Lost your SIM card or switched to a new number? Updating your SRD phone number is critical to keep receiving your SASSA SRD R370 grant payments and OTPs. Many South Africans struggle with outdated contact details, especially after losing a phone or forgetting their application ID.
Thankfully, you can sassa change phone number on whatsapp using SASSA’s official WhatsApp service. This guide provides the latest steps for change srd phone number whatsapp as of April 2025, ensuring you stay connected to your grant with minimal hassle.
How to Change SRD Phone Number Using WhatsApp? (Quick Answer)
To change srd phone number whatsapp:
- Save the whatsapp number for srd change: 082 046 8553 as “SASSA” in your phone contacts.
- Open WhatsApp, find the SASSA contact, and send “Hi” or “SASSA” to start the chat.
- Select “Update Personal Details” or “Change Phone Number” from the chatbot’s menu.
- Enter your South African ID number (13 digits) and new RICA-registered phone number.
- Provide your old phone number (if known) or explain you don’t have an application ID.
- Verify your identity with details like date of birth or address if prompted.
- Receive an OTP on your new number, enter it in the chat, and submit.
- Wait 7–14 days for the update; you’ll get an SMS confirmation on your new number.
Tip: Ensure your new number is RICA-registered. If the chatbot fails, call 0800 60 10 11 or visit a SASSA office.
Why You Need to Update Your SRD Phone Number
An outdated phone number can block you from:
- Receiving SRD R370 grant payment confirmations
- Getting One-Time PINs (OTPs) for account changes or reapplications
- Submitting appeals for declined applications
- Accessing cardless ATM withdrawals (requires a RICA-registered number)
Using the whatsapp number for srd change (082 046 8553) is a convenient way to sassa change phone number on whatsapp, especially if you can’t visit an office or access the internet. Acting quickly prevents delays or fraud, such as unauthorized number changes.
How to Change SRD Phone Number Using WhatsApp
As of April 2025, SASSA’s online portal for contact updates (srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/contact) is disabled. The WhatsApp service at 082 046 8553 is a reliable alternative for change srd phone number whatsapp. Below are the detailed steps to sassa change phone number on whatsapp.
Step-by-Step Guide to Update SRD Phone Number on WhatsApp
- Save the WhatsApp Number:
- Add 082 046 8553 to your phone contacts as “SASSA” to easily find it. This is the official whatsapp number for srd change (,).
- Warning: Avoid using unverified numbers like 0600 123 456, as they may be outdated or scams.
- Start the Chat:
- Open WhatsApp, locate the SASSA contact, and send a message like “Hi” or “SASSA” to activate the chatbot.
- The chatbot will respond with a menu of options (e.g., Apply for SRD, Check Status, Update Personal Details).
- Select the Update Option:
- Choose “Update Personal Details” or “Change Phone Number” (options may vary slightly).
- If the menu doesn’t list this, type “Change Phone Number” or “Update Contact Details” to prompt the chatbot.
- Provide Required Details:
- Enter your South African ID number (13 digits).
- Input your new RICA-registered phone number.
- Provide your old phone number (if known) or state you don’t have it.
- If you don’t have your application ID, mention this in the chat (e.g., “I lost my application ID”).
- Verify Your Identity:
- The chatbot may ask for additional details, such as your date of birth, address, or reason for the change (e.g., “lost SIM” or “stolen phone”).
- Be honest to avoid delays, as SASSA takes fraud seriously.
- Receive and Enter OTP:
- SASSA will send an OTP to your new phone number via SMS or WhatsApp.
- Enter the OTP in the chat when prompted to verify the new number.
- If you don’t receive the OTP, check your network or request it via WhatsApp by selecting “Get OTP Code”.
- Submit and Wait:
- Submit the request through the chatbot.
- Save any reference number provided in the chat for tracking.
- Expect the update to process within 7–14 days. You’ll receive an SMS confirmation on your new number.
