How to Use srd.sassa.gov.za to Change Your Phone Number (Official Portal Guide)

Struggling to update your SRD phone number because of a lost SIM, stolen phone, or new number? Many South Africans rely on the SASSA SRD R370 grant but face issues when their registered phone number is outdated, blocking OTPs or payment updates.

You might expect to use srd.sassa.gov.za change phone number directly on the official portal, but the process has changed. This guide explains how to change number on srd.sassa.gov.za, clarifies the portal’s current limitations, and provides alternative methods to update your details as of April 2025. Plus, learn how to use srd.sassa.gov.za status check to verify your grant status.

How to Change Your SRD Phone Number and Use srd.sassa.gov.za (Quick Answer)

The srd.sassa.gov.za change phone number online form is disabled. Instead, follow these steps to update your number and use the portal for status checks:

1. Use Alternative Methods:
   • WhatsApp: Message 082 046 8553, select “Update Personal Details,” provide your South African ID number and new RICA-registered number, and verify with an OTP (7–14 days).
   • Call: Dial 0800 60 10 11, request a phone number change, and provide your ID number and new number (7–14 days).
   • In-Person: Visit a SASSA office with your ID and proof of address (2–5 days).
2. Check Status on srd.sassa.gov.za:
   • Go to srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status.
   • Enter your South African ID number and old phone number.
   • View your application ID and grant status.
3. Save Reference Numbers: Keep any reference numbers from WhatsApp, calls, or visits for tracking.
4. Wait: Updates take 2–14 days, with an SMS confirmation on your new number.

Tip: Use a RICA-registered number and check your status after 14 days at srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status to confirm the update.

Why You Need to Update Your SRD Phone Number

An outdated phone number can disrupt your SRD R370 grant by preventing:

• Payment confirmations and updates
• OTPs for account changes or reapplications
• Appeals for declined applications
• Cardless ATM withdrawals (requires a RICA-registered number)

Updating your number via how to change number on srd.sassa.gov.za or alternative methods ensures uninterrupted grant access and protects against fraud, such as unauthorized number changes. The srd.sassa.gov.za portal remains essential for srd.sassa.gov.za status check and retrieving your application ID, even if it no longer supports direct phone number updates.

Why srd.sassa.gov.za No Longer Supports Phone Number Changes

Until late 2024, users could update their phone number at srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/contact by entering their South African ID number and application ID, selecting “Change Phone Number,” and verifying with an OTP.

This form was disabled due to security concerns, including fraud and unauthorized changes. SASSA now requires stricter verification, such as biometric checks or in-person confirmation, to protect beneficiaries.

While you can’t directly srd.sassa.gov.za change phone number, the portal’s status check page (srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status) helps you retrieve your application ID or monitor your grant status, supporting the update process through other channels.

How to Change Your SRD Phone Number (Alternative Methods)

Since the how to change number on srd.sassa.gov.za online form is unavailable, use these verified methods to update your SRD phone number. Each requires your South African ID number and a RICA-registered new number.

Method 1: Use WhatsApp (Convenient)

SASSA’s official WhatsApp service is a quick way to srd.sassa.gov.za change phone number:

1. Save the Number: Add 082 046 8553 as “SASSA” in your contacts.
2. Start Chat: Open WhatsApp, send “Hi” or “SASSA” to 082 046 8553.
3. Select Option: Choose “Update Personal Details” or “Change Phone Number” from the chatbot’s menu.
4. Provide Details:
   • South African ID number (13 digits)
   • New RICA-registered phone number
   • Old phone number (if known) or state you don’t have an application ID
5. Verify: Enter the OTP sent to your new number or answer security questions (e.g., date of birth).
6. Save Reference: Note any reference number provided in the chat.
7. Wait: Allow 7–14 days for processing, with an SMS confirmation.

Tips:

• Ensure a stable internet connection to avoid chatbot errors.
• If the OTP doesn’t arrive, request it again via WhatsApp or call 0800 60 10 11.

Method 2: Call the SASSA Helpline (Accessible)

The toll-free helpline is reliable for how to change number on srd.sassa.gov.za updates:

1. Dial: Call 0800 60 10 11 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4 PM).
2. Request: Say, “I need to change my SRD phone number.”
3. Provide:
   • South African ID number
   • New RICA-registered phone number
   • Old phone number (if known)
4. Verify: Answer security questions (e.g., address, date of birth).
5. Save Reference: Write down the reference number provided.
6. Wait: Updates take 7–14 days, with an SMS confirmation.

Tips:

• Call early (8–10 AM) to avoid long wait times.
• Have your ID number ready to speed up the process.

