Lost your phone and now stuck without your SRD grant updates? It’s a frustrating situation especially when you’re depending on that R370 to buy groceries or pay bills. But don’t panic.
If your SRD lost phone number is blocking you from getting paid or verifying your details, there’s a simple way out. Let’s fix this now step by step, no stress.
How to Update SRD Lost Phone Number? (Quick Answer)
If you remember your Application ID, the process is easy. Just go to
👉 srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/contact
Enter your South African ID and Application ID. Click Submit. Then select “Change Phone Number,” type in your new number, give a reason (like lost phone), and verify the OTP sent to the new number.
That’s it. SASSA will confirm the update within 14 days.
Why Updating Your SRD Phone Number Matters?
Your phone number isn’t just for calls it’s how SASSA identifies you for the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant. That number is linked to your R370 monthly payment, your One-Time PIN (OTP) verifications, and every status update.
If your phone is gone, number has changed, or the SIM is no longer active, SASSA can’t:
- Send payment updates
- Confirm your identity
- Let you access your SRD status online
That means you could miss a payment, fail identity checks, or even get declined. So if you’ve lost access to the number registered with SASSA, updating it is urgent. Luckily, there are secure, official ways to do it online, at a SASSA office, or over the phone.
How to Update SRD Lost Phone Number? All Possible Methods
If you have lost your SRD Phone number, then don’t worry, we have listed all possible methods to update your phone number, so let’s get started!
Method 1: Update Your SRD Number Online (If You Know Your Application ID)
Still have your Application ID? Great. That means you can do everything online in a few minutes.
Steps:
- Open the official SASSA update portal:
👉 srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/contact - Enter your 13-digit South African ID number.
- Type your 6-digit Application ID.
- Click Submit.
- On the next screen, select “Change Phone Number”.
- Enter your new mobile number.
- Pick a reason (e.g. phone lost, number inactive).
- You’ll get a One-Time PIN (OTP) on the new number.
- Enter the OTP and click Verify.
- Confirm the change by clicking Submit.
After this, SASSA will process your request. The update usually takes up to 14 working days, after which your new number becomes active on your SRD profile.
🟢 Pro Tip: Save your Application ID in a secure place. It helps with faster access next time.
Method 2: Don’t Know Your Application ID? You Can Still Recover It
No Application ID? No problem if your old number still works. You can find your Application ID by checking your SRD status using the old number.
Here’s how:
- Visit the status check page:
👉 srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status - Enter your ID number and your old phone number.
- Click Submit.
- Your Application ID will show at the top of the result.
Once you have that, return to the contact update page and follow the online update steps from Method 1.
⚠️ If your old number is totally gone, skip to Method 3.
Method 3: Lost Phone & No Application ID? Visit Your Nearest SASSA Office
If both your number and Application ID are unavailable, you’ll need to visit a SASSA local office in person.
What to bring and do:
- Carry your original South African ID book or Smart ID Card.
- Tell the official you need to update your SRD phone number.
- You’ll get a phone number change form fill it out accurately.
- Double-check your info and submit it to the SASSA staff.
- Request a confirmation slip or reference number.
Once submitted, the update takes around 14 business days. You’ll receive an SMS on your new phone number confirming the update, or you can check your SRD status online after two weeks.
🏢 This method is best if you’ve lost all access to your old SIM and records.
Method 4: Can’t Visit SASSA? Call the Toll-Free Line
Stuck at home due to distance, illness, or transport issues? You can call SASSA and update your number with help from a live agent.
How to do it:
- Call the SASSA toll-free number:
📞 0800 601 011 - Press the prompt to speak to a consultant.
- Say you need to change your SRD phone number.
- Provide your South African ID number.
- Answer the agent’s security questions.
- Follow their instructions to complete the update.
📝 Important: Write down the agent’s name, the time you called, and any reference number they give you.
After the call, allow up to 14 days for SASSA to process and reflect the update in their system.
📞 Best method if you’re unable to go to a SASSA branch.
What Happens After You Change Your Number?
Once your new number is updated:
- All SRD notifications, payment updates, and OTPs will go to your new cellphone.
- You’ll be able to check your SRD grant status online again.
- Your R370 payment won’t be blocked or delayed due to identity errors.
SASSA uses your phone number as part of their identity verification. So making sure it’s updated keeps your personal information and grant secure.
Stay Safe and Use Only Official SASSA Channels
When updating personal info, always be careful. Don’t give your ID number, Application ID, or other details to strangers or unofficial websites.
Always use:
- ✅ srd.sassa.gov.za
- ✅ Official SASSA offices
- ✅ 0800 601 011 (free SASSA helpline)
❌ Avoid “agents” or people asking for payment to fix your SRD it’s likely a scam.
Final Words:
Losing your phone is stressful. But losing access to your SRD grant? That can hit harder especially when you’re already trying to make ends meet.
Whether you choose to update online, at an office, or over the phone, act quickly. The sooner you update your phone number, the sooner you can get back on track with your SRD grant payments, OTP verifications, and updates.
You’ve got options. You’ve got support. And now you’ve got the steps to fix it.

My name is Zanele Dlamini, and I write to help people understand their SASSA status and benefits. I share clear and simple information about grants, payments, and requirements to make it easier for South Africans to get the support they need. My goal is to make the process simple for everyone.