How to Change Your SASSA Phone Number

Keeping your registered phone number current with SASSA is essential for receiving important notifications, checking your grant status, and accessing SASSA services. Whether you've changed phone numbers, lost your phone, or need to update your contact information, this comprehensive 2026 guide provides step-by-step instructions for updating your phone number through all available methods in South Africa.

Why Update Your Phone Number?

Importance of Current Phone Number

Why It Matters:

• Receive SMS notifications about payments
• Get status updates about your grant
• Access SASSA services via WhatsApp
• Use USSD codes for status checks
• Receive important grant information
• Security and verification purposes

Consequences of Outdated Number:

• Miss important notifications
• Can't access WhatsApp services
• Can't use USSD codes
• May miss payment alerts
• Security concerns

Before You Update

Step 1: Have Your New Phone Number Ready

Ensure Your New Number:

• Is active and working
• Can receive SMS messages
• Is with a South African network provider
• Is the number you want to use for SASSA services

Important: The new number must be able to receive SMS and be active.

Step 2: Have Your SASSA Information Ready

You'll Need:

• South African ID number
• Current registered phone number (if still accessible)
• Grant reference number (if available)
• Any SASSA correspondence

Method 1: Update via SASSA Website

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Access SASSA Website

1. Open your web browser
2. Navigate to www.sassa.gov.za
3. Ensure you're on the official government website
4. Look for "Update Information" or "My Profile" section

Step 2: Log In or Verify Identity

1. Enter your South African ID number
2. Enter your current registered phone number
3. Complete security verification (CAPTCHA if required)
4. Click "Continue" or "Next"

Step 3: Navigate to Phone Number Update

1. Look for "Update Phone Number" or "Contact Information"
2. Select "Change Phone Number" option
3. You may need to verify your identity again

Step 4: Enter New Phone Number

1. Enter your new phone number
   • Include country code if required (usually not needed for SA numbers)
   • Enter 10 digits (e.g., 0821234567)
   • No spaces or dashes
2. Confirm new phone number
   • Re-enter to confirm
   • Ensure numbers match

Step 5: Verify New Number

1. SASSA will send verification SMS to new number
2. Enter verification code received
3. Complete verification process
4. Confirm update

Step 6: Receive Confirmation

1. You'll receive SMS confirmation on new number
2. Status will update
3. Save confirmation for records
4. Update complete

Method 2: Update via WhatsApp

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Open WhatsApp

1. Open WhatsApp on your NEW phone
2. Ensure new number is set up in WhatsApp
3. Message SASSA: 082 046 8553
4. Start conversation

Step 2: Initiate Update

1. Send "Hi" or "Hello" to start
2. Wait for automated menu
3. Look for "Update Information" or "Change Phone" option
4. Select appropriate option

Step 3: Provide Information

1. Enter your ID number when prompted
2. Enter your OLD phone number (for verification)
3. Enter your NEW phone number
4. Follow instructions

Step 4: Verify New Number

1. You may receive verification code
2. Enter code if requested
3. Confirm update
4. Complete process

Step 5: Receive Confirmation

1. Get confirmation message
2. Save confirmation
3. Update complete

Method 3: Update via USSD Code

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Dial USSD Code

1. Open phone dialer
2. Dial 1347737# from your NEW phone
3. Press call/send button
4. Wait for menu

Step 2: Navigate Menu

1. Select "Update Information" option
2. Choose "Update Phone Number"
3. Follow on-screen prompts
4. Enter your ID number

Step 3: Enter New Number

1. Enter your new phone number
2. Confirm new number
3. Follow all instructions
4. Complete update

Step 4: Verify

1. You may receive verification SMS
2. Enter verification code if required
3. Complete verification
4. Confirm update

Step 5: Receive Confirmation

1. You'll see confirmation message
2. Note confirmation
3. Update complete

Method 4: Update in Person at SASSA Office

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Find Nearest SASSA Office

1. Visit www.sassa.gov.za
2. Use office locator to find nearest office
3. Note office hours and contact information
4. Plan your visit

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

1. South African ID: Bring your valid ID
2. Proof of New Number: Phone bill or SIM card (if helpful)
3. Old Phone Number: Note your old number (if you remember)

Step 3: Visit SASSA Office

1. Arrive during office hours
2. Take a number or join queue
3. Wait for your turn
4. Be patient

Step 4: Request Phone Number Update

1. Inform staff you want to update phone number
2. Provide your ID number
3. Provide your new phone number
4. Complete update form (if required)

Step 5: Verify Update

1. Staff may send verification SMS to new number
2. Provide verification code if received
3. Confirm update
4. Get confirmation receipt

Step 6: Receive Confirmation

1. Get receipt or confirmation document
2. Note your reference number
3. Save confirmation
4. Update complete

Verification Process

What Happens After Update

Immediate (Day 1):

• Update is received by SASSA
• Verification SMS sent to new number
• Update queued for processing

