Those who have applied for the Social Relief Distress (SRD) grant know the importance of their registered mobile number. It’s one of the primary methods for receiving your monthly grant payment, notifications, and other details from SASSA.

If your sim card is lost or your phone has been stolen, you can quickly update it through the SASSA Contact portal or help center. Fortunately, you can also report unauthorized use of your phone number to block unwanted access to your SRD account. Your new phone number will be updated after you complete the biometric verification. Keep reading this article to learn how to change your SRD lost phone number. 

How to Change SRD Phone Number in 2025?

There are two methods to change your SRD Lost Phone Number. Here’s a quick overview of both:

  1. Via SRD Website
  2. Via Phone

Method 1: Update SRD Mobile Number Via Website

The first method requires you to insert your South African ID card number and Application ID to verify your identity, after which you can update your registered phone number. Below is a step by step guide to do that:

  1. Go to the SASSA Contact Update Web Portal.
  2. Enter your 13-digit South African ID Card Number and 6-digit Application ID.
  3. Scroll down and click on the ‘Change Phone Number’ option. 
  4. Type your New Mobile Number.
  5. Provide the OTP sent to your new number.
  6. Click on ‘Submit’ to save updates.
  7. Open the SMS link sent to your new phone number for facial verification.
  8. Lastly, take a clear photo of your face on the portal accessed by link and click save. 

After this process, you will immediately be informed whether your facial verification was successful or not. If the verification goes right, your new phone number will be updated; otherwise, you will need to create another ID containing the latest biometric system.

Moreover, if you have trouble finding your Application ID, you can easily get it by logging into your account on the SRD website or by visiting a nearby SASSA office. This special ID is given to you when you register with SASSA.

Method 2: Update SRD Mobile Number Via Phone 

You can also change your SRD lost phone number by contacting the SASSA Help Center via your cell phone. This method is most convenient for those who don’t want to deal with the online process. Here’s how you can do that:

 

  1. Call the SASSA Toll Free Call Center at 0800601011.
  2. Select the option to speak with the SASSA representative.
  3. Request the representative to help you Change Your Phone Number. 
  4. Give your 13-digit South African ID Card Number and 6-digit Application ID for identity verification. 
  5. Provide your New Number that you want to register for SRD grants. 
  6. Open the SMS link sent to that new number and verify your identity with the facial recognition biometric system. 

After your facial verification is successful, your phone number will be updated. 

Why to Change Your SRD Lost Phone Number for SASSA Grant:

There are multiple reasons why you should change your lost phone number.  Below are some of the major ones:

1. Long Pending Status

Firstly, if you have just applied for the SRD R350 or R370 grant using a misplaced phone number, then it might add to long pending status on your application. SASSA will need to contact you about grant details, and giving the wrong contact information will prolong the approval procedure. Therefore, it’s crucial to reconfirm your application and update contact details. 

2. Application Can Be Declined

Another reason why you must change your lost phone number is to avoid the risk of application rejection. Recently, SASSA has introduced a biometric system to ensure that grants are given to authentic candidates. The verification link is sent to your registered number, so if that number is lost before application is accepted, it can result in a declined grant

3. Loss of Monthly Grant 

Finally, if you don’t update your lost phone number, then you’ll not be able to collect your monthly SRD grant payments. Applicants who have chosen ‘Pick and Pay Service’ need their registered cell number to withdraw the relief amount from the shop. In case of cell phone theft, anyone with access to your ID card details and your phone could will collect your grant or even change your bank details. Be sure to change your number as soon as possible.

How to Report Unauthorized Phone Number Change to SASSA?

If someone has changed your SASSA phone number without your permission, then you can report it by following these steps:

  1. Visit the SASSA Unauthorized Update Reporting Web Portal. 
  2. Enter your 13-digit South African ID Card Number.
  3. Click on ‘Submit’ to confirm that number update was done without your knowledge.  
  4. Follow the guidelines given on the web portal. 

Once done, the SASSA team will make every effort to block the unauthorized number and restore access to your account. If your bank details have also been changed along with your phone number, go to SRD website, click on the ‘South African ID Holders’ option, and provide your ID card number under the ‘How Do I Change My Bank Details’ section. Only do this after you have updated your phone number

Phone Number Update Duration:

Generally, it takes 14 working days to update your phone number after you submit your request. This is because the SASSA team manually verifies your identity and new contact details. However, with the launch of the biometric verification system, this process has become faster and more convenient. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I Need To Use Biometrics to Change My SASSA Phone Number?

Yes, definitely! SASSA has made it mandatory for applicants and beneficiaries to go through biometric verification to update their phone numbers for SRD R350, R370, or related grants. This step is added to protect deserving South Africans against unlawful identity and relief theft. 

2. Can I Change My SRD Lost Phone Number Without Application ID?

No, you can’t update your phone number without your 6-digit Application ID. If you don’t remember your App ID, go to the nearest SASSA office and ask for help. They will require your ID Card Number to verify your account. When you get the ID, you can complete the update procedure either on the website or at the same office. 

3. What Should I Do If My SASSA Phone Number Is Lost?

If your SRD registered phone number is lost, you should quickly change your details from the SASSA Contact Update portal to shun future issues related to grant payments.

4. Can I Use Someone Else Mobile Number as My New SASSA Number?

No, you can’t use someone’s mobile number as your new contact for SRD grants. All beneficiaries must use one of their own personal registered numbers for this purpose; otherwise, the update will not be made.

5. Can Someone Receive My SRD Grant If They Have My Phone Number?

Yes, those who have your contact details can receive your SASSA grant. Especially when you have selected the mobile payment option. Make sure you update it immediately. 

6. What Documents Should I Bring With Me to SASSA Office for Updating My Phone Number?

You’ll only need your South African ID card number and Application ID to confirm your identity at the SASSA office. Once done, you’ll be guided through the whole process at the office.