How To Change Your Cellphone Number or Email Address for the SASSA SRD Grant

If you receive the SASSA SRD Grant, it is very important to keep your contact details updated. Your registered cellphone number is used for OTP verification, payment notifications, banking updates, appeal feedback, and important messages from SASSA.

If you have changed your SIM card, lost access to your old number, or want to update your email address, you can do so through the official SASSA SRD website.

In this guide, we explain how to safely change your SRD contact details in 2026 and what you need before starting the process.

change srd grant cellphone number

Why Your SRD Contact Details Matter

Your cellphone number is the main way SASSA verifies your identity for the SRD Grant. If your number is incorrect or inactive, you may struggle to:

  • Access your SRD application
  • Receive OTP verification codes
  • Update banking details
  • Submit appeals
  • Receive payment notifications
  • Check your SRD status online

Keeping your details current helps prevent delays and possible fraud on your account.

How To Change Your SRD Cellphone Number

Follow these steps to update your cellphone number for the SRD Grant:

Step 1: Visit the Official SRD Website

Go to the official SASSA SRD portal page to update your mobile number: https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/mobile-number-update

Step 2: Open the Change Details Section

You will be asked to enter the following information:

  • Your South African ID number
  • Your reason for changing your mobile number – there will be a drop down with the following options:
    • lost phone
    • used third party phone
    • new phone
    • captured wrong number
  • Your current payment option – there will be a drop down with the following options:
    • Cash send (if you choose this option, you will be asked to select a bank from another drop down)
    • Bank account (if you choose this option, you will be asked to enter the last 4 digits of your bank account)
  • Your new cellphone number

Step 3: Verify Your Identity

SASSA uses OTP verification and fraud prevention checks to protect beneficiary accounts.

An OTP may be sent to your new cellphone number for confirmation.

Make sure:

  • the SIM card is RICA registered in your name,
  • the number is active,
  • and you can receive SMS messages.

Step 4: Wait for Confirmation

After submitting your request, SASSA may take some time to process the update.

You should then use your new number for:

  • status checks,
  • appeals,
  • and banking updates.

Can You Change Your SRD Email Address?

Some SRD applicants also use an email address on their application profile.

Although the cellphone number is the primary contact method for the SRD Grant, you should still keep your email address updated if:

  • you no longer have access to the old email,
  • your email was entered incorrectly,
  • or you want to receive notifications on a new address.

Not all applicants use email addresses for SRD applications, but it can still help with communication and account recovery.

Important Things To Know Before Updating Your Details

Only Use Official SASSA Websites

Always use the official SASSA SRD website when updating your information.

Avoid fake websites and scams pretending to offer SRD services.

Official websites include:

Never Share Your OTP

SASSA will never ask you to share your OTP with another person.

Do not give the following details to anyone on WhatsApp, Facebook, SMS, or phone calls:

  • OTP code,
  • ID number,
  • or banking PIN

Scammers often target SRD beneficiaries using fake messages.

Make Sure Your SIM Card Is Active

If your SIM card has been blocked, lost, or recycled by the mobile network, you may not receive important SASSA messages.

It is best to:

  • keep your number active,
  • use a number registered in your own name,
  • and avoid changing numbers often.

What Happens If You Lose Access To Your Old Number?

If you no longer have access to the cellphone number used on your SRD application, you should update it as soon as possible.

You may otherwise experience problems with:

  • OTP verification,
  • appeal submissions,
  • payment notifications,
  • or accessing your SRD profile online.

In some cases, SASSA may require additional identity verification before approving the change.

How can I contact SASSA?

If you need help with your SRD Grant application or profile updates, you can contact SASSA directly.

SASSA Toll-Free Number

0800 60 10 11

Official SRD Website

https://srd.sassa.gov.za

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take to change an SRD cellphone number?

The update may be processed within a few days, but delays can happen depending on verification checks and system demand.

Can I use someone else’s cellphone number for my SRD Grant?

It is strongly recommended to use a cellphone number registered in your own name to avoid verification problems and possible fraud checks.

Do I need an OTP to update my SRD details?

Yes. SASSA often uses OTP verification to confirm identity changes and protect accounts.

Can I change both my cellphone number and banking details?

Yes. The SRD system allows beneficiaries to update multiple details when necessary.

Is there a fee to change my SRD contact details?

No. SASSA does not charge any fee for updating SRD information online.

What should I do if the SRD website is not working?

The website may occasionally experience heavy traffic or temporary technical problems. Try again later using a stable internet connection.

Final message from SA Bursaries

Keeping your SRD cellphone number and email address updated is important for receiving payments, accessing appeals, and protecting your account from fraud.

Always use official SASSA platforms, keep your SIM card active, and never share OTP codes with anyone. Updating your information early can help prevent delays and account access problems later on.

This page was last updated in May 2026.