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Account Management

Lost or Changed Your SASSA Phone Number? How to Update It in 2026

If you lost access to the phone number registered with SASSA, you cannot check your status, receive OTPs, or change banking details. This guide shows you how to update your number.

Person holding a smartphone with a lost SIM card next to it
ZA
Lucky Cungwa

SASSA Help Hub — Independent Unofficial Resource

Updated: 7/7/2026
2 to 7 days
Written by Lucky Cungwa
Fact-checked & last verified: 2026-07-07

Guide Contents

Understand Why a Lost Number Blocks Your GrantTry the SASSA Self-Service Portal FirstVisit Your Nearest SASSA Office in Person (if the portal does not work)Complete the Change of Contact Details FormWait for the Update to Be ProcessedUpdate Your Number on the Moya App (Alternative)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Understand Why a Lost Number Blocks Your Grant

Your SASSA SRD account is linked to the cellphone number you used when applying. Every time you log into the SRD portal, SASSA sends a one-time PIN (OTP) via SMS to that number. If you lost the number, you cannot log in. You also cannot change your banking details, submit an appeal, or check your status online. This is the most common reason people get stuck with a 'Bank Details Pending' status and cannot fix it.

Pro Tip

  • SASSA will not send OTPs to a new number automatically — you must request the change.
  • If you still have your old SIM card but no network, try inserting it into another phone to receive OTPs.
2

Try the SASSA Self-Service Portal First

Before visiting a SASSA office, try the new 2026 SASSA Self-Service Portal at www.sassa.gov.za. Click on 'Self-Service Portal' and log in with your 13-digit ID number and the cellphone number registered with SASSA. If you can still receive SMS on your old number (e.g., you have the SIM but lost the phone), you can update your contact details directly in the portal — including your cellphone number, address, and other profile information. This method works 24/7 and takes about 5 minutes.

Pro Tip

  • The self-service portal requires you to receive an OTP on your current registered number — if you cannot, skip to the SASSA office visit below.
  • You need a smartphone with a camera for facial recognition if the portal prompts for biometric verification.
3

Visit Your Nearest SASSA Office in Person (if the portal does not work)

If you cannot receive OTPs to your old number and the self-service portal is not an option, you must visit a SASSA office in person. Bring your original 13-digit South African ID book or smart ID card. If you have a SIM swap confirmation from your mobile network provider, bring that as well. Explain to the SASSA officer that you need your phone number updated on the SRD system.

Pro Tip

  • Go early in the morning to avoid long queues (offices open at 08:00).
  • Bring a pen — you may need to fill out a change of details form.
4

Complete the Change of Contact Details Form

The SASSA officer will give you a form to fill in. You need to write your full name, ID number, old phone number (if you remember it), and the new cellphone number you want to register. The new number must be a valid South African number that is RICA-compliant and registered in your name. Keep a copy of the completed form with the SASSA stamp as proof of your visit.

Pro Tip

  • Write clearly and check your new number three times before submitting.
  • Ask the officer for a case reference number so you can follow up.
5

Wait for the Update to Be Processed

After submitting the form, SASSA takes 3 to 7 working days to update your phone number in the system. Once the update is complete, you will receive a confirmation SMS on your new number. You can then log into the SRD portal using your new number. If after 10 working days you still have not received the SMS, call the SASSA helpline at 0800 60 10 11.

Pro Tip

  • Do not ask SASSA to update a number that is not RICA-registered in your name.
  • If you urgently need to check your status, use the WhatsApp line (082 601 0111) — it uses your WhatsApp number, not your SASSA registered number.
6

Update Your Number on the Moya App (Alternative)

If you have access to the Moya App, you can sometimes update your contact information through its SASSA service channel. Open Moya, find the SASSA SRD section, and look for 'Update Profile Details'. However, this does not always work — the in-person SASSA office visit remains the most reliable method for a phone number change.

Pro Tip

  • The Moya App method works only if you are already logged into your SASSA profile on another device.
  • If you lost your phone entirely, the SASSA office visit is your only option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my SASSA phone number online?

Yes — if you can still receive SMS on your current registered number. Use the 2026 SASSA Self-Service Portal at www.sassa.gov.za and update your profile under 'Contact Details'. You will receive an OTP to confirm. If you lost access to your old number entirely, you must visit a SASSA office in person with your ID document.

How long does it take for SASSA to update my phone number?

SASSA typically processes phone number changes within 3 to 7 working days. You will receive an SMS confirmation on your new number once the update is complete.

Sources & References

This guide was researched and verified against the following official sources:

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