Method 3: Visit a SASSA Office (Fastest)

In-person visits are the quickest way to update your phone number:

1. Locate an Office: Find a SASSA office at www.sassa.gov.za or search “SASSA office near me.”
2. Bring Documents:
   • Original South African ID (smart card or green book)
   • Proof of address (e.g., utility bill, affidavit)
   • New RICA-registered phone number
3. Request: Tell the official, “I need to change my SRD phone number.”
4. Fill Form: Provide your ID number, new number, and reason for the change (e.g., “lost SIM”).
5. Verify: Submit documents for identity confirmation, which may include biometric verification.
6. Save Reference: Keep any receipt or reference number.
7. Wait: Updates take 2–5 days, with an SMS confirmation.

Tips:

• Visit midweek or early morning to avoid crowds.
• Report suspected fraud (e.g., unauthorized changes) at the office or srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/auth.

Method 4: Email SASSA (Slower)

Email is a less reliable option for srd.sassa.gov.za change phone number:

• Email Address: [email protected]
• Subject Line: Request to Change SRD Phone Number
• Email Body:
  • Full Name
  • South African ID Number
  • New RICA-registered Phone Number
  • Old Phone Number (if known)
  • Reason for Change (e.g., “stolen phone”)
• Attachment: Attach a photo of your ID and proof of address (optional).
• Wait Time: Expect 7–14 days, with potential delays.

Note: Email responses are slower, especially during high-demand periods. Use WhatsApp or in-person methods for faster results.

How to Use srd.sassa.gov.za for Status Checks and Application ID Retrieval

While you can’t directly how to change number on srd.sassa.gov.za, the portal’s status check page (srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status) is crucial for:

• Verifying your grant status
• Retrieving your 6-digit application ID for updates via WhatsApp or phone

Steps for srd.sassa.gov.za Status Check

1. Visit the Portal: Go to srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status.
2. Enter Details:
   • South African ID number (13 digits)
   • Old phone number used during application
3. Submit: Click “Submit” to view your status.
4. Note Application ID: Your 6-digit application ID appears in the first line of the results.
5. Check Status: Confirm your grant status (e.g., approved, pending) and registered phone number.

Tips:

• If you don’t know your old phone number, contact SASSA via 0800 60 10 11 or visit an office to retrieve it.
• Use the application ID when updating your number via WhatsApp or phone for faster processing.

Tips for a Successful SRD Phone Number Update

To ensure a smooth srd.sassa.gov.za change phone number process:

• Use a RICA-Registered Number: Your new number must be registered in your name for OTPs and payments.
• Save Reference Numbers: Track requests with numbers from WhatsApp, calls, or visits.
• Report Fraud: If someone changed your number, report it at srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/auth or call 0800 60 10 11.
• Be Patient: Processing takes 2–14 days, depending on the method.
• Verify Updates: After 14 days, use srd.sassa.gov.za status check to confirm your new number.
• Avoid Scams: Stick to official SASSA channels (srd.sassa.gov.za, 082 046 8553, 0800 60 10 11). Avoid third-party sites claiming to update details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use srd.sassa.gov.za to change my phone number directly?

No, the srd.sassa.gov.za change phone number form at srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/contact is disabled as of April 2025. Use WhatsApp (082 046 8553), call 0800 60 10 11, visit a SASSA office, or email [email protected] instead.

How do I find my application ID for a phone number update?

Visit srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status, enter your South African ID number and old phone number, and note the 6-digit application ID in the results. If you don’t know your old number, contact SASSA via 0800 60 10 11.

What if I don’t receive an OTP during the update process?

Ensure your new number is active and not blocking messages. Request the OTP again via WhatsApp or call 0800 60 10 11. If issues persist, visit a SASSA office for manual verification.

How long does it take to update my SRD phone number?

In-person updates take 2–5 days, while WhatsApp, phone, or email updates take 7–14 days. Check your status at srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status after 14 days to confirm.

Can I use someone else’s phone number for my SRD grant?

No, SASSA requires a RICA-registered number in your name to prevent fraud and ensure you receive OTPs and payments.

Conclusion

The srd.sassa.gov.za change phone number process has shifted from the online portal to alternative methods like WhatsApp (082 046 8553), phone (0800 60 10 11), in-person visits, or email ([email protected]).

While you can’t directly how to change number on srd.sassa.gov.za, the portal’s srd.sassa.gov.za status check page (srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status) helps you monitor your grant and retrieve your application ID.

Use a RICA-registered number, save reference numbers, and report fraud promptly to secure your SRD R370 grant. For the fastest results, visit a SASSA office or use WhatsApp.

Step-by-step guide on using this portal.

Don’t have your app ID? Try this method.