Change SASSA Phone Number Without OTP 2026 Guide

Q: Can I change my SASSA number without going to an office?

Try the helpline first on 0800 60 10 11. If the agent can verify your identity over the phone, they can update your number. If not, a SASSA office visit is required.

If you have lost your SIM card, changed your number, or can no longer receive the OTP to your old number, you cannot change your SASSA phone number online. The online process at srd.sassa.gov.za requires an OTP to be sent to your old number as a security step — this cannot be bypassed. Here are your three options.

Why You Cannot Change SASSA Number Online Without OTP

srd.sassa.gov.za uses your registered phone number as your identity verification method. To change it online, the system first sends an OTP to your old number to confirm it is really you making the change.

If you no longer have access to the old number:

The OTP cannot reach you
The system will not proceed
You must use an offline method

Option 1 — Visit Your Nearest SASSA Office (Most Reliable)

This is the most reliable and recommended method.

What to bring:

Your original green barcoded ID book or Smart ID card (originals only — no copies)
Your new cellphone number written down
Your SRD reference number (if you have it)

What happens:

Go to any SASSA office nationwide
Tell the staff you need to update your registered phone number
SASSA staff will verify your identity in person using your ID
Your new number will be updated on the system
Allow 1–3 working days for the change to reflect

Once updated, log in at srd.sassa.gov.za with your new number to confirm access.

Option 2 — Call the SASSA Helpline

Call 0800 60 10 11 (toll-free, available Monday–Friday, 8am–4pm).

Request a phone number update. The SASSA agent will ask security questions to verify your identity:

Your 13-digit ID number
Date of birth
Last payment amount received (if applicable)

If identity is confirmed over the phone, the agent can initiate the update. Note: This is not always possible by phone — if the agent cannot verify you sufficiently, they will ask you to visit a SASSA office.

Option 3 — Recover Your Old SIM via Your Network Provider

If you still want your old number back, contact your mobile network provider:

Provider	USSD / Contact
MTN	*135# or call 135
Vodacom	*111# or call 082 111
Cell C	*147# or call 147
Telkom	*180# or call 10213

Request a SIM swap — a replacement SIM with your old number. Once the SIM swap is complete and your old number is restored, you can use the standard online phone number change process at srd.sassa.gov.za.

What to Bring to the SASSA Office

Item	Required
Original green ID book or Smart ID card	Yes
New phone number (written down)	Yes
SRD reference number	Helpful but not required
Proof of address	Not required

Copies of your ID are not accepted for security reasons. You must bring the original document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my SASSA number without going to an office?

Yes — try the helpline first (0800 60 10 11). If the agent can verify your identity over the phone, they can update your number. If not, a SASSA office visit is required.

How long does SASSA take to update phone number at the office?

Typically 1–3 working days after your office visit. Once updated, you will be able to log in at srd.sassa.gov.za with your new number.

What if I live far from a SASSA office?

Call the helpline (0800 60 10 11) first — it is toll-free and may resolve your issue without travel. If a physical visit is needed, any SASSA office in South Africa can help, not just the one closest to your registered address.

Can someone go to SASSA on my behalf to change my number?

No. Phone number changes require in-person identity verification. SASSA cannot process this request through a third party — even a family member — due to account security rules.