Update Banking Details
Use the form below to update your banking details.
How to use the change banking details tool
- Enter your South African ID number.
- Click the Submit button.
- You will receive an SMS with a link to change your banking details.
- Click the link in the SMS.
- Fill in your information.
- It will take 7 working days for SASSA to change your banking details.
How Long Does It Take to Change Banking Details with SASSA?
The time it takes to change your banking details with SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) can vary. Here are a few things to keep in mind
- Processing Time: In most cases, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for SASSA to process your request after you submit your bank‑details change form.
- Submission Method: If you submit your form in person at a SASSA office, it may be processed faster compared to online submissions or forms sent by post.
- Verification Process: SASSA may need to verify your new banking details, which can add extra time to the process.
- Current Workload: Processing times can also depend on how busy SASSA is at the moment, so it’s important to be patient during peak periods.
The Importance of Correct Banking Details for SRD R370 Payments
The bank account information you give to SASSA is the direct channel through which your SRD R370 grant payments will be paid if you choose bank payment. Making sure these details are accurate, up to date, and belong only to you is extremely important for several reasons.
- Timely Payments: Correct banking details allow SASSA to deposit your grant money directly into your account without delays or problems.
- Preventing Payment Failures: Incorrect account numbers, bank names, branch codes, or account types can cause the bank to reject the payment and send it back to SASSA, which leads to long delays.
- Security and Fraud Prevention: SASSA verifies banking details to make sure the grant is paid to the rightful beneficiary. Payments are only made into accounts that match the name of the approved SRD grant applicant. This helps prevent fraud and ensures the money reaches the correct person.
- Personal Control Over Funds: Having the grant paid into your own bank account gives you direct access and control over your money, which is usually safer and more convenient than other collection methods.
- Compliance with SASSA Rules: Providing valid and verifiable banking details is required if you choose bank payment as your preferred method for receiving the SRD grant.
Failing to keep your banking information accurate with SASSA is one of the most common reasons why beneficiaries experience payment problems
How SASSA Uses and Verifies Your Banking Details
When you give your banking details to SASSA for the SRD R370 grant, a verification process begins to confirm that the account is valid and that you are the rightful owner. This is an important step to protect the grant funds.
Key Aspects of Banking Detail Usage and Verification:
- Matching the applicant’s name with the account holder’s name: SASSA will only deposit the SRD grant into a bank account that is registered in the same name as the approved applicant. Payments will not be made into a third‑party account (for example, a friend’s, family member’s, or any other person’s account).
- Bank account validation: SASSA’s systems, often working together with the banks, check that the account number is valid for the specific bank and branch.
- Account activity and status: Although SASSA does not always state this clearly, the account should ideally be active and able to receive electronic fund transfers (EFTs).
- Bank verification pending status: When you submit or update your banking details, your SRD status may show Bank verification pending or a similar message. This means SASSA is busy validating your details with the relevant bank. This process can take a few days to a few weeks.
- RICA verification (indirect): While RICA applies to SIM cards, the focus on personal bank accounts (which follow FICA requirements) forms part of the overall identity‑verification system.
Steps to Update Banking Details
Only once your banking details have been successfully verified will SASSA use that account for your grant payments. If the verification fails, your payment may be redirected to alternative methods (such as Post Office collection, if still applicable), or your status may show a payment failure, which means you need to update your details and complete the verification again
Common Problems Linked to SRD Banking Details
Issues with banking details can manifest in various frustrating ways for SRD grant beneficiaries:
- Payment Failed because:
- Payment Failed Status: This is a common outcome if:
- The bank account number is incorrect.
- The selected bank name or branch code is wrong.
- The account is not in the applicant’s name.
- The bank account is closed, inactive, or has restrictions that prevent deposits.
- The account type does not support EFT payments (for example, some savings accounts with limitations).
- Bank Verification Pending for Longer Periods: Although some delay is normal, if this status continues for many weeks, it may indicate a problem with the details you provided or a backlog in the verification system.
- Delayed Payments: Even if verification is eventually successful, the first payments to newly submitted or updated bank accounts may be delayed while verification is still in progress.
- Funds Reversed: In some cases, if a payment is made but the bank later detects a problem with the account, the funds may be reversed.
- No Payment Date Assigned: If banking details are missing, incorrect, or still pending verification, SASSA may not assign a payment date for your approved grant until the issue is resolved.
Official Procedures to Add or Update Your SRD R370 Banking Details
SASSA provides an online system for SRD R370 grant applicants and beneficiaries to submit or update their banking details. This is the main and recommended method. Always use the official SASSA SRD website for this purpose
Step-by-Step Guide to Updating Banking Details Online:
- Visit the official SASSA SRD website: Go to srd.sassa.gov.za.
- Navigate to the Banking Details section: Look for a link or tab that says How do I change my banking details or a similar option for South African ID holders.
- Enter your ID number: You will be asked to enter your 13‑digit South African ID number.
- Receive and enter the OTP: An OTP (One‑Time PIN) will be sent via SMS to the cellphone number registered with your SRD grant application. Enter this OTP to continue. (This shows why access to your registered phone number is essential.)
