Losing access to the cellphone number on your SRD grant is one of the most disruptive things that can happen to your monthly payment — you stop receiving OTPs, status updates, and in some cases your payment itself.
This guide gives you the exact steps to update your number online in 2026, what to do if you have lost your Application ID, and how to report it if someone changed your number without your permission.
Also need to update your banking details? That's a separate process — see our guide on changing your SRD banking details.
When You Must Update Your Cellphone Number
Change your registered SRD number immediately if:
- Your phone was lost or stolen
- You changed your SIM card or network provider
- You no longer have access to the number you used when you applied
- You suspect someone else has changed your number without your permission (SIM swap fraud)
- Your current number is incorrect and you are not receiving SASSA OTPs
If you stop receiving OTPs or your payment is going somewhere you did not authorise, call SASSA immediately on 0800 60 10 11 to freeze your profile before following the steps below. You can also read our guide on how to protect your SASSA SRD grant to understand the most common fraud methods targeting beneficiaries.
What You Need
- Access to the new number to receive an OTP during verification
- Your 13-digit South African ID number
- Your SRD Application ID (see Step 1 below if you don't have it)
- Your new cellphone number (must be registered in your name)
Step 1: Find Your Application ID
If you do not have your Application ID, you can retrieve it through the SASSA SRD status check portal:
- Go to srd.sassa.gov.za and click Status Check
- Enter your ID number and your old cellphone number (if you still have access to it)
- Your Application ID will appear in the results — note it down before continuing
If you no longer have access to your old number at all, skip to the Offline Method section below.
Step 2: Update Your Cellphone Number Online
Whether you have a new SIM card or lost your old phone, updating your details on the SASSA system is a high-priority task.
- Go to srd.sassa.gov.za
- Click on Update Contact Details or Change Phone Number
- Enter your ID number and Application ID
- Enter your new cellphone number on the next screen
- Select the reason for the change (lost phone, SIM swap, new number, etc.)
- An OTP will be sent to your new number — enter it to confirm
- Once submitted, your contact details will be updated
The update typically reflects within 1 to 3 business days. Keep checking your status at srd.sassa.gov.za to confirm the new number is showing correctly.
Important: Biometric Verification Is Required
SASSA introduced mandatory biometric identity verification for all cellphone number and banking detail changes as part of its anti-fraud measures.
If you are prompted for biometric verification during this process, you will receive a unique link via SMS to your new number. Open the link on your phone and follow the on-screen steps to take a selfie for facial recognition.
If the link does not arrive within 30 minutes, or if you need more information about what the verification involves, read our full guide on the SASSA ID verification request process. If the link still doesn't come after that, visit your nearest SASSA branch with your South African ID to complete the verification in person.
Changing Your Number Without the Application ID (Offline Method)
If you cannot access the SRD portal at all — no old number, no Application ID — visit your nearest SASSA office directly.
What to bring:
- Your South African ID book or smart ID card (original)
- Certified copy of your ID (some offices require this)
- Your new cellphone number written down
- Proof of residence if available
Explain your situation to the SASSA staff and request a personal details update form for your SRD application. The update will not happen on the same day — SASSA typically takes up to 5 business days to process the change. Check your status online at srd.sassa.gov.za once updated to confirm the new number reflects.
For a list of SASSA offices near you, see our SASSA contact numbers by area guide.
How to Report an Unauthorised Number Change
SIM swap fraud is one of the most common ways SRD grants are stolen. If your cellphone number was changed by someone else without your knowledge, act immediately:
- Call SASSA fraud line: 0800 60 10 11 — request that your profile be frozen to stop any payment redirection
- Go to srd.sassa.gov.za and look for the "Report Unauthorised Number Change" option
- Enter your ID number to confirm and submit the report
- SASSA will send you a confirmation that the report has been received and begin securing your account
Also report to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and your mobile network provider to block the fraudulent SIM. Read our guide on common SASSA SRD scams and how to avoid them to understand how SIM swap fraud works and how to prevent it happening again.
Black Sash offers free paralegal support to beneficiaries who have had their grants stolen or compromised — contact them if you need help navigating the recovery process.
After Updating Your Number: What to Check
Once your new number is active on your SRD application, verify the following:
- Your monthly status is still showing correctly at srd.sassa.gov.za
- You can check your SRD status and payment balance using the new number
- Your payment method is still set to the correct bank account or retailer
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for the new number to be active? Typically 1 to 5 business days after successful submission and biometric verification.
Can I still receive my payment while the number update is pending? Possibly. If your current month's eligibility was already approved before you submitted the change, your payment may still process. Check our SRD payment dates page for the current month's window.
What if the biometric verification link doesn't arrive? Wait 30 minutes and try submitting again. If it still doesn't arrive, see our SASSA ID verification guide for troubleshooting steps, or visit a SASSA branch in person.
My new number is not registered in my name — can I still use it? SASSA requires the registered number to be in your name. If it is not, you risk further verification issues. Try to use a SIM registered under your South African ID number.
Will changing my number affect my payment method? No. Your banking details or retailer payment preference remain unchanged. To update those separately, see our guide on changing your SRD payment method.
Need More Help?
See our full SASSA contact guide or use the direct options:
- SASSA Call Centre: 0800 60 10 11 (toll-free, Monday to Friday 08:00–16:00)
- WhatsApp: 082 046 8553
- Email: [email protected]
- Official SASSA portal: srd.sassa.gov.za