How to Change Your Phone Number for SASSA: A Step-by-Step Guide

Changing your phone number for your South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) account is crucial if you’ve switched to a new number. SASSA uses the phone number you registered with to communicate important updates about your grant application, payment details, and to verify your identity for grants like the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) R350 grant. This article provides a complete, accurate guide on how to update your phone number with SASSA.

Why is Updating Your Phone Number Important?

Your phone number plays an essential role in your SASSA profile for the following reasons:

• Payment Notifications: If you receive the SRD R350 grant, SASSA will notify you of your payment via SMS.


• Verification Purposes: SASSA may use your phone number to verify your identity during transactions.


• Security Reasons: Updating your phone number ensures no one else receives your grant notifications or accesses sensitive information if they get hold of your old number.

Therefore, keeping your phone number updated in the SASSA system is vital to ensure continued communication and timely payment notifications.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Phone Number with SASSA

Here’s how to change your phone number for SASSA, particularly if you’re a recipient of the SRD R350 grant:

Step 1: Gather Required Information

Before attempting to update your phone number, ensure you have the following details handy:

• Your ID number


• Your old phone number (the one currently registered with SASSA)


• Your new phone number

This information will help SASSA verify your identity and make the changes smoothly.

Step 2: Contact SASSA via the Official Website

The easiest way to update your phone number is by using SASSA’s Social Relief of Distress (SRD) R350 grant portal. Follow these steps:

1. Go to the SASSA SRD website: https://srd.sassa.gov.za


2. Scroll down to the section titled “How do I change my contact details?”


3. Click on the link to update your phone number.


4. You will be prompted to enter your ID number and the new phone number you want to use.

Step 3: Wait for Verification and Confirmation

Once you’ve submitted your request to change your phone number, SASSA will verify your details. This process can take some time, but you will receive a confirmation SMS on your new phone number once the change is successful. Keep an eye on your new number for any further updates or notifications from SASSA.

Step 4: Contact SASSA via WhatsApp (Alternative Method)

If you prefer using WhatsApp, SASSA also provides an option to change your phone number through their official WhatsApp line.

1. Add the SASSA WhatsApp number: 082 046 8553 to your contacts.


2. Send a message that says “Change phone number” to initiate the process.


3. You will be guided through the steps, including providing your ID number and the new phone number.


4. Follow the prompts until the process is complete.

Step 5: Use the SASSA USSD Option (For Non-Smartphones)

If you don’t have access to the internet or WhatsApp, you can still change your phone number via USSD on any mobile phone.

1. Dial 1347737# on your phone.


2. Select the option to update your contact details.


3. Enter your ID number and follow the prompts to change your phone number.

This method is straightforward and accessible for users without internet or smartphone access.

Step 6: Visit a SASSA Office (Last Resort)

If online methods or mobile services are not accessible, you can visit your nearest SASSA office for assistance. When visiting, be sure to bring:

• Your ID


• Proof of the new phone number (e.g., a SIM card or confirmation from the mobile service provider)

SASSA agents will help you update your details in person. However, due to long queues and potential waiting times, this method is generally recommended only if you cannot use the other methods.

Important Tips

• Keep Both Numbers Active During the Transition: It’s advisable to keep your old number active until you receive confirmation that the update has been processed.


• Be Patient: The update process can take several days, depending on SASSA’s workload and processing times.


• Monitor Your New Number: Once the update is successful, ensure that you receive payment notifications and updates on your new phone number.

Conclusion

Changing your phone number with SASSA is a simple yet essential task if you’ve switched to a new contact number. Whether you're a recipient of the SRD grant or another SASSA benefit, keeping your contact information updated ensures that you continue to receive important notifications. If you need to make this change, you can do it online through the SASSA website, via WhatsApp, USSD, or by visiting a SASSA office. Follow this guide to easily manage your SASSA change phone number process.

For further assistance, visit the official SASSA website.