Want to change your SASSA banking details? Do not worry; the changing process is straightforward and can be carried out in a few minutes as long as you know the basic steps. Whether you want to change incorrect banking details or provide new ones, ensuring that your financial information is accurate and up-to-date with SASSA is crucial for the smooth processing of social grants.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through the changing process, whether you choose to visit the SASSA office in person or use their online portal. Therefore, continue reading to enlighten yourself and gain a comprehensive understanding of how to change SASSA banking details.
Change Banking Details SASSA
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) offers financial support to empower South African citizens and enhance their well-being. SASSA provides multiple grants to South African citizens, and among them, the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant emerges as a crucial support, providing a monthly payment of R350 to help individuals navigate challenges and promote a more secure life.
Moreover, economic challenges have led to multiple extensions of the grant, initially set to end in 2021. The most recent extension now stretches until March 2024. Hence, if you are thinking about applying for an SRD social grant, keep in mind there is only a little time left to apply for this social grant.
Meanwhile, for those who have already applied for this social grant and are now seeking guidance on changing their banking details for payment receipts, this guide is for you. SRD grants are typically distributed via a cash-send service, Post Office outlet, or a beneficiary-associated bank account.
If you are getting your SRD grant through a bank account, you might need to change your banking details for reasons like closing your old account or updating personal information such as your name and address. The process of changing banking details is simple and can be completed online or over the phone.
Changing SASSA Banking Details Procedure
If you are a recipient of a grant from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), you have the option to modify your SASSA bank details. Furthermore, this encompasses various grants, including those for child support, old age, foster care, disability, and care dependency. You can change your SASSA banking details using different methods: through an online portal or by personally visiting the SASSA office.
By following the given instructions, you can guarantee a seamless process for updating your banking details, ensuring uninterrupted access to your SASSA benefits. However, you must prepare certain documents before moving toward the changing process. The documents are mentioned below:
- Your South African ID or valid passport.
- Evidence of residential address (utility bill, lease agreement, etc.).
- Proof of your banking details (canceled cheque, bank statement, etc.).
Change Bank Details Through the Online Portal
The online method is the most convenient and efficient way to change your SASSA banking details. All you need for this method is a good internet connection. Follow the provided steps to change the banking details through the SASSA online portal:
Step 1: Open the SASSA Website
Open any safe web browser on your device and search for the official website of SASSA. Or, click on the link https://srd.sassa.gov.za/said. The SASSA website has a user-friendly interface that anyone can navigate effortlessly.
Step 2: Scroll Down to Provide ID Number
After opening the website, scroll down, and you will see a section displaying “How do I change my banking details?”. Under this section, you will see an empty input box.
Enter your ID number (13 digits) in the empty space. Kindly provide your ID number with precision and carefully review for any mistakes. After providing your South African ID number, click “Submit.”
Step 3: Click on The Link
After you press the submit button, you will receive an SMS on the mobile number you provided when applying for the grant. The SMS will contain a unique secure link. Open the link from the SMS and carefully follow the provided instructions.
Step 4: Change Banking Details
The link will direct you to a new page. You will be prompted to:
- Choose a bank name
- Enter the account number
- Provide the branch code
- Select the account type
If you choose to receive payments in a bank account, make sure that the account belongs to you. SASSA strictly prohibits payments into accounts owned by another individual. Hence, be cautious.
Furthermore, if you opt for the money transfer through major banks, ensure the mobile number receiving the SMS is registered in your name. SASSA does not transfer grants to phone numbers registered under another person’s name. In addition, the new banking details will be used for future payments once verified.
Change Banking Details by Personally Visiting the SASSA Office
Another method you can use to change the banking details is the typical traditional method which is by personally visiting the SASSA office. If you would rather update your banking details in person, here are the steps below:
- First, find the closest SASSA office in your vicinity by checking the list on the SASSA website or calling the toll-free helpline.
- Bring the necessary documents along with you (mentioned above), and visit the SASSA office during working hours.
- Next, notify the reception desk staff that you intend to update your banking details.
- SASSA staff will give you the required form, which you must fill out. Provide accurate details, and after completing the form, attach the necessary documents.
- Afterward, hand in the form and documents to the designated staff member.
- The staff member will review the information and proceed with your request.
- Once successfully processed, you will receive a confirmation receipt or notification of the updated banking details.
SRD Status Check
You can conveniently monitor the status of your SASSA Social Relief of Distress (SRD) R350 grant online, ensuring a prompt update for the ongoing month. Regularly checking your SASSA status is crucial for all applicants to stay updated on grant-related developments every 30 days. Follow the following instructions to check the SASSA status.
- First, open the official website of SASSA (https://srd.sassa.gov.za/).
- Scroll down and select the appropriate section according to your ID type (Asylum Seeker/Permit Holder or South African ID).
- Afterward, navigate down and select “Application Status”.
- Enter your ID number in the appropriate empty box and click “Submit.”
- After carrying out all the above actions, you will receive an SMS containing a secure link on your registered mobile number.
- Press the link, and it will direct you to a new page. Through the link, you will be able to check your application status, revealing whether it is pending, approved, or declined.
How to Check SASSA Balance?
Checking the SASSA account balance is crucial for individuals to have accurate information about the funds available on their SASSA card. Follow the provided instructions:
USSD Code
- Dial *120* 3210# or *120*69277# USSD codes on your mobile phone.
- Carefully follow the instructions given to you.
- Afterward, you will receive an SMS from SASSA containing your current balance.
Whatsapp Method
- Message “SASSA” to 082 046 8553 through WhatsApp.
- Get a return text message with the word “Status.”
- Afterward, if you have a reference number, respond with “Yes” and provide the reference number.
- You must make sure to use the registered phone number that you provided during the application process.
Online Portal
Another method that you can use to check your SASSA balance is through the SASSA official website. The instructions are mentioned below:
- Go to the SASSA official website https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status.
- Sign in to the website using your login credentials.
- Afterward, you can securely view your SASSA grant balance.
How Long Does It Take For SASSA To Verify Banking Details?
SASSA emphasizes to recipients that the corrected banking details will only be utilized for payments once verified. SASSA carefully checks and verifies beneficiary details to ensure they match those of the account holder through the bank verification process. Hence, it may take a while for SASSA to verify your banking details.
After successfully updating your SASSA banking details by submitting the required forms and documents, you can expect the following timeline:
- It will take about 5-7 working days for SASSA to verify your bank account and initiate the payment transition.
- An additional two working days are required for the initial payment to appear in your bank account after being released by SASSA.
To sum up, it may take 7 to 10 working days to update your banking details for the next grant payment to reach your account. However, note that if you are changing to a rural or cooperative bank account, the process may take a bit longer. While SASSA aims to process payments swiftly after banking changes, delays can happen due to the following reasons:
- High application volumes cause verification and transition delays.
- Individuals provided inaccurate banking details.
- Administrative issues between SASSA and the applicant’s new bank.
- Delays can also happen due to technical problems.
- Public holidays or weekends also affect the processing schedule.
Final Thoughts
In essence, SASSA applicants can change their banking details after submitting the necessary forms and documents through the provided channels. Carefully follow the instructions mentioned in this guide to change your SASSA banking details successfully.