- Follow the instructions to submit or update your banking details:
- You will be given options to either provide banking details for the first time or update your existing details.
- Carefully enter your bank name (choose from the list provided), your bank account number, branch code (often auto‑filled or selected), and account type (e.g., cheque/current, savings).
- The most important part is that the bank account must be in your own name as the grant applicant.
- Agree to the terms and conditions: You will need to agree to the terms and conditions, which confirm that you are providing your own banking details and giving permission for verification.
- Submit your banking details: After double‑checking all entries for accuracy, submit the information.
Important Considerations When Updating Banking Details:
- Accuracy is extremely important: Check your account number, bank name, and account type three times before submitting. A single wrong digit can cause a payment failure.
- Use your own bank account: I repeat, the account must be yours. SASSA will not pay into a third‑party account.
- Verification period: After submitting, your new banking details will go through verification. This can take a few days. During this time, your SRD status may show Bank verification pending.
- Frequency of changes: SASSA may limit how often you can change your banking details (for example, once within 24 hours or within a monthly cycle) to prevent possible fraud.
- Patience after updating: If you update your details close to a payment cycle, the payment may still go to your old details or an alternative method for that month if the new verification is not completed in time.
- What if you don’t have a bank account? Although bank payments are encouraged, SASSA usually offers alternative collection methods through specific retailers (such as Pick n Pay, Boxer, Shoprite, Checkers, Usave) if you do not have a bank account. You will choose this option when asked, instead of providing banking details. Check the SRD website for the currently available cash‑send or retailer collection options.
If you continue to have problems updating your details online, you may need to contact the SASSA toll‑free number (0800 60 10 11) for assistance, although they usually direct applicants back to the online portal for this specific task
Security Considerations for Your Banking Details
Your banking information is sensitive and must be protected. While SASSA puts security measures in place for its systems, your own personal vigilance is also important.
- Use only the official SASSA website: Never enter your banking details on any website other than the official srd.sassa.gov.za portal. Be careful of scam websites that look similar.
- Do not share banking details via email, SMS, or social media: SASSA will never ask you to provide or confirm your full banking details through these channels.
- Secure your devices: Make sure the computer or phone you use to access the SASSA website is safe and free from malware.
- Beware of phishing: Do not click on unsolicited links in emails or SMS messages claiming to be from SASSA and asking for banking details.
- Monitor your bank account: Check your bank statements regularly for any unauthorized transactions (this is general advice, not specific to SRD)
SRD R370 Banking Details: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about managing bank details for the SASSA SRD R370 grant. Click on a question to see the answer
Bank verification can take several days, usually between 3 and 14 working days, and sometimes longer depending on the bank and SASSA’s processing load. During this time, your SRD status will likely show ‘Bank Verification Pending.’ Payments will only start once the verification is successful
No. SASSA’s policy strictly requires that the SRD R370 grant be paid into a bank account registered only in the name of the approved applicant. Payments into third-party accounts are not allowed as a fraud prevention measure
If you enter incorrect bank details, your SRD grant payment will likely fail. SASSA may try to verify again, or your status may show ‘Payment Failed.’ You will need to go back to the official SASSA SRD website (srd.sassa.gov.za) and carefully submit the correct bank details. This will start a new verification process
Most standard savings accounts from major South African banks that can receive electronic fund transfers (EFTs) are acceptable. However, some very basic savings accounts or cardless accounts may have restrictions. It’s best to check with your bank to confirm if your specific savings account type can receive SASSA payments. Current/checking accounts are generally fine
This can happen if you updated your bank details very close to the payment processing date for that month. SASSA’s payment files are often prepared in advance. If your new details were not verified and included in the payment file in time, the payment will go to the previously verified method. Future payments should go to the new account once it is verified.
SASSA usually limits how often you can update your bank details, often allowing only one change within a specific period (for example, once every 24 hours or once a month). This is a security measure. The SRD website will show if you need to wait before making another change
If this status continues for more than 3–4 weeks without change, first double-check that all submitted details are correct. If they are, you can try submitting them again carefully. If the problem persists, you may need to contact the SASSA call center (0800 60 10 11), provide your ID number, and explain the situation.
If you don’t have a bank account, SASSA usually offers alternative payment methods, such as through selected retail stores (e.g., Pick n Pay, Boxer, Shoprite, Checkers, Usave) using a cash-send or voucher system. When applying or updating details on the SRD website, choose the option for cash collection via retailers instead of providing bank details. Always check the official SASSA SRD website for the currently available and approved alternative payment methods
Generally, if you were approved for that month and the payment failed only because of incorrect or unverified bank details, you usually don’t lose the grant for that month. Once you successfully update and verify your bank details, SASSA will normally process any outstanding approved payments. However, if you delay providing correct details for too long, it can lead to complications.
The main way to know if verification failed is by checking your SRD R370 status online. It may show ‘Payment Failed’ or a specific message about problems with your bank details. SASSA does not always send an SMS for failed bank verification, so regular status checks are important if you recently updated your details