To update your SASSA personal information such as your name, surname, address, or marital status, you need to visit a SASSA office near you with your SA ID document and supporting papers. Most personal information changes cannot be done online. Only phone numbers and banking details for the SRD grant can be updated on the portal.
When You Need to Update Your Personal Information
Your personal information at SASSA must match your official records. If anything has changed, you need to let SASSA know. Here are the most common reasons:
- Marriage or divorce — Your surname changed after getting married or divorced.
- Name correction — There is a spelling mistake in your name or surname on the SASSA system.
- Change of address — You moved to a new home and need to update your residential address.
- Marital status change — You got married, divorced, or your spouse passed away.
- ID number correction — In rare cases, Home Affairs may have issued a new ID number.
- Contact details — You need to update your phone number or email address.
Keeping your personal information current helps SASSA verify your identity, process your payments, and communicate with you. Outdated information can cause delays or even lead to your grant being suspended.
What You Can Update
Here is a breakdown of what can and cannot be updated online:
| Information | Online (SRD Portal) | SASSA Office Required |
|---|---|---|
| Phone number | Yes | Yes (if no access to old number) |
| Banking details | Yes (SRD only) | Yes (other grants) |
| Name / Surname | No | Yes |
| Residential address | No | Yes |
| Marital status | No | Yes |
| ID number correction | No | Yes |
For changing your phone number or updating your banking details, you can use the online portal or the Moya App. For everything else, a SASSA office visit is required.
What You Need
The documents you need depend on what you are updating. Here is a guide:
For Name or Surname Change
- Updated SA ID document (with your new name)
- Marriage certificate (if name changed due to marriage)
- Divorce decree (if name changed due to divorce)
- Deed poll or affidavit (if name changed for other reasons)
For Address Change
- SA ID document
- Proof of new address — a utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, or affidavit from a ward councillor confirming your address
For Marital Status Change
- SA ID document
- Marriage certificate (if newly married)
- Divorce decree (if divorced)
- Death certificate of spouse (if widowed)
For General Corrections
- SA ID document
- An affidavit explaining the correction needed
- Any supporting documents from the Department of Home Affairs
How to Update Personal Information — Step by Step
Office Visit Method (Required for Most Changes)
Since most personal information updates cannot be done online, you will need to visit a SASSA office. Here is what to do:
- Find your nearest SASSA office. Offices are open Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 4pm.
- Gather all the documents you need based on the type of update (see the section above).
- Arrive at the office as early as possible to avoid long queues. Try to get there before 8am.
- Take a queue number from the reception desk.
- When it is your turn, explain to the SASSA staff member what personal information you need to update.
- Present your SA ID document and all supporting documents.
- The staff member will verify your identity and update your information in the SASSA system.
- Ask for a reference number or written confirmation of the changes made.
It is a good idea to make copies of all your documents before going to the SASSA office, in case they need to keep copies on file.
Phone and Banking Details (Online Method)
If you only need to update your phone number or banking details for the SRD grant, you do not need to visit an office. You can do this online:
- Phone number: Follow our guide on how to change your SASSA phone number.
- Banking details: Follow our guide on how to update SASSA banking details.
Both can be done at srd.sassa.gov.za or through the Moya App (data-free).
Helpline Support
If you are unsure which documents to bring or have questions about the process, call the SASSA toll-free helpline at 0800 60 10 11 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm) before your visit. You can also send a WhatsApp message to 082 046 8553. For all contact options, see our SASSA contact information page.
How Long Does It Take?
| Type of Update | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Phone number (online) | Immediate |
| Banking details (online) | 1–2 payment cycles |
| Name / Surname | 5–10 business days |
| Address | 5–10 business days |
| Marital status | 5–10 business days |
Some changes may take longer if SASSA needs to verify your documents with the Department of Home Affairs. If your update is taking longer than expected, follow up at the same SASSA office or call the helpline.
Common Problems
- Home Affairs records not updated — If you changed your name through marriage or court order but have not updated your ID with Home Affairs yet, SASSA cannot process the change. Update your ID at Home Affairs first.
- Missing documents — SASSA may turn you away if you do not have all the required paperwork. Check the list above before your visit.
- Long queues at SASSA offices — Arrive early and bring something to pass the time. Some offices allow you to book appointments in advance.
- Update not reflected after waiting period — Follow up at the office with your reference number. If you do not have a reference number, bring copies of the documents you submitted.
- Grant suspended after update — In some cases, changes to personal info trigger a review. This is usually resolved within a few weeks. Do a SASSA status check to monitor your grant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I update my SASSA personal information online?
Only phone numbers and banking details for the SRD grant can be updated online at srd.sassa.gov.za. For name changes, address updates, and marital status changes, you must visit a SASSA office.
What documents do I need to change my name at SASSA?
You need your updated SA ID document (with the new name), plus a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or affidavit depending on why your name changed. Make sure your ID is updated at Home Affairs before visiting SASSA.
How long does a personal information update take?
Most updates take 5 to 10 business days to process. Phone number changes done online are immediate. Banking detail updates take 1 to 2 payment cycles.
Will updating my information affect my grant payments?
In most cases, no. However, some changes may trigger a review of your grant, which could temporarily delay a payment. Keep checking your SASSA status after making changes.
Can someone else update my information on my behalf?
Generally, you must update your own information in person. However, if you are unable to visit a SASSA office due to illness or disability, a family member may be able to act on your behalf with a power of attorney or a letter from a doctor. Contact the SASSA helpline at 0800 60 10 11 for guidance.
Keeping your personal information accurate and current is an important part of SASSA account management. Outdated details can lead to missed payments, failed identity checks, and unnecessary complications. If anything in your life has changed, update SASSA as soon as possible.