Change Your SASSA Phone Number (SRD & Other Grants)

Millions of South Africans rely on social grants from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) for income support. SASSA communicates important information about grants via phone, SMS text messages, and email.

If you have applied for or received a SASSA grant, it’s crucial to keep your contact information updated in their system. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about changing your phone number for SASSA grant applications or existing grants.

Update SASSA SRD Grant Phone Number Online

If you have applied for the temporary COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, the simplest way to change your number is online if you know your application ID number.

1. Navigate to the Contact Information Page

• Go to the SASSA SRD online portal.
• This is the contact details change page. Be sure to visit the legitimate .gov.za site.

 2. Enter Your ID and Application ID

• On the portal, first, enter your 13-digit South African ID number.
• Next, input the 10-digit SRD application ID number you were provided.
• If you don’t know your application ID, you can look up your status and retrieve it at the SASSA status checker before proceeding.

 3. Enter the New Cell Phone Number

• On the contact details form, input the new cell phone number you want to be linked to your SRD application.
• Make sure the number is entered correctly and in full international format (e.g. for South Africa +27XXXXXXXXX).

 4. Explain Why You Are Changing Your Number

• SASSA requires you to enter a reason explaining why your phone number is being changed.
• Keep it brief (e.g. “I got a new phone number when I switched cell carriers.”)

 5. Obtain OTP and Enter Code

• After submitting, SASSA will send a one-time password code via SMS text to your new number.
• Input this OTP back into the portal when prompted to verify the number change.
• Once verified, your application’s contact number will be updated to the new phone.

 6. Check Notification Settings

• To ensure your grant information still reaches you, check your notification settings.
• You should receive SASSA payment dates, status changes, etc. via SMS at the new number going forward.

Following these simple steps allow SRD applicants to quickly handle phone number changes online through the SASSA portal with an application ID.

How to Update Your SASSA Contact Information

Being able to change your phone number is essential if you have switched cell phone carriers, lost or damaged your old phone, or simply prefer using a different number. SASSA needs your correct, current number to.

• Send you one-time password verification codes (OTPs) to complete applications.
• Notify you of application status updates and payment dates.
• Confirm your identity when inquiring about your grant.
• Reach you promptly if any grant issues arise.

You have several options to update your phone number with SASSA.

• Online via the SASSA Services Portal if you have your application ID
• Emailing the SASSA contact center
• Calling the SASSA toll-free phone number
• In person at your nearest SASSA office

Be sure to update your number as soon as possible when it changes. Missing important SASSA notifications could delay grant payments.

Changing Your Number Without a SASSA Application ID

If you need to update your phone number with SASSA but don’t have an application ID, follow this process.

 1. Get Your Application ID

• Visit SASSA Status Check page and check your status.
• Enter your ID number and the prior application phone number used.
• Your 10-digit application ID will be displayed on the status results page.

 2. Change the Number Through the Portal

• Now that you have your application ID, follow the steps outlined in the prior section to change your number through the portal.
• Enter the new number, explain the reason, obtain OTP on a new phone, and verify.

Getting your application ID first before changing your number ensures the update is linked properly to your existing grant application data.

Changing Your Number Through Emailed Request

If unable to utilize the SRD online portal, you can email SASSA to request a phone number change.

 1. Write an Email to SASSA

• Send an email requesting a phone number change to [email protected].
• Use your full name, ID number, and application ID if available in the request.

 2. Provide New Phone Number and Explanation

• Clearly specify the new cell phone number you want to be updated in their system.
• Explain briefly why you need to change the number.

 3. Await OTP Code Through Email

• SASSA will first validate your identity based on the details provided.
• You will then receive a reply email with a one-time password code.

 4. Enter OTP Code in Reply Email

• When SASSA emails your OTP code, enter it in a reply email back to them.
• This verifies the change request is legitimate.

 5. Confirm Notification Settings

• Once SASSA emails confirm your number is updated, be sure notifications and OTPs will send properly to your new number.

