Updating Your SASSA Banking Details and Contact Information: A Complete Guide

South African SASSA beneficiaries must keep their banking details and cellphone numbers current to ensure uninterrupted grant payments. With December payment dates now released, now is the ideal time to verify your account information is accurate.

The Quickest Route: Updating SRD Grant Banking Details Online

For Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant recipients receiving the R370 monthly assistance, updating banking details is faster and entirely digital—no office visits required.

The Online Process:

1. Navigate to the official SASSA SRD portal
2. Locate the banking details update section (labeled “How do I change my banking details?”)
3. Enter your 13-digit South African ID number
4. SASSA will text a secure verification link to your registered cellphone
5. Click the link to access the secure portal page
6. Input your new bank account details (bank name and account number)
7. Submit for verification—this typically takes a few days to weeks

Critical requirement: The bank account must be registered solely in your name as it appears on your ID. SASSA cannot process payments to joint accounts or third-party accounts.

If you opt for money transfer (cash send) instead, ensure your mobile number is RICA-compliant and registered in your name.

For Permanent Grant Recipients: In-Person Changes Required

Permanent SASSA beneficiaries (old age, disability, child grants) face more stringent verification requirements and cannot make banking changes online.

What You Must Do:

Visit your nearest SASSA office in person—this is non-negotiable for permanent grants. Request the “Payment Method Change Form” (also called the “Consent Form for Bank Payment”) and complete it on-site.

Documents to Bring:

• Original South African ID and a photocopy
• Official proof of your new bank account no older than three months—either a stamped bank statement or an official bank letter confirming the account is active and in your name
• Be prepared for biometric verification

Timeline: Submit your request before the 15th of the current month for the change to take effect in the following month’s payment cycle. Miss this deadline, and your old payment method continues for one more month.

Processing takes up to 21 working days while the bank verifies the new details.

Updating Your Cellphone Number: Two Paths Depending on Your Grant Type

For SRD Grant Recipients

Use the dedicated SASSA SRD contact details portal:

1. Access the contact details update page
2. Enter your South African ID and Application ID (if you don’t have it, check your status on the main SRD website using your current number)
3. Input your new cellphone number and email address if applicable
4. Select the reason for the change (stolen phone, incorrect number previously used, etc.)
5. SASSA sends a One-Time Pin (OTP) to your new number
6. Enter the OTP to verify and submit

Important: Scam websites pose as SASSA portals. Always use the official link to protect your information.

For Permanent Grant Recipients

Contact information updates also require formal notification:

• Best option: Visit your nearest SASSA office and request assistance with the update forms
• Alternative: Call the SASSA Toll-Free Helpline at 0800 60 10 11 for guidance
• Backup option: Email grantenquiries@sassa.gov.za or visit a local SASSA office for in-person support

While some contact changes can be initiated by phone, verification complexities often still require an office visit.

Key Deadlines and Verification Points

The 15th of each month is your cutoff to ensure changes take effect in the next payment cycle. Banking verification from your financial institution can extend up to 21 working days, so submit changes early if possible.

For both grant types, SASSA requires proof that accounts are solely in the beneficiary’s name—this protects against fraud and ensures payments reach the correct recipient.

Keep your contact details and banking information current to maintain uninterrupted access to your critical SASSA support.