If you rely on the SASSA SRD R370 grant, your cellphone number is more than just digits—it’s your direct link to important updates like payment dates, status approvals, and OTP verifications.
Now let’s be honest—phones get stolen, SIMs go inactive, people forget their application ID or mistype numbers during the application process. Unfortunately, these things can cut you off from your grant, but you’re not stuck. so it’s a good idea to regularly Check Your SASSA Status Here.
This guide is your go-to resource for changing your SASSA number, whether you’ve got your Application ID on hand or you’re stuck without it.
SASSA Change Phone Number Online (If You Have Your Application ID)
If you still have your 6-digit Application ID, this method is the easiest and quickest.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Visit: https://srd.sassa.gov.za
- Scroll down to “Change Personal Details”
- Enter your South African ID number and Application ID
- Type in your new cellphone number
- Pick a reason (e.g. “SIM lost”, “Fraud concern”, etc.)
- Wait for the OTP on your new number
- Enter the code to confirm, and wait for the confirmation SMS
Keep in Mind
- Avoid using a number that’s already registered for another SRD application
- Make sure the SIM is RICA’d and can receive SMS
- Processing normally takes 1 to 3 working days
Change SRD Phone Number Without Application ID
If you’ve lost or never saved your Application ID, you’re not alone. The good news is: SASSA has provided multiple ways to help you recover it or update your number without needing it.
1. Recover Application ID via SRD Website
If your old SIM is still active:
- Go to https://srd.sassa.gov.za
- Click “Find my Application ID”
- Enter your SA ID number and the original number you used
- If the system finds your data, it’ll send your App ID via SMS
This won’t work if your old SIM is completely deactivated.
2. Call the SASSA Helpline
📞 Dial 0800 60 10 11 and speak to an agent.
Provide:
- Your full name
- ID number
- Month/year of application
- Old number (if known)
If verified, they’ll either give you your App ID or update your number manually.
3. Submit a Request Without Application ID
When other options fail, submit documents manually via email or SRD portal.
Prepare:
- Copy of SA ID
- Sworn affidavit (police-stamped) explaining the loss of SIM/phone
- Your new number
- A written request:
“I no longer have access to my SRD number or App ID. I request to update my cellphone number for communication.”
Send to: [email protected] or upload to the SRD portal (if feature is available).
SRD Lost Phone Number – What To Do If You No Longer Have Access
Losing your phone or SIM card linked to your SRD grant can feel like losing access to the grant itself—but that’s not the end of the road.
What To Do First
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Try to recover the old SIM by doing a SIM swap (if it’s registered in your name).
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If the SIM is unrecoverable, proceed to update your number using email, the call centre, or by visiting a SASSA office.
Can You Recover the SIM?
Yes, if it was RICA’d in your name:
- Visit your mobile provider (MTN, Vodacom, Cell C, Telkom)
- Request a SIM swap
- Bring your ID and answer a few security questions
Once it’s active again, you can:
- Recover your Application ID
- Receive OTPs
- Update your details through the SRD site
If SIM Recovery Isn’t Possible
Then follow SASSA’s manual process:
Via Email or Office Visit:
- Include your full name and ID number
- State clearly: “I lost my phone number and can no longer access SRD messages.”
- Attach:
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SA ID copy
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Sworn affidavit from SAPS
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New cellphone number
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You’ll get a confirmation SMS once your details are updated.
If you delay updating your number, you could miss payment alerts or lose access to your appeal options. Your old number might also be misused by someone else. It’s best to act fast and avoid last-minute grant issues.
SASSA Phone Number Update Via Email
When the online or call options don’t help, email is a solid backup.
Send to: [email protected]
Include:
- Full name and SA ID
- Old and new cellphone numbers
- Clear request for update
- Copy of ID
- Optional: Police affidavit confirming SIM loss or fraud concern
Response Time:
Usually 3 to 10 working days. Follow up if no reply in 5 days.
Visit Your Local SASSA Office (Walk-In)
If you have no access to online tools or can’t reach the call centre, a physical office visit will do.
Bring:
- Original SA ID
- Proof of residence
- Affidavit (if applicable)
- New cellphone number
You’ll fill out a form and staff will log the update manually. It takes 3–7 days to reflect.
What to Do If OTP or SMS Isn’t Arriving
- Ensure your SIM is active and has signal
- Try again during off-peak hours (early morning/late night)
- Make sure your number isn’t linked to someone else’s SRD profile
- Still stuck? Visit SASSA or call the helpline
How Long Does It Take to Process a Number Change?
| Method | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Online via App ID | 1–3 working days |
| SASSA Helpline | 2–5 working days |
| Email (Manual) | 5–10 working days |
| Local Office Visit | 3–7 working days |
Why You Might Need to Change Your SRD Grant Phone Number
There are several everyday reasons to update your number. Whether it’s losing your phone or correcting a mistake, keeping your contact details accurate is key to receiving your grant.
Common reasons include:
- Phone or SIM lost/stolen
- Changed mobile networks
- Mistyped your number during application
- Previously used someone else’s number
- Suspected fraud or unauthorised access
Why Acting Fast Matters
If you delay updating your number, you could miss payment alerts or lose access to appeals. Your old number might even be misused. It’s best to act quickly and avoid problems down the line.Real-Life Examples from South Africans
Busi from Umlazi
“I lost my App ID and couldn’t remember the number I used. I emailed SASSA with a police affidavit and ID copy. Got a reply in a week.”
Themba from Jozi
“Took 40 minutes to get through on the helpline, but the agent updated my number immediately after verifying me.”
Zinhle from Bloemfontein
“The portal wouldn’t load during the day, so I tried again just after midnight. It worked, and I got the confirmation SMS shortly after.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I change my number without my App ID?
Yes—via email, the call centre, or a SASSA office with ID verification.
Is there a cost to change my number?
No. It’s a free service. Be careful of scammers asking for money.
Can I change SRD number online more than once?
Yes—but only once every 24–48 hours is allowed.
My application is still pending—do I need my number updated first?
Yes, because OTPs and appeal notices will go to the registered number.
Keeping your SASSA contact number up to date is critical to making sure your grant arrives on time and your application status is accessible. Whether you’ve lost your phone, forgot your App ID, or changed networks, there’s an official method to fix it. Don’t wait until payment week to find out your info is outdated—sort it out today.
