Update Or Change Mobile Number Linked with SRD

Published: 19 January 2026 · Updated: 27 February 2026 . Last verified against the official SASSA SRD portal: February 2026 . Written by: Themba Matlou

Updating the mobile phone number linked to your SRD grant is done online through official SASSA channels. The mobile number is a key security and communication tool used for OTP verification, application access, status updates, and payment notifications.

A number change may be required if the SIM is lost, inactive, not registered in your name, or flagged due to fraud risk. In all cases, the update process verifies your identity first and then replaces the old number on your SRD application record. Once updated successfully, the new number becomes the only valid contact number for SRD-related communication.

Official Procedure to Change Phone Number Online

Follow these steps to update your SRD mobile number using the official SASSA system.

Action 1: Use the Official SASSA SRD Website

Start on the official SRD website managed by SASSA. From there, select the option to change or update your mobile details. Always avoid third-party links or social media pages.

Direct secure Link: https://srd.sassa.gov.za/said

On SRD official page click on the button to change your mobile number in the Mobile details section. See in the image:

Action 2: Verify Your Identity

You will be required to confirm that you are the original applicant. This may include:

• Your 13-digit South African ID number
• Select the reason for the update from the dropdown.

Important: To prevent fraud in 2026, SASSA made it a mandatory step for applicants to verify their identity using facial recognition when changing a mobile phone number. This means you have to submit a selfie to confirm that you are the rightful SRD applicant. A new mobile number will only be updated after identity verification.

Action 3: Enter the New Mobile Number

Provide the new mobile number you want to use. The number must:

• Be active
• Be registered in your own name
• Not be the same number previously flagged or blocked (where applicable)

Action 4: Complete SMS (OTP) Verification

An SMS with a one-time PIN (OTP) is sent to the new number. Enter the OTP to confirm ownership and proceed.

Action 5: Submit the Update Request

After verification:

• Submit the request
• Wait for on-screen confirmation that the update was received

Only one successful submission is required. You do not need to repeat the process on multiple pages.

Action 6: Allow Time for the Update to Reflect

Once submitted:

• The new number replaces the old one in the SRD system
• Communication and access will use the updated number going forward

If the update is successful, no further action is required unless SASSA requests additional verification.

Official SASSA Pages Used for Phone Number

SASSA provides more than one official online page to update the mobile phone number linked to an SRD application. These pages were introduced at different times and are used in different situations, but they all update the same SRD application record in SASSA’s system.

The difference between the pages is how your identity is verified, not whether the number change is valid. Applicants only need to complete one successful update on the page that matches their situation.

When SASSA Requests a Phone Number Change Due to Fraud Risk

This scenario applies when SASSA has identified a fraud risk linked to the mobile number currently registered on the SRD application.

In these cases:

• The applicant is instructed to change their mobile number
• The old number cannot be reused
• A new number must be provided and verified by SMS (OTP)

Fraud Risk link: srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/update

This page is typically used when:

• A phone number was shared or reused across multiple applications
• A number was linked to suspicious or unauthorised activity
• New fraud controls (notably in 2026) flagged the number, even if the applicant was not intentionally involved

Once the new number is verified, it replaces the old number in the SRD system and can restore access to application communication and payday updates.

When You Voluntarily Update Your SRD Mobile Number

This option is used when the applicant chooses to change their phone number, without a fraud notice from SASSA.

Common reasons include:

• The SIM card was lost or damaged
• The number is no longer active
• The number belongs to someone else
• The applicant wants to correct an incorrect or outdated number

In this process:

• The applicant submits their South African ID number
• A reason for the mobile number update is selected or provided
• SASSA verifies the applicant’s identity before allowing the change

Current change number link: srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/mobile-number-update

This method is suitable for standard updates and is accessed directly from the SRD website’s help or contact options.

When the Application ID (AppID) Is Required

Some applicants are required to verify their identity using an Application ID (AppID) in addition to their ID number.

This usually applies when:

• The applicant still has the 6-digit AppID issued during application or reapplication
• Additional verification is required before contact details can be changed
• Both mobile number and email address may need updating

Link where Application ID Required: http://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/contact

Important points:

• The AppID acts as an extra security layer
• Only one contact update request can be submitted within a 24-hour period

If the AppID is available, this page can be used successfully to update the mobile number without needing to use the other options.

What Happens After Submitting a Mobile Number Update

After you submit a request to change your SRD mobile number, the update is processed within SASSA’s SRD system. Your identity verification is checked first, and once confirmed, the new number replaces the old one on your SRD application record.

At this stage:

• You do not need to visit a SASSA office
• You do not need to submit documents
• You should not submit the same request multiple times

All future SRD communication, including OTPs and status notifications, will be sent to the new mobile number once the update is applied.

How Long a Phone Number Update Takes to Reflect

In most cases, a mobile number update reflects within a short period after successful submission. However, the exact timing can vary depending on verification checks.

Important points to note:

1. Updates may not reflect immediately on the status page
2. System checks and fraud controls can cause short delays
3. Only one update request is allowed within a 24-hour period on some pages

If your number does not reflect immediately, it does not mean the update failed. Allow sufficient time before attempting any further action.

What to Do If the SRD Phone Number Update Does Not Work

If you experience issues while updating your mobile number, consider the following checks:

• Ensure the new SIM card is registered in your name
• Confirm the ID number entered is correct
• Make sure the OTP SMS is received and entered correctly
• Do not reuse a number that was previously flagged or blocked

If the update still does not go through:

• Try using an alternative official SASSA update page that matches your situation
• Avoid submitting repeated requests within a short period
• Contact the SASSA call centre for assistance if required

Using unofficial websites or agents can result in further delays or risks.

Can Changing Your Phone Number Affect SRD Payments?

Changing your mobile number does not negatively affect your SRD eligibility. However, it can temporarily affect access and communication if not completed correctly.

Key points:

• Payments are linked to your SRD application record, not the phone number itself
• An incorrect or blocked number can prevent OTP verification and payment notifications
• Updating to a valid number registered in your name helps restore normal processing

If your payments were declined due to a phone number issue, successfully updating the number allows SASSA to reassess your application in future payment cycles.