Change SRD Phone Number – Update Your Number Quickly & Safely

Your registered cellphone number is the key that unlocks almost every step of your SASSA SRD R370 grant – status checks, OTPs, payment date notifications, banking detail updates, e-KYC biometric links, and appeals all depend on receiving an SMS on your registered number. If you have lost access to that number, everything stops. This guide explains every official way to change your SRD phone number in 2026, what to do if you no longer have access to the old number, how e-KYC now affects the process, and what to do immediately if your number was stolen or used without your permission.

Quick Links – Official Update Portals

Why Your Registered Phone Number Matters

Your SRD-registered cellphone number is not just a contact detail – it is your identity verification key within the SASSA system. Every security-sensitive step requires an OTP delivered by SMS to this number. If the number is wrong, deactivated, lost, or stolen, the entire chain of access breaks.

The following actions all require a working registered number:

• Logging into the SRD status portal to view monthly results
• Completing e-KYC biometric verification – the link and PIN go to this number
• Receiving your personal SRD payment date notification
• Updating your banking details via the portal
• Submitting and checking SRD appeals
• Receiving all SASSA grant-related SMS communications

When Should You Change Your SRD Phone Number?

You should update your SRD registered number as soon as any of the following situations apply – do not wait, as delays cause payment interruptions and missed OTPs:

Before You Start – What You Need

Prepare the following before attempting any method. Missing items will block the process midway:

• Your 13-digit South African ID number – this is required for all methods
• Your 6-digit SRD Application ID – required for the online portal method (see below if you have forgotten it)
• Your new cellphone number – must be active, RICA-registered in your name, and able to receive SMS
• Your registered email address – required for the online portal method to verify your identity
• A reason for changing your number – the portal requires you to select from a list of official reasons

How to Find Your Forgotten Application ID

If you do not remember your 6-digit Application ID, you can retrieve it before starting the phone number change:

1. Open the SRD status portal: srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status
2. Enter your 13-digit South African ID number and your old registered phone number.
3. Click Submit – your 6-digit Application ID will appear at the top of the results page.
4. Write it down before proceeding to the phone number change.

Method 1: Change Phone Number Online – SRD Portal (Recommended)

The online SRD portal is the fastest method and is available 24 hours a day. It requires access to both the old and new numbers at certain steps, so read the instructions carefully before starting.

• Open the official update page: srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/update
• Scroll down to the section labelled ‘How To Change My Contact Details?’ and click the option to change contact details.
• Enter your 13-digit South African ID number and your 6-digit Application ID, then click Submit.
• You will be redirected to a new form. Enter the email address you used when applying for the SRD grant, along with your new cellphone number.
• Click Submit.
• Select the reason you are changing your phone number from the official dropdown list. Choose the option that most accurately describes your situation – common reasons include: lost phone, stolen SIM, no longer have access to the registered number, or incorrect number entered at application.
• An OTP will be sent by SMS to your new phone number. Enter this OTP on the portal and click Submit to confirm the change.
• You will receive a confirmation SMS on your new number once the update is accepted.
• Allow up to 14 working days for SASSA to fully process and activate the new number across all systems.

Method 2: Change Phone Number via SASSA Call Centre

If you cannot complete the online method – because you have no internet access, have forgotten your Application ID, or no longer have any access to the old number – the SASSA call centre is the next best option.

1. Charge your phone fully before calling to avoid being cut off.
2. Have your 13-digit South African ID number and your new phone number ready.
3. Call the SASSA toll-free helpline: 0800 60 10 11
4. Listen to the voice prompts carefully and select Option 1 for SRD support.
5. Select your preferred language when prompted.
6. When connected to a SASSA agent, clearly state that you want to change the registered cellphone number on your SRD application.
7. The agent will ask for your ID number, the phone number you used when applying (if you know it), and your new phone number.
8. Answer any additional security questions the agent asks to verify your identity.
9. Write down your call reference number before ending the call.
10. Allow up to 14 working days for the number to be updated. SASSA will send a confirmation SMS to your new number once complete.

