Just got my SASSA payment sorted after changing my account number, and honestly it was more complicated than I expected depending on which grant type you're on. If you're getting permanent grants like the old age or disability one, you literally have to go in person to your nearest SASSA office—they won't let you do it online no matter what. You need your ID (original and copy), and proof of your new bank account. They want either a recent bank statement or an official letter from your bank confirming the account is active and in your name. Can't be a joint account or anything, has to be purely yours.

The whole thing takes up to 21 working days after they send your details to the bank, which is annoying if you're waiting for money. Pro tip: submit your sassa account number change request before the 15th of the month if you want it to kick in for next month's payment. Miss that and you're waiting another cycle.

Now if you're on the SRD grant (that R370 relief thing), it's way different—you can actually change your banking details online through their portal. Just enter your ID number, they send you an SMS link, and you update your account information there. Same rule though: account has to be in your name.

For updating your phone number, permanent grant people should call the helpline at 0800 60 10 11 or visit the office. SRD users can do it online through the contact portal—you'll get an OTP sent to verify it's really you. Just watch out for fake websites trying to scam people into changing their details. Use the official SASSA links only.