Change Your SASSA Phone Number
Update your contact details for your SASSA SRD R370 grant application safely and securely online
How to Change Your Phone Number in 6 Steps
Visit SASSA SRD Website
Go to the official portal and look for "Change Contact Details" or similar option
Open SASSA Portal →Enter Your ID Number
Provide your 13-digit South African ID number to begin the verification process
Verify Old Number
You'll receive an OTP (One-Time PIN) on your OLD registered phone number. Enter this code
Enter New Number
Provide your new cellphone number (must be registered in your name)
Verify New Number
You'll receive an OTP on your NEW number. Enter this code to confirm
Confirmation
You'll receive confirmation that your phone number has been successfully updated
Can't Access Your Old Phone Number?
If you don't have access to your old registered number, you'll need to visit a SASSA office in person.
📍 What to Bring to SASSA Office:
- Your original South African ID document or Smart ID
- Your new cellphone (turned on and with signal)
- Proof that new number is in your name (SIM card registration or affidavit)
- Affidavit explaining why you can't access old number (if applicable)
Find Your Nearest SASSA Office
Contact SASSA to locate your nearest office:
Common Phone Number Issues & Solutions
Lost or Stolen Phone
Solution: Get a replacement SIM with the same number from your network provider, or follow the change process if you need a new number
Changed Network Provider
Solution: If you kept the same number (ported), no action needed. If you got a new number, follow the change phone number process
Number No Longer Active
Solution: You must update to an active number registered in your name. Contact your provider to reactivate or get a new number
Number Not in My Name
Solution: SASSA requires the phone number to be registered in your name. Get a SIM card registered to you before updating
Phone Number Requirements
✅ Valid Phone Numbers
- South African mobile numbers (starts with 06, 07, or 08)
- Registered in YOUR name with network provider
- Active and able to receive SMS
- MTN, Vodacom, Cell C, Telkom Mobile
- Prepaid or contract numbers
❌ Invalid Phone Numbers
- Landline numbers
- Numbers registered in someone else's name
- Inactive or disconnected numbers
- International numbers
- VOIP/internet-based numbers
Why Your Phone Number Matters
Status Notifications
SASSA sends SMS updates about your application status, payment dates, and important notices
Identity Verification
Your registered phone number is used to verify your identity when checking status or making changes
Payment Alerts
Receive payment confirmation and Cash Send voucher codes via SMS
Account Access
Need your registered number to access SASSA portals and services
Important Tips
✓ Do This
- Keep your SIM card safe and secure
- Update SASSA if you change numbers
- Ensure number is always registered in your name
- Keep your phone charged and with airtime/data
- Save important SASSA messages
- Test your new number works after changing
✗ Avoid This
- Don't use someone else's phone number
- Don't share your OTP codes with anyone
- Don't ignore SMS verification requests
- Don't let your number expire/deactivate
- Don't use temporary/disposable numbers
- Don't give number to scammers
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to update my phone number?
If done online with access to both old and new numbers, the update is immediate. If you visit an office, it may take 1-3 business days to process.
Will changing my number affect my application?
No, changing your registered phone number will not affect your existing application or payment status. Your application is linked to your ID number, not your phone number.
Can I use a family member's phone number?
No, the phone number must be registered in YOUR name with your network provider. SASSA verifies this through their systems.
What if I don't receive the OTP code?
Wait a few minutes and ensure your phone has signal. Check if you've blocked SMS from unknown numbers. If still no code, try again or contact SASSA helpline.
Do I need to reapply after changing my number?
No, you don't need to reapply. Your existing application continues with the updated phone number. Future communications will go to your new number.
Can I change my number multiple times?
Yes, but frequent changes may flag security checks. Only change when necessary and always use a number registered in your name.
Troubleshooting
Update Not Working?
Step 1: Clear your browser cache and try again
Step 2: Ensure both old and new numbers can receive SMS
Step 3: Verify new number is registered in your name with network provider
Step 4: Try different browser or device
Step 5: Contact SASSA helpline for assistance
Need to Check Your Status?
Once you've updated your number, check your application status
Check Status Now