Method 3: Change Phone Number at a SASSA Office (In-Person)

Visiting a SASSA office in person is the most reliable option when you have lost all access to your old number, the online portal is not working, or you need to complete biometric verification that cannot be done remotely.

• Locate your nearest SASSA office at sassa.gov.za – search by province or district.
• Visit the office during business hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM.
• Bring your original green-barcoded ID book or Smart ID card – a copy is not sufficient.
• Also bring any supporting documents you have: proof of your new phone number (e.g. a recent bill or RICA confirmation), and your Application ID if you have it.
• At the helpdesk, inform the official that you need to change your registered SRD cellphone number.
• Provide your ID number and new phone number. The official will capture your biometrics if required.
• Ask the official for a reference number or confirmation slip before leaving.
• Allow up to 14 working days for the update to reflect on the portal.

e-KYC Biometric Requirement for Phone Number Changes

From September 2025, SASSA implemented mandatory biometric verification (e-KYC) as part of the phone number change process for SRD applicants who have not yet completed their facial scan. This is a security measure to prevent fraudulent number changes by third parties.

What this means in practice:

• When you submit a phone number change request, SASSA may send an e-KYC facial verification link to your new number (or your old number if still accessible).
• You must complete the facial scan within 72 hours of receiving the link – it expires after this period.
• If you do not complete the e-KYC step, the phone number change request will remain pending and may not be processed.
• If your facial scan fails, you will need to visit a SASSA office for in-person biometric assistance.
• No Application ID is required for the e-KYC step – only your South African ID number.

Emergency: Your Number Was Changed Without Your Permission

If your registered SRD phone number was changed by someone else without your knowledge – whether through SIM swap fraud, theft, or identity theft – this is a grant fraud emergency. Act immediately to protect your grant and personal details.

Step 1: Report the Unauthorised Change to SASSA

• Open the official SRD unauthorised change report page: srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/auth
• Enter your 13-digit South African ID number.
• Submit a report that your registered SRD number was changed without your permission.
• You will receive a confirmation message: ‘Successfully submitted unauthorised SASSA SRD change phone number – now report to SASSA.’

Step 2: Call SASSA Immediately

• Call 0800 60 10 11 and clearly report that your SRD phone number was changed without your authorisation.
• Ask SASSA to freeze any pending payment on your account until the issue is resolved.
• Provide your ID number and as many details as possible about when you last had legitimate access.
• Record your call reference number.

Step 3: Report to SAPS and Your Network Provider

• Report the SIM swap or phone theft to the South African Police Service (SAPS) on 10111 or at your nearest police station.
• Contact your mobile network provider immediately to report the unauthorised SIM swap and request a block on the number.
• Keep copies of all reports as supporting evidence for the SASSA investigation.

After Your Phone Number Is Updated – What Happens Next

Once SASSA confirms your phone number change, the following will happen:

• You will receive a confirmation SMS on your new number – keep this as proof of the update.
• All future OTPs, payment date notifications, e-KYC links, and SASSA communications will go to the new number.
• Your SRD status portal login will now require your new number alongside your ID number.
• Banking detail updates and appeal submissions will use the new number for OTP verification.
• If your grant was temporarily paused due to the number issue, it should resume processing automatically once the update is confirmed – check your status on the portal after the 14-day processing period.

Common Problems & Fixes – Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Summary – What to Do Next

• Use the official update page: srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/update – do not use any third-party site
• Have your ID number, Application ID, registered email, and new number ready before starting
• If you cannot access the old number at all, call 0800 60 10 11 or visit your nearest SASSA office
• Complete any e-KYC biometric verification link sent by SASSA within 72 hours
• Only submit one change request per 24-hour period – multiple requests cause delays
• If your number was changed without your permission, report it immediately at srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/auth and call 0800 60 10 11
• Allow up to 14 working days for the update to fully reflect across SASSA’s systems
• Check your portal status after 14 working days to confirm the update and resume normal grant access

Official SASSA Contact Details