How to Change Phone Number for SRD Grant
Changing your phone number linked to your South African Social Relief of Distress (SRD) R370 grant is not always easy, but it is possible. This guide will show you the exact steps to update your number, depending on your situation.
Whether your SIM card was lost, stolen, blocked, or changed, we explain what to do. This guide is especially useful for people who need to receive OTPs (One Time Pins), payment notifications, or status updates on their new mobile number.
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) uses your phone number to verify your identity and communicate with you. If you lose access to that number, you may not receive your payment or important messages. So updating it quickly is very important.
Why Your Phone Number Is So Important for SRD
Your phone number is your key to managing your SRD grant. Here’s why it matters:
- OTP Verification: You cannot check your status without receiving an OTP.
- Payment Notifications: SASSA notifies you of payment dates through SMS.
- Communication: If there is a problem, SASSA may send you a message for action.
- Security: The number is linked to your ID number for secure verification.
Without access to your number, you might not be able to:
- Appeal a declined application
- Update bank details
- Reconfirm your application
- Switch payment methods (e.g., Post Office to bank)
- Withdraw funds using OTP at retailers like Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Boxer, etc.
Can You Change Your SRD Phone Number Online?
No, SASSA does not allow applicants to change their phone number online by themselves. This is to protect your grant from fraud. You need to follow one of the approved methods below.
You must verify your identity before SASSA updates your mobile number.
Method 1: Call the SASSA Toll-Free Number (Most Recommended)
The safest and official way to change your number is by calling the SASSA helpline.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Dial the SASSA Call Centre
Call 0800 60 10 11 from any network in South Africa (free of charge). - Choose the SRD Option
Follow the voice prompts. Select the option for the R370 SRD Grant. - Speak to an Agent
Ask the agent to help you update your phone number. You will need to answer a few security questions. - Provide Your Details
Be ready to confirm:- Your South African ID number
- Your full name
- The old phone number (if possible)
- Your new phone number
- Any past payment details (such as last payment date)
- Wait for Confirmation
If you pass the verification, the agent will log your request. It may take 5–7 working days for the number to be updated.
Important Tips:
- Call during working hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM.
- Be patient; wait times are long due to high call volumes.
- Do not give your ID or number to anyone except verified SASSA staff.
Method 2: Email SASSA (Slower Option)
If calling is not possible, you can email SASSA, but this takes more time.
How to Email for Phone Number Change:
- Open your email app or Gmail account.
- Write to: [email protected]
- Use the subject line: Request to Change Phone Number – SRD Grant
- Include the following details:
- Your full name
- South African ID number
- Old phone number (if you remember it)
- New phone number
- Reason for change (e.g., lost SIM, number blocked)
- A scanned or clear photo of your ID document (front only)
- A recent selfie holding your ID next to your face
- Send and wait for a reply. It may take up to 2–3 weeks for action.
Note: SASSA replies slowly to emails. This method is not ideal if you need urgent access.
Method 3: Visit the Nearest SASSA Office (Best for Lost Numbers)
If your old number is permanently lost, and you cannot verify OTPs, go to your nearest SASSA local office.
Steps:
- Find your nearest SASSA office using www.sassa.gov.za or ask your municipality.
- Bring the following documents:
- South African ID book/card
- Proof of residence (if possible)
- Any documents related to your grant
- A signed affidavit explaining your number change
- Ask for help at the helpdesk to update your contact details.
- A SASSA officer will verify your identity and submit a request.
- You may be asked to fill in a SASSA Annexure C form or provide a police affidavit if fraud is suspected.
What If You Don’t Remember your Old Number?
This is common. Many people don’t remember their old number or it was registered under someone else’s name.
In this case, follow these tips:
- Be honest when speaking to the agent.
- Tell them you forgot the number or it belonged to your relative.
- Provide all the personal details you can.
- You may need to visit the SASSA office and provide a sworn affidavit explaining the situation.
Sample Affidavit for Phone Number Change
If required, you can use this format:
AFFIDAVIT
I, [Your Full Name], ID number [Your ID], declare that I lost access to my old phone number [old number if known] and cannot receive OTPs or grant messages. I request SASSA to update my SRD contact number to [new number]. This number is registered under my name.
Signed at [City/Town] on [Date].
Signature: ________
Witness: ________
Get the affidavit stamped at your nearest police station.
How Long Does It Take to Update the Number?
The timeline depends on how you request the change:
- Phone Call: 5 to 7 working days (fastest)
- Email: 2 to 3 weeks
- SASSA Office Visit: 1 to 2 weeks
You will receive an SMS on your new number once SASSA completes the update.
How to Check If the New Number Is Updated
- Go to the SRD website: https://srd.sassa.gov.za
- Click on Check Status
- Enter your ID and new number
- If it works, you’ll receive an OTP on the new number
- If not, the number is not yet updated
Try again after a few days.
Can You Reapply with a New Number?
No, you cannot reapply for the same SRD grant just to change your number. The system will detect that your ID already has an application. You must update your number through SASSA.
Creating multiple applications with the same ID can lead to delays or suspension.
Can Someone Else Change the Number for You?
Only the original applicant can request a number change. You must verify your ID and details. No third party can do it unless you give them a signed power of attorney or go together to a SASSA office.
Never share your OTPs or ID number with strangers. Many scams happen this way.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting too long to report the issue
- Trying to reapply instead of updating the number
- Ignoring OTP errors
- Using someone else’s number that’s already registered with SASSA
- Not providing the correct ID or selfie when emailing
Fixing the number early helps avoid delays in payment.
Final Advice
If you lost your phone or changed your number, take action immediately. Your phone number is essential to receive your R370 SRD payments and updates. Use the call center for the fastest results. Avoid reapplying or submitting multiple requests, as this may delay your grant.
Keep your number safe, and always register your SIM in your own name. It’s your identity in the SASSA system.
If you follow the steps in this guide, you can successfully change your SRD grant phone number and continue receiving your payments without trouble.
