How do I find my lost SASSA SRD reference number?

Log in at srd.sassa.gov.za with your ID number — your reference number is displayed on the dashboard. You can also check old SMS messages for the original application confirmation from SASSA (shortcode 32317), or call 0800 60 10 11.

SASSA SRD Lost Reference Number

If you have lost your SASSA SRD reference number, you can usually recover it using your ID number and phone number at srd.sassa.gov.za. In most cases, you do not actually need your reference number to access your account.

Do You Actually Need Your Reference Number?

Before searching for it, check whether your task actually requires it:

Task	Reference Number Needed?
Check application status online	No — ID number + OTP is enough
Change phone number online	No
Change banking details online	No
Reconfirm application	No
Call SASSA helpline	Helpful but not always required
Visit SASSA office	Helpful but not always required
Submit an appeal	Required for some appeal forms

For most online tasks at srd.sassa.gov.za, your 13-digit ID number is your primary identifier — not your reference number.

How to Find Your SASSA SRD Reference Number Online

The easiest recovery method:

Step 1: Go to srd.sassa.gov.za on your phone or computer.

Step 2: Enter your 13-digit ID number and your registered phone number.

Step 3: Enter the OTP sent to your phone to log in.

Step 4: Once logged in, your application details — including your reference number — are displayed on the dashboard.

Step 5: Screenshot or write down your reference number for future use.

Check Your Old SMS Messages

When you first applied for the SRD grant, SASSA sent an SMS confirmation with your reference number. Check your phone’s message history:

Search for “SASSA” in your SMS inbox
Search for “32317” — this is SASSA’s SMS shortcode sender number
The original application confirmation message contains your reference number

If you changed phones since applying, the original SMS may be on your old device. Try logging in online with your ID number instead.

How to Recover via SASSA Helpline

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

Tell the agent you have lost your SRD reference number. They will ask security questions to verify your identity:

Your 13-digit ID number
Date of birth
Phone number on your SASSA record

If your identity is confirmed, the agent can provide your reference number.

Visit a SASSA Office

If the online and helpline methods do not work, visit any SASSA office with your original South African ID document. Staff can look up your application using your ID number and provide your reference number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check my SASSA status without a reference number?

Yes. Go to srd.sassa.gov.za, enter your ID number and OTP, and your status is displayed. The reference number is not required for an online status check. See our full SRD status check guide.

What does the SASSA reference number look like?

The SASSA SRD reference number is a numeric string provided at the time of application. It is different from your 13-digit ID number and may be longer. It appears on your application confirmation SMS and on the srd.sassa.gov.za dashboard.

What if my reference number does not match my application?

If you have more than one SRD application (e.g., you reapplied after cancellation), each application has a different reference number. Older reference numbers are retired when a new application is submitted. Log in at srd.sassa.gov.za to see the reference number linked to your current active application.

Written by

Busi Mdluli Grant & Social Fund Researcher — South Africa

Busi specialises in South African social grant systems and SASSA policy. Every guide on this site is independently researched, verified against official SASSA sources, and updated whenever SASSA releases new dates, amounts, or policy changes.

About the author