Though not as fast as the online portal, emailing SASSA lets you handle basic number changes without needing to visit an office.

Updating Contact Information Via the SASSA Call Center

You can also change your phone number by calling SASSA directly.

 1. Call the Toll-Free SASSA Number

• Call 0800 60 10 11 to reach the SASSA call center helpline.
• Calling this number is free from South African phone networks.

 2. Explain You Need to Change Your Phone Number

• Clearly explain to the SASSA agent you need to update the phone number on your grant application.
• Provide your name, ID number, and any other identifying application details.

 3. Give Your New Phone Number

• Specify the new cell phone number you want linked to your SASSA grant application.
• Repeat it carefully to ensure the agent enters it correctly.

 4. Confirm Notification Settings

• Before hanging up, confirm with the agent your new number is active for OTPs and SMS notifications.
• Make any corrections needed before ending the call.

Calling SASSA allows you to rapidly update your number over the phone through conversation. Just be sure to verify it was changed properly.

Changing Your Number in Person at SASSA Offices

For those without phone or internet access, visiting a SASSA office is an option.

 1. Gather Needed Identification Documents

• Bring your South African ID book, asylum/refugee documents, and any SASSA application IDs.

 2. Explain You Need to Change Your Phone Number

• Visit your nearest SASSA office and get in the queue to meet with an agent.
• When called, clearly state you need to change the phone number on your grant application.

 3. Provide New Phone Number Details

• Give your new cell phone number to the SASSA agent assisting you.
• They will input the updated details into your application record.

 4. Confirm Notification Settings

• Before leaving, have the agent confirm your new number is enabled to receive OTP codes and text notifications.
• Make any corrections needed on the spot to avoid issues later.

Visiting a SASSA office allows you to change your number in person and immediately confirm the details. Just be prepared to wait in long queues.

How Long Does It Take SASSA to Update Your Number?

Once you submit a phone number change through any of the above methods, how long does it take SASSA to officially update your details in their systems?

• Online portal updates are typically the fastest option and complete within 24 hours. You’ll know it worked if OTPs send to the new number.
• Emailed requests take 1-3 business days to fully process and activate the new number.
• Call center changes over the phone are completed within 3-5 business days in most cases.
• In-person updates at SASSA offices are verified before you leave, so changes apply instantly.

As long as you see OTP codes sending to your new device, you can be sure your number change took effect with SASSA. If issues arise, follow up with them promptly.

Reapplying With a New Phone Number After Rejection

If your initial SASSA grant application was rejected, when reapplying you’ll need to provide your new phone number. Here’s how to list it correctly.

Online Reapplication

• When submitting a new online application after rejection, simply enter your new cell number in the contact details section.

Paper Reapplication Form

• If reapplying via paper form, clearly cross out your old number and write your new one on the form before submission.

In-Person Reapplication

• Inform the SASSA agent helping you reapply that you have a new phone number they should enter for your application.

Providing the updated number from the start avoids complications when SASSA attempts to reach you regarding the reapplied grant.

Check More: SASSA Reapplication After Rejection

Can You Have Multiple Numbers on Your SASSA Application?

SASSA only allows one active cell phone number to be linked to your grant application profile for security reasons. However, you can take proactive steps if you use multiple numbers.

• Ensure any numbers you may receive OTP texts on are in your name and accessible.
• List your primary contact number on your application, but inform SASSA of any secondary numbers as well in case issues arise.
• If you switch between dual SIM phones, enable notifications across both so you don’t miss SMS texts.
• Avoid using shared family phones for grant access, as you need personal access.

While SASSA will call your listed number if any concerns occur, you can provide extra numbers that you can be reached at if absolutely necessary. Just be sure to always keep your primary contact phone on you.

Can Someone Else Change My Number for Me?

For security reasons, SASSA does not allow anyone except the grant applicant themselves to change contact details like phone numbers. Even a spouse or family member is not authorized.

However, if you are physically unable to visit a SASSA office yourself, you can send a capable representative to assist you.