Verification (Days 1-2):

• You receive verification SMS on new number
• Enter verification code
• Verify new number is active
• Confirm update

Confirmation (Days 2-3):

• Status updates when verified
• You receive SMS confirmation on new number
• Phone number marked as verified
• Update complete

If Verification Fails

Common Reasons:

• New number not active
• Can't receive SMS
• Wrong number entered
• Network issues

What to Do:

• Verify new number is correct
• Ensure number is active
• Check network signal
• Try verification again
• Contact SASSA if issues persist

Important Considerations

Phone Number Requirements

Your Phone Number Must:

• Be active and working
• Be able to receive SMS
• Be with South African network provider
• Be the number you'll use for SASSA services
• Not be shared with others (for security)

Security Considerations

Protect Your Number:

• Don't share verification codes
• Keep number secure
• Use number only for your grant
• Report suspicious activity
• Update if number is compromised

Timing Considerations

When to Update:

• As soon as you get new number
• Before next payment cycle if possible
• Allow 2-3 days for processing
• Update well before payment date

Payment Impact:

• Updates don't affect payments
• Payments continue normally
• Notifications go to new number
• No payment interruption

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue 1: Can't Receive Verification SMS

Problem: Not receiving verification SMS on new number

Solutions:

• Verify number is correct
• Check network signal
• Ensure number is active
• Wait a few minutes and try again
• Contact network provider if issues
• Try alternative update method

Issue 2: Old Number No Longer Works

Problem: Can't verify with old number because it's no longer active

Solutions:

• Visit SASSA office in person
• Bring your ID
• Explain situation
• Provide new number
• Complete verification at office

Issue 3: Website Update Not Working

Problem: Can't access update section or form won't submit

Solutions:

• Clear browser cache and cookies
• Try different browser
• Use mobile version of website
• Try during off-peak hours
• Use alternative method (WhatsApp, office)

Issue 4: Verification Code Expired

Problem: Verification code expired before entering

Solutions:

• Request new verification code
• Complete verification quickly
• Codes typically valid for 5-10 minutes
• Request new code if expired

Issue 5: Update Not Reflecting

Problem: Update submitted but not showing in system

Solutions:

• Wait 24-48 hours for processing
• Check status again
• Contact SASSA to verify
• Ensure verification completed
• Follow up if needed

Best Practices

Do's

• Update Promptly: Update as soon as you get new number
• Verify Number: Double-check number before submitting
• Keep Records: Save confirmation messages
• Be Patient: Allow time for processing
• Use Official Channels: Only use official SASSA methods

Don'ts

• Don't Delay: Update promptly when number changes
• Don't Use Others' Numbers: Use your own phone number
• Don't Share Codes: Keep verification codes private
• Don't Submit Multiple Times: One update is sufficient
• Don't Ignore Confirmations: Read and save confirmations

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to update my phone number?

Phone number updates typically take 2-3 business days to process and verify, though verification SMS is usually sent immediately.

Can I update my phone number online?

Yes, you can update your phone number online via the SASSA website, depending on current system availability.

What if I don't have access to my old phone number?

If you don't have access to your old number, visit a SASSA office in person with your ID to update your number.

Do I need to verify my new number?

Yes, SASSA will send a verification SMS to your new number. You need to enter the verification code to complete the update.

Can I use someone else's phone number?

It's recommended to use your own phone number for security and to receive important notifications. However, you can use another number if necessary, but you'll need to ensure you can receive verification SMS.

What if I don't receive the verification SMS?

If you don't receive the verification SMS, check that your number is correct, ensure it's active, check network signal, wait a few minutes, and try requesting a new code.

Will updating my phone number affect my grant payments?

No, updating your phone number does not affect grant payments. Payments continue normally, and notifications will go to your new number.

Can I update my phone number via WhatsApp?

Yes, you can update your phone number via WhatsApp by messaging SASSA at 082 046 8553 and following the menu prompts.

What if my update doesn't work?

If your update doesn't work, try an alternative method (website, WhatsApp, office visit), or contact SASSA for assistance.

How do I know if my phone number update was successful?

You'll receive SMS confirmation on your new number when the update is successful. You can also check your status on the SASSA website.

Conclusion

Updating your SASSA phone number is straightforward when you follow the correct process. Whether you use the website, WhatsApp, USSD, or visit a SASSA office, ensure your new number is active and can receive SMS. Act promptly when your number changes, and allow adequate time for verification. Keeping your phone number current ensures you receive important notifications and can access SASSA services.

For more information about updating other information, payment dates, or grant management, explore our other comprehensive SASSA guides.

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Related Articles:

• How to Update Your Home Address for SASSA
• How to Update Banking Details for SASSA R350
• SASSA Status via WhatsApp — Complete Guide
• How to Check Your SASSA Status Online (2026)

Official Resources:

• SASSA Official Website
• SASSA Contact Update Portal
• SASSA Call Centre