The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides various grants to support vulnerable members of society.
The Special COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant (SRD Grant) is one such grant, aimed at providing financial assistance to individuals who are struggling to support themselves and their families.
One of the requirements for receiving the SRD Grant is to provide a valid phone number, which SASSA uses to communicate with beneficiaries.
However, there may be instances where a beneficiary needs to change their phone number, but they do not have their Application ID readily available.
Updating Personal Details with SASSA
SASSA allows beneficiaries to update their personal details, including their phone number, through various channels.
To update your phone number without your Application ID, you will need to contact SASSA directly. You can do this by:
Contacting the SASSA Call Centre
The SASSA call centre is available to assist beneficiaries with any queries or concerns they may have.
You can contact the call centre on 0800 60 10 11 (toll-free) and provide them with your ID number and the new phone number you wish to update.
The call centre agent will assist you in updating your phone number on the SASSA system.
Visiting a SASSA Office
Alternatively, you can visit your nearest SASSA office and provide them with your ID number and the new phone number you wish to update.
The SASSA officer will assist you in updating your phone number on the system.
Using the SASSA Website
SASSA also provides an online platform for beneficiaries to update their personal details.
However, to update your phone number online, you will need to have your Application ID readily available.
If you do not have your Application ID, you will need to contact the SASSA call centre or visit a SASSA office to update your phone number.
Verifying Your Identity
When updating your phone number with SASSA, you will need to verify your identity to ensure that the update is done securely.
You can verify your identity by providing your ID number and other personal details.
SASSA may also request additional documentation, such as a copy of your ID or proof of residence, to verify your identity.
Timeline for Updating Phone Number
The timeline for updating your phone number with SASSA may vary depending on the channel you use.
If you contact the SASSA call centre or visit a SASSA office, your phone number will be updated immediately.
However, if you use the online platform, your phone number may take a few days to be updated.
Consequences of Not Updating Phone Number
If you do not update your phone number with SASSA and it is no longer valid, you may miss important communication from SASSA, including notifications about the status of your SRD Grant application.
This may result in delays or even the cancellation of your grant.
Therefore, it is essential to keep your phone number updated with SASSA to ensure that you receive important communication about your grant.
Security Measures to Prevent Fraud
SASSA has implemented various security measures to prevent fraud and ensure that the update of phone numbers is done securely.
When updating your phone number, you will need to provide your ID number and other personal details to verify your identity.
SASSA may also request additional documentation to verify your identity.
Additionally, SASSA uses secure online platforms and encryption to protect the personal information of beneficiaries.