So, your SASSA status says “Approved”, but your bank balance is still zero. Or perhaps you used to collect your R370 grant via “Cash Send” at the supermarket, but the queues are becoming unbearable.
Or maybe you have just opened a new, cheaper bank account with Capitec or TymeBank and want your grant money sent there instead.
Whatever the reason, ensuring SASSA has your correct, up-to-date banking details is the most critical step to getting paid on time. If your details are wrong, or if the bank account is not in your name, SASSA cannot pay you. It’s that simple.
The good news is that you don’t need to visit a SASSA office to fix this. You can update your payment method online in less than 5 minutes.
In this step-by-step guide, we will show you exactly how to change your banking details for the SRD grant in 2026, explain the difference between “Cash Send” and “Bank Deposit”, and warn you about the common mistakes that block payments.
Why You Should Switch to a Bank Account
SASSA allows two main payment methods:
- Cash Send: You get an SMS voucher to collect cash at retailers like Pick n Pay, Boxer, Checkers, or Shoprite.
- Bank Deposit: Money is paid directly into your personal bank account.
Our Recommendation: Always choose Bank Deposit.
- It is Safer: You don’t have to walk around with cash.
- It is Faster: No waiting for SMS vouchers that might get lost.
- No Queues: You don’t have to stand in line at the shop. You can swipe your card immediately.
Important Rules BEFORE You Change Details
Before you log in, you must understand SASSA’s strict verification rules. If you break these, your payment will be declined.
Rule 1: The “Own Name” