Keeping your SASSA banking details up to date is the fastest way to get your money on time and to avoid failed or delayed payments. This guide pulls instructions from SASSA’s official portals and lays them out in plain language. It covers SRD R370 (the “Social Relief of Distress” grant) and other social grants (Older Persons, Disability, Child Support, etc.).
Quick overview (what changed and what to use)
- SRD R370 (Social Relief of Distress): Change your bank details online on the SRD website. You’ll verify via OTP and receive a secure link to submit or switch your payment method. SASSA then verifies with banks/National Treasury/EFT clearing houses before paying. Watch the “Pay Day” field in your SRD status for when funds are queued.
- All other social grants (Older Persons, Disability, Child Support, etc.): Use the SASSA Services Portal and the official Consent Form for Bank Payment (with proof of account), or visit your local SASSA office. Accounts must be in the beneficiary’s name.
Tip: SASSA’s toll‑free line 0800 60 10 11 can confirm what they have on file and guide you through the right channel. Save it.
Part A SRD R370: How to change banking details (official process)
Best channel: SRD website (official).
- Go to the SRD portal. Choose the section that applies to you (South African ID holders, or Asylum/Special Permit holders).
- Find “Change Banking Details.” Enter your 13‑digit ID number to start.
- Receive an OTP via SMS on the cellphone number used for your SRD application. Enter the 6‑digit code to verify. If you changed numbers, update them first (see “Fix common problems” below).
- Open the secure link sent to your phone once OTP is verified. Follow the on‑screen instructions. (This link is unique to you do not share it.)
- Choose how you want to be paid:
- Bank account (recommended): Provide Bank Name, Account Number, Branch Code, Account Type and submit.
- Cardless/Cash‑transfer options: Only use the official options shown to you on the SRD site or in the SMS. (SASSA may route some cash payments to participating outlets/partners; follow the instructions in your secure link/SMS.)
- Submit and wait for verification. SASSA runs checks with National Treasury and EFT clearing houses to confirm the account and authorize payment. Timing can vary.
- Track your SRD status. When a “Pay Day” appears next to an approved month, that payout has been queued. If there’s no Pay Day, funds are not yet scheduled. Check again later in the pay window.
Security reminder: Never share your OTP, card PIN or secure link with anyone. See SASSA’s safety guidance and fraud hotline in the “Stay safe from scams” section.
Part B Other SASSA social grants: Change to bank account or switch banks
If you receive Older Persons, Disability, Child Support, Care Dependency, Foster Child, Grant‑in‑Aid or War Veterans grants, you can request payment to your bank account or change accounts using official SASSA tools and forms.
What you need
- Consent Form for Bank Payment (official SASSA form).
- Proof of bank account (e.g., 3 months’ bank statements or a bank letter if the account is newer).
- Your valid ID.
- Any other documents SASSA asks for in your case (they’ll advise if needed).
The account must be in your name and not a joint account. This is stated on SASSA’s Consent Form for Bank Payment.
Where to get the form
- Download the Consent Form for Bank Payment from SASSA’s Download Form Center. Keep copies for your records.
How to submit the change
- Create/Log in to the SASSA Services Portal (services.sassa.gov.za).
- Use Grant Support Request or the relevant service to submit your bank change request and upload the Consent Form with your proof of account. (If online upload isn’t available for your case, the portal will direct you to your nearest SASSA office.)
- Alternatively, visit a SASSA office with your completed Consent Form, ID, and proof of account. Staff will capture the change. (This is also helpful if you need to appoint a procurator/administrator or if you have unique circumstances.)
- Wait for verification. SASSA verifies your bank account before switching your payment method. Your next payment follows the new method once verification is complete.
Fix common problems (fast answers)
I no longer have the phone number I used for SRD. How do I change it?
Use the official contact‑update tool on the SRD site. You can submit one request per 24 hours. If the number on file is wrong and you can’t receive an OTP, contact the SASSA call center to update it.
My SRD status says “Bank details pending.” What does that mean?
It means SASSA doesn’t have bank details for you yet or they haven’t been verified. Submit your bank details via the SRD portal and watch your status.
I’m approved but there’s no payment date.
Check the “Pay Day” field on the SRD status page. Only when a Pay Day appears has SASSA queued payment for that month. Approved with no pay can occur when verification or scheduling is still in process.
Can I use someone else’s bank account?
No. SASSA requires payment into an account in the beneficiary’s name (not joint). This protects you and helps prevent fraud.
Do I need a bank account to get SRD?
A bank account is strongly encouraged and usually the fastest method, but SASSA provides alternatives where needed. Follow the options presented on the SRD portal for your case.
Stay safe from scams (official guidance)
- SASSA will never ask for your card PIN in any dealings with you. Keep your PIN/OTP/secure link private. Report suspected fraud.
- Fraud hotline / Help line: 0800 60 10 11 (toll‑free). Use it to report fraud or ask about your grant record.
Pro tips to speed up payment
- For other grants, upload clear proof of account (bank statements or a bank letter if the account is new) with your Consent Form to avoid back‑and‑forth.
- Use your own bank account and make sure the name on the account matches your ID. This reduces verification mismatches. (SASSA cross‑checks with National Treasury and EFT clearing houses.)
- Keep your contact details current so you can receive OTPs and secure links. Update them on the SRD contact‑update page if they change.
- Check your SRD status monthly. Remember: SRD is assessed each month, and payment is queued only when a Pay Day is set.