update your phone number as the process requires your personal identity verification. Third parties cannot update your details for you.
Check also: How to Collect Your SRD Grant at Shoprite in October 2025
Updating your phone number is crucial for ensuring you continue to receive SRD payments and notifications without disruption. If you’ve lost your phone or changed your number, act quickly by following the steps outlined above to update your details through the official SASSA channels. This will help you avoid delays in payments and prevent potential security risks.
By keeping your contact information up to date, you’ll ensure that your grant payments are received without any issues. Stay proactive in managing your details, and regularly check your SMS and portal updates to ensure everything is in order.
