How to Change Your SASSA SRD Phone Number in 2026 (Step-by-Step)

Your registered phone number is one of the most important pieces of information on your SASSA SRD application. It is used to receive payment notifications, OTPs for identity verification, appeal outcomes, and status updates. If your number changes and you do not update it on the SASSA system, you risk losing access to your grant entirely.

This guide explains exactly how to change your SRD phone number in 2026, including what to do if you have lost access to your old number completely.

Why Your Phone Number Is So Important

Unlike most government systems, SASSA uses your cellphone number as your primary verification tool. Every time you log in to check your status, update banking details, or submit an appeal, an OTP is sent to your registered number. Without access to that number, you cannot complete any of these actions online.

Here are the main reasons people need to update their SRD phone number:

• Lost or stolen phone
• SIM card cancelled or expired
• Switching to a new mobile network
• Changing from a prepaid to a contract number
• Someone else registered your application using their number
• Your number was changed by a scammer without your permission

Whatever your reason, updating your number as soon as possible prevents interruptions to your grant payments.

Important: What Changed in 2026

SASSA significantly tightened its phone number update security in 2025 and 2026. Two key changes affect the process:

1. Two-OTP verification system
SASSA now sends OTPs to both your old number and your new number during the update process. This was introduced to prevent fraud — scammers were previously using stolen ID numbers to redirect grants to their own cellphone numbers.

2. Face scan (e-KYC)
From September 2025, SASSA made biometric face verification mandatory for certain types of phone number changes. This is handled by a browser-based face scan embedded in the official SASSA website. If your request triggers this check, you will receive an SMS link — open it on your phone and follow the instructions to complete the scan.

Method 1: Change Your Number Online (Recommended If You Still Have Your Old Number)

If you still have access to the phone number currently registered on your SRD application, the online method is the fastest option.

Step 1 — Go to the Official SRD Website

Open your browser and navigate to:
srd.sassa.gov.za

Click on your status type (SA ID number) and then look for the option that says "How can I change my Mobile details?" or "Change Phone Number".

Step 2 — Enter Your ID Number

Type in your full 13-digit South African ID number. You do not need your application ID — SASSA uses your ID number to locate your application.

Step 3 — Select Your Reason for Changing

You will be asked to choose a reason for the change. Select the option that best matches your situation:

• New SIM card
• Lost phone
• Stolen phone
• Number no longer active
• Other

Choosing the correct reason matters because it determines which verification steps follow.

Step 4 — Complete Identity Verification

Depending on your reason, you will be asked to verify your identity using one of the following methods:

• Last 4 digits of your bank account — used for most routine changes
• Face scan (e-KYC) — may be triggered for certain reasons or flagged accounts. An SMS link will be sent to you; open it and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the scan

Step 5 — Enter Your New Phone Number

Type in your new cellphone number carefully. An OTP will be sent to this new number to confirm it is active and belongs to you.

Step 6 — Enter the OTP

Enter the OTP sent to your new number. This confirms the number is valid and in your possession.

Important: Do not request multiple OTPs in quick succession. The system temporarily locks your profile after several failed attempts. If no OTP arrives within 5 minutes, check that you entered the correct new number and try again.

Step 7 — Confirmation

Once the update is complete, SASSA will send a confirmation SMS to your new number. From that point, all payment notifications, OTPs, and appeal outcomes will be sent to the new number.

Method 2: Change Your Number When You Have Lost Access to Your Old Number

This is where many people get stuck. If you no longer have access to the phone number registered on your application, you cannot receive the OTP needed for the standard online process.

SASSA has a specific process for this situation:

Option A — Use the "Lost Phone" Route Online

On the phone number change page at srd.sassa.gov.za, select "Lost Phone" as your reason. This route replaces the OTP-to-old-number step with identity verification using your bank account details (last 4 digits). You will still need to verify your new number with an OTP.

Be aware that this route may also trigger the face scan (e-KYC) step, since SASSA needs to confirm your identity without the old number as a verification tool.

Option B — Visit a SASSA Office in Person

If the online process does not work or you cannot complete the face scan, visiting your nearest SASSA office is the most reliable option.

When you visit in person, bring:

• Your original South African ID document (not a copy)
• Your new phone number ready to provide
• Any other supporting documents that confirm your identity

At the office, a SASSA official will capture your biometric information (fingerprint scan) and update your number directly on the system.

Method 3: Call the SASSA Helpline

Calling SASSA is an option, but there is an important limitation: SASSA agents cannot change your phone number over the phone for security reasons. The two-OTP and biometric system was specifically introduced because phone-based changes were being exploited by fraudsters.

However, the helpline is still useful for:

• Getting guidance on which online steps to follow
• Reporting suspected fraud on your account
• Being directed to the correct SASSA office if in-person help is needed

SASSA Toll-Free Helpline: 0800 601 011
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

What If You Cannot Receive the OTP on Your New Number?

If the OTP is not arriving on your new number, check the following:

• Make sure the number is active and has signal
• Confirm your new SIM is fully registered with your network provider
• Check that your phone can receive SMS messages (try receiving a test SMS from someone else)
• Wait 5 minutes before requesting a resend
• Restart your phone and try again

If the OTP consistently fails to arrive, the issue may be with your network provider. Contact them to confirm your number is fully active for SMS reception.

What If Someone Changed Your Number Without Your Permission?

If you notice your SRD details have been changed and you did not request it, your account may have been targeted by a scammer. Act immediately:

1. Call SASSA on 0800 601 011 and report the unauthorised change
2. Visit your nearest SASSA office with your original ID document to reclaim your account
3. Check your banking details on the SRD portal as well — scammers who change phone numbers often also attempt to change banking details to redirect payments

SASSA can freeze your account while an investigation takes place to prevent further unauthorised changes.

After Changing Your Number: What to Check

Once your phone number has been successfully updated, confirm the following:

• You receive a confirmation SMS on your new number
• Your SRD status page reflects the new number when you log in
• You are able to receive OTPs on the new number for future logins
• Your banking details are still correct — if you also need to update your bank account, you must do so separately using the banking details update process

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Typing your new number incorrectly. If no OTP arrives, this is almost always the reason. Double-check before submitting.
• Using someone else's number. SASSA requires your number to be registered in your own name. Using a family member's number can cause complications with your application.
• Requesting multiple OTPs quickly. This triggers a temporary lockout. Wait at least 5 minutes between attempts.
• Using unofficial websites. Only use srd.sassa.gov.za. Fake sites steal your information.
• Paying someone to change your number for you. No third party can legitimately do this. Anyone offering this service for a fee is a scammer.

Summary

Your phone number is your key to your SRD grant. Keeping it updated and secure is one of the most important things you can do to protect your payments. If your situation changes, act quickly — the longer you wait, the more payment cycles you risk missing.