Quick summary
- A SASSA change cellphone number can be done online if you still have the old number.
- If the old SIM is lost or inactive, you must visit a SASSA office in person.
- Two OTPs are required for online changes, one to the old number and one to the new.
- Updating your number is critical for receiving payment confirmations and appeal updates.
- The SASSA helpline 0800 60 10 11 can guide you through stuck cases.
A SASSA change cellphone number request is necessary when you have lost your SIM, ported to a new network, or moved away from a number that was registered years ago. The cellphone number on your SASSA profile is how the agency sends payment notifications, OTPs and appeal updates.
If the number on file is wrong or out of service, you may miss payments and be locked out of online updates.
When you must update your cellphone number
Update your number on the SASSA system if:
- You have lost or replaced the SIM card linked to your old number
- You have ported to a new network and kept the same number (verify the SIM still works)
- A family member registered you under their number and that number is no longer yours
- You have changed numbers for safety or privacy reasons
- Your old number is consistently failing to receive SMS messages
Leaving an old number on the system is risky. Anyone with that number recycled by a network operator could potentially receive your OTPs.
SASSA change cellphone number online procedure
If you still have access to the cellphone number registered with SASSA, the change can be done online.
The steps are:
- Visit srd.sassa.gov.za
- Click “Change Contact Details”
- Enter your South African ID number
- Enter your old (registered) cellphone number
- Receive the first OTP on the old number and enter it
- Enter your new cellphone number
- Receive the second OTP on the new number and enter it
- Submit the change
The two-OTP step confirms that you control both the old and new numbers. If you do not have access to the old SIM, the online process will not work.
SASSA change cellphone number in-person procedure
If you have lost the old number, the in-person process is the only option. Go to your nearest SASSA office with the following:
- Original green barcoded ID or smart ID card
- The new SIM card or proof that it is RICA-registered in your name
- A SASSA reference number from a previous application or appeal, if you have one
SASSA staff will verify your identity using fingerprints. Once verified, they update the cellphone number on the system manually. No OTP is needed because biometric verification replaces it.
Bring a backup form of address proof if you have one, such as a recent utility bill, in case the biometric system is slow on the day.
Why the two-OTP step exists
SASSA introduced the two-OTP system to reduce fraud. Scammers were using stolen ID numbers to redirect grants to their own cellphone numbers.
The two-OTP step makes sure:
- You actually own the old number
- You actually own the new number
- A third party cannot redirect your account without access to both SIMs
This is also why you cannot simply phone the helpline and ask for a number change. SASSA agents will not change your number over the phone.
What to do if you are stuck
If the system rejects your OTP, do the following:
- Confirm the network signal on both SIMs
- Confirm the SIMs are not blocked or out of airtime
- Wait 60 seconds and request a new OTP
- Try again from a different device if needed
- Call 0800 60 10 11 if multiple attempts fail
Do not request multiple OTPs in quick succession. The system temporarily locks your profile after several failed attempts.
After the number is updated
Once the new number is on file, you should receive a confirmation SMS. From that point on, all SASSA payment notifications, OTPs and appeal outcomes will be sent to the new number.
If you also need to update your bank account, follow our SASSA banking details update guide next. Banking details cannot be updated without a working cellphone number, because the verification link is sent by SMS.
Why you should keep your number active
Keep the registered number active even after you receive your grant for the month. SASSA may contact you for:
- Reconfirmation requests
- Means test review SMSes
- Appeal outcome notifications
- Bank verification follow-ups
A working cellphone number is more important than most beneficiaries realise. If your number stops working, even an approved grant can sit in limbo while SASSA waits for verification.
If you were previously declined and have updated your number, you may now want to lodge an appeal. Our SASSA appeal process guide walks you through the steps.
About this article
Nuusflits is a South African news publication covering current affairs, social grants and consumer information. This article is sourced from official primary sources, including the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), the Department of Social Development, the National Treasury and SAnews. Facts are verified against the published 2026/27 social grant schedule and current SASSA policy. Last updated 21 May 2026.
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