Tips for a Smooth WhatsApp Update
- Use a RICA-Registered Number: Your new number must be registered in your name to receive OTPs and grant payments.
- Check Network Connection: A stable internet connection ensures the chatbot responds promptly.
- Save Chat History: Keep screenshots of your chat, including reference numbers, for future reference.
- Be Polite and Clear: Use simple language when interacting with the chatbot or a live agent.
- Avoid Multiple Requests: Submitting multiple requests within 24 hours can cause delays.
- Report Issues: If the chatbot fails or you suspect fraud, report it at srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/auth or call 0800 60 10 11.
What If You Don’t Have an Application ID?
If you’ve lost your application ID, you can still change srd phone number whatsapp:
- In the WhatsApp chat, state, “I don’t have my application ID.”
- Provide your South African ID number and old phone number (if known).
- The chatbot or a live agent may ask for extra verification (e.g., date of birth, address).
- Alternatively, retrieve your application ID via srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status using your ID number and old phone number, then proceed with the WhatsApp update.
If WhatsApp doesn’t work, visit a SASSA office with your ID and proof of address for a manual update (2–5 days processing).
Common Issues and Fixes
- No OTP Received: Check your phone’s message settings (ensure unknown numbers aren’t blocked) or request the OTP via WhatsApp. If it persists, call 0800 60 10 11.
- Chatbot Not Responding: Restart WhatsApp, ensure a stable connection, or try during off-peak hours (e.g., early morning).
- Wrong Number Entered: Contact SASSA immediately via WhatsApp or the helpline to correct it.
- Suspected Fraud: If someone changed your number without permission, report it at srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/auth.
Alternative Methods If WhatsApp Fails
If you can’t sassa change phone number on whatsapp, try these:
- Call the Helpline: Dial 0800 60 10 11 (toll-free, Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4 PM) and provide your ID number and new number (7–14 days processing).
- Visit a SASSA Office: Bring your South African ID and proof of address for a manual update (2–5 days processing).
- Email SASSA: Send your ID number, new number, and reason for the change to [email protected] (7–14 days, less reliable).
For urgent cases, in-person visits are fastest. Find your nearest office at www.sassa.gov.za.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the WhatsApp number for SRD phone number changes?
The official whatsapp number for srd change is 082 046 8553. Save it as “SASSA” and send “Hi” to start the process. Avoid unverified numbers like 0600 123 456.
Can I change my SRD phone number on WhatsApp without an application ID?
Yes, provide your South African ID number and old phone number (if known) in the WhatsApp chat. SASSA may request additional verification, such as your date of birth.
How long does it take to update my SRD phone number via WhatsApp?
It takes 7–14 days to process. You’ll receive an SMS confirmation on your new number once completed.
What if I don’t receive an OTP on WhatsApp?
Ensure your new number is active and not blocking messages. Request the OTP again via WhatsApp by selecting “Get OTP Code” or call 0800 60 10 11 for help.
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
Updating your SRD phone number via WhatsApp is a quick and convenient way to stay connected to your SASSA SRD R370 grant. By using the official whatsapp number for srd change (082 046 8553), you can sassa change phone number on whatsapp in just a few steps.
Save the number, follow the chatbot prompts, provide your ID and new RICA-registered number, and verify with an OTP. If WhatsApp doesn’t work, call 0800 60 10 11 or visit a SASSA office for faster results. Stay proactive, report fraud immediately, and keep your details updated to avoid payment delays.
Follow the official method instead, step by step.
Lost access to your number? Here’s what to do.

Buhle Sibanda is a South African grant assistance specialist with deep knowledge of the SASSA SRD system, especially in helping people change their SRD phone numbers smoothly and correctly. With years of hands-on experience assisting grant beneficiaries, Buhle simplifies complex processes into easy-to-follow steps. Her mission? To help every South African stay connected to their SRD grants without stress or confusion.
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