• They cannot change details directly but can convey messages between you and SASSA.
• You must be present by phone to verbally confirm any changes.
• Alternatively, you can provide signed, notarized permission for someone to act fully on your behalf.

But in general, phone, email, and online self-service options make it easiest to update your own details anytime. Seek help only if absolutely necessary.

Why Changing your Phone Number for SASSA is Important?

Having the correct phone number on your SASSA application is crucial for several reasons.

Communication

SASSA communicates important information, including payment dates and application status, through phone calls and SMS messages. Having an accurate phone number ensures you receive timely updates.

OTP Verification

When making changes to your SASSA application or accessing certain online services, you might receive One-Time Passwords (OTPs) via SMS for verification purposes. A valid phone number ensures a smooth verification process.

Security

A correct phone number adds an extra layer of security to your SASSA account. It helps prevent unauthorized changes and ensures that you remain in control of your benefits.

Risks of Not Changing Your Number with SASSA Promptly

It’s crucial to notify SASSA of any phone number changes as soon as possible. Failure to do so risks.

• Missing important SMS notifications about grant application status, payments, appointments, etc. Delays could occur.
• Not receiving OTP verification codes needed to complete application steps or inquiries.
• Difficulty confirming your identity when calling SASSA due to the incorrect number listed.
• Grant fraud if someone else links your number without your knowledge.

In your SASSA grant recipient profile, your cell phone number is your lifeline. Don’t leave incorrect or outdated contact details that could cut this vital communication channel.

Reporting Other Contact Detail Updates to SASSA

Along with your phone number, you must also keep other contact information like your home address and email address current with SASSA.

To change these details, follow the same methods outlined above.

• Update through the online SRD portal if you have an application ID.
• Email [email protected] with change requests.
• Call the SASSA contact center.
• Visit your local SASSA office in person.

Financial institutions managing grant payments also need your latest contact details. Keeping everything up to date avoids payment issues.

Can You Get SASSA Messages Sent to an Alternate Number?

If you need SASSA notifications sent to another number temporarily besides your primary listed phone, you have a few options.

• Call SASSA to request alerts be CC’d to an alternate number for a limited period. Make clear when this should end.
• On many Android phones, syncing your SIMs under dual SIM settings will mirror texts across both.
• Forward important SASSA SMS alerts from your primary number to other desired numbers.

But SASSA will always call your one registered contact number first regarding any grant issues. Plan ahead if using multiple devices.

Contact SASSA Via Social Media If Urgent Help Needed

If you need urgent help updating your number or have time-sensitive questions, try reaching SASSA via social media.

• Tweet inquiries to @SASSAnews on Twitter. They respond to posts.
• Message SASSA through Facebook.

Social media provides another channel to engage support teams quickly if needed, while your primary number change processes.

Can You Change Your Number Online for Other Grants?

The self-service SASSA SRD portal provides the easiest way to change your phone number if you have an existing application ID. But for other grant types like child support, disability, or older person grants, you will need to utilize other contact methods, such as.

• Calling the SASSA hotline directly to notify an agent of your change.
• Visiting your nearest local SASSA office in person to update details.
• Sending a registered mail letter with number change requests.

Unfortunately, those grants currently lack a centralized online portal for self-updating your details quickly. So utilize call centers or in-person help.

How to Update Your Number When Renewing Existing Grants

If you already receive a SASSA grant and need to renew/reapply when your annual eligibility review occurs, be sure to provide a new phone number.

• When submitting your renewal application, carefully list your most current functioning phone number.
• If you notice your old number is still listed on any renewal paperwork, cross it out and add in your updated one.

Don’t let grant renewals default back to old inactive numbers. Be diligent in providing SASSA with your latest contact details.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Having accurate, current contact information like your phone number on file with SASSA ensures you stay connected regarding crucial grant access and payments. Whether online, by phone, email, or in person, take a few minutes to update your details whenever they change. Being proactive avoids frustrations down the road.