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SRD Support Updated: 15 July 2025

SRD Change Number Guide

Complete guide to changing your phone number for the SASSA Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant. Keep your contact details updated to ensure uninterrupted communication.

4
Methods Available
24/7
Online Access
Free
No Charges
⚠️

Important Notice

You can only change your SRD phone number once per month. Make sure your new number is working properly before making the change.

Always use official SASSA channels to avoid fraud. Never share your personal details with unauthorized persons.

Why Change Your SRD Phone Number?

Common reasons why beneficiaries need to update their contact details

Lost or Stolen Phone

High

Your phone was lost, stolen, or damaged and you got a new number

Action Required:

Change immediately to avoid missing payments and communications

Network Coverage Issues

Medium

Poor network coverage with current provider, switching to better network

Action Required:

Update before your next payment cycle

SIM Card Problems

High

SIM card damaged, expired, or deactivated by network provider

Action Required:

Update as soon as you get new SIM with different number

Sharing Phone Number

Medium

Using someone else's number, now have your own phone

Action Required:

Update to ensure you receive your own SMS notifications

Security Concerns

High

Number compromised or receiving suspicious messages

Action Required:

Change immediately and report any fraudulent activity

Moving Location

Low

Relocated and need local number for better communication

Action Required:

Update when convenient, ensure new number works properly first

How to Change Your SRD Phone Number

Choose the method that works best for you

SASSA SRD Website

Easy 5-10 minutes

Update your phone number through the official SASSA SRD portal

Requirements:

  • Internet access
  • Valid ID number
  • Access to new phone number

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. 1 Visit srd.sassa.gov.za
  2. 2 Click on 'SRD Status Check' or 'Application Status'
  3. 3 Enter your ID number and current phone number
  4. 4 Look for 'Update Details' or 'Change Number' option
  5. 5 Enter your new phone number
  6. 6 Verify the new number via SMS
  7. 7 Confirm the change
✅ Pros:
  • • Available 24/7
  • • Instant verification
  • • No travel required
❌ Cons:
  • • Requires internet
  • • Website sometimes slow

SASSA WhatsApp Line

Easy 10-15 minutes

Use the official SASSA WhatsApp service for assistance

Requirements:

  • WhatsApp installed
  • Valid ID number
  • New phone number

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. 1 Save this number: 082 046 8553
  2. 2 Send 'Hi' to start the conversation
  3. 3 Type 'SRD' when prompted
  4. 4 Follow the menu options
  5. 5 Select 'Change Contact Details'
  6. 6 Provide your ID number and new phone number
  7. 7 Wait for confirmation
✅ Pros:
  • • Easy to use
  • • Human-like interaction
  • • No website needed
❌ Cons:
  • • May have waiting times
  • • Requires WhatsApp

SASSA Call Centre

Medium 20-45 minutes

Speak directly with a SASSA consultant

Requirements:

  • Valid ID number
  • Personal verification details
  • New phone number

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. 1 Call SASSA toll-free: 0800 60 10 11
  2. 2 Select SRD-related options from the menu
  3. 3 Wait to speak with a consultant
  4. 4 Provide your ID number and personal details
  5. 5 Request to change your phone number
  6. 6 Provide the new phone number
  7. 7 Verify the change via SMS on new number
✅ Pros:
  • • Human assistance
  • • Can resolve complex issues
  • • Free call
❌ Cons:
  • • Long waiting times
  • • Limited hours
  • • May need multiple attempts

Visit SASSA Office

Medium 1-3 hours

Get personal assistance at your local SASSA office

Requirements:

  • Original ID document
  • Proof of new phone number
  • Transport to office

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. 1 Find your nearest SASSA office
  2. 2 Bring your ID document and proof of new number
  3. 3 Take a queue number
  4. 4 Explain you need to change SRD phone number
  5. 5 Complete any required forms
  6. 6 Verify the new number
  7. 7 Get confirmation of the change
✅ Pros:
  • • Face-to-face help
  • • Can handle complex cases
  • • Immediate assistance
❌ Cons:
  • • Travel required
  • • Long queues
  • • Office hours only

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Solutions to problems you might encounter

Website not loading or showing errors

💡 Try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari)
💡 Clear your browser cache and cookies
💡 Check your internet connection
💡 Try again during off-peak hours (early morning or evening)
💡 Use mobile data instead of WiFi or vice versa

Can't verify new phone number

💡 Ensure the new number is active and can receive SMS
💡 Check if you have airtime or SMS bundle
💡 Wait 5-10 minutes for verification SMS
💡 Try the verification process again
💡 Contact your network provider if SMS issues persist

System says ID number not found

💡 Double-check you're entering the correct 13-digit ID number
💡 Ensure your SRD application was previously approved
💡 Try using the number you originally applied with
💡 Contact SASSA call centre for assistance
💡 Visit SASSA office with your ID document

Change request was rejected

💡 Ensure new number is not already linked to another ID
💡 Use a South African mobile number (+27)
💡 Try again after 24 hours
💡 Contact SASSA to verify your identity
💡 Visit SASSA office with required documents

Important Things to Remember

📝 Key Points

  • You can only change your phone number once per month
  • The new number must be a South African mobile number
  • You'll need access to both old and new numbers during the change process
  • Payment notifications will be sent to the new number after verification
  • Keep your ID document handy during the process
  • The change may take 24-48 hours to fully process

🔒 Security Tips

  • Never share your ID number or personal details with strangers
  • Only use official SASSA websites and numbers
  • Be wary of SMS or calls asking for personal information
  • Don't let others use your phone number for their SRD application
  • Report suspicious activity to SASSA immediately
  • Keep your phone number private and secure

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The change is usually immediate once verified, but it may take 24-48 hours for all systems to update. You should receive confirmation SMS on your new number.

Can I change my number if I don't have access to my old phone?

Yes, but the process may take longer. You'll need to verify your identity through additional means. Visit a SASSA office with your ID document for assistance.

Will changing my number affect my SRD payments?

No, changing your phone number will not affect your payment schedule or amount. However, you'll receive payment notifications on your new number.

Can I use a landline number for SRD?

No, you must use a South African mobile number as SASSA sends important information via SMS.

What if someone else is already using my new number for SRD?

Each phone number can only be linked to one ID number. If your number is already in use, you'll need to contact SASSA to resolve the issue.

How often can I change my SRD phone number?

You can only change your phone number once per month. Plan carefully before making the change.

Need Help? Contact SASSA

Official SASSA contact channels for SRD support

Call Centre

0800 60 10 11

Mon-Fri: 8AM-4PM

WhatsApp

082 046 8553

24/7 Automated

SRD Website

srd.sassa.gov.za

24/7 Online

Local Office

Find on SASSA website

In-person assistance

Related SASSA Resources

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