I Lost My SASSA Reference Number and Phone Number

So you have lost your SASSA reference number and phone number, right? Well, you need to read this guide immediately to avoid any further losses. I would like to share my story when I lost my SASSA reference number for the SRD grant. Earlier this year in 2025, I lost my SRD grant application reference number.

I was too worried and there was no way to save me from this situation. But I didn’t lose hope and gave up. I started to visit the SASSA help centers and offices. I also call SASSA through the toll-free helpline number.

So after getting through all the struggle, I finally found the solution to this problem. The solution is 100% tested and working. It is my personal experience and it is the only solution to get out from this issue.

How to Find a Lost SASSA Reference Number?

Let’s start with the reference number first. After this, we will learn about how to get a lost SASSA phone number too. So here we go:

1) Recover SASSA SRD Grant Reference Number Via USSD Code

The first way to recover a lost or forgotten SASSA reference number is to use the SASSA USSD code. Follow the steps:

1. Pick your mobile phone and dial *120*3210#
2. A menu will open where you need to choose option number “3” which is SRD Reference Number.
3. Now you will be asked to enter your South African ID number so enter it.
4. Submit the ID number and get your reference number via SMS on that same phone.

2) Get Help from SASSA Toll-Free Number

You can use the SASSA helpline number to get your reference number on the phone call.

1. Dial 0800 60 10 11 from your landline to get the free call as this is a toll-free number.
2. Now wait for the agent to connect with you.
3. Once you connect with an agent, ask for your lost reference number or Application ID (AppID).
4. The agent will ask your ID number to inform you about your application ID.

3) Get SRD Grant Application ID (AppID) Through WhatsApp Chat

Use the SASSA WhatsApp number to connect with SASSA officials and retrieve your application ID.

1. Dial +27 0600 123 456 from your phone and save this number as SASSA.
2. Now open your WhatsApp account and start a chat with SASSA.
3. Send a message “Get Reference Number / Application ID”.
4. You will receive a reply and send your South African ID card number.
5. Get your application ID via chat.

4) Check SASSA SRD Status to Get your Application Reference Number

When you check your SASSA SRD status, you will get your reference number on the upper side of the panel. Here is how to check it.

1. Go to our SASSA status check page.
2. Enter your phone number and ID number.
3. Get your status and reference number.

How to Find a Lost SASSA Phone Number?

If you have lost your SASSA phone number for the SRD grant, then there are only two ways to recover it. Either you need to reactivate your lost SIM card from your service provider, or you need to get a new SIM and change your phone number.

Let’s start the process.

1) How to Get a New SIM with the Same Phone Number?

If you lost your SIM card or phone, don’t worry. You can still get the same number back. This process is called SIM Swap. Follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Go to the Nearest Store or Service Center

Visit the nearest branch of your mobile service provider. For example:

• Vodacom Shop
• MTN Store
• Telkom Store
• Cell C Outlet

Take your South African ID book/card with you. If possible, take any old documents or proof related to your number.

Step 2: Buy a New SIM Card

Ask the staff to give you a new SIM card. This will be used to load your old number.

Tell them you want to do a SIM swap to get your same number back.

Step 3: Complete the RICA Process

RICA means registering your SIM with your ID details. Give them your:

• South African ID
• Proof of residence (if asked)
• Full name and old phone number

The agent will register the SIM in your name.

Step 4: Request SIM Swap

Ask the agent to start a SIM swap.

They may ask you:

• Why you lost your SIM
• When you last used the number
• What services you used (like airtime top-ups or recent calls)

Answer the questions honestly.

Step 5: Wait for Activation

Once the SIM swap is complete:

• Insert the new SIM into your phone.
• Wait for it to activate. It may take 2 to 24 hours.

When it is active, you will receive messages on your new SIM. You can now use your old number again.

2) Change SASSA Phone Number on SRD Portal

This is a method where you can update or change your phone number for your SRD grant. The steps are:

1. Open the SRD portal srd.sassa.gov.za and choose your citizenship.
2. Now look for the “Change Phone Number” option.
3. Enter your ID number and application ID get get the application form.
4. Fill out the application form with your new SIM card number.
5. Submit the form and get an OTP on your new phone number.
6. Verify the number and wait for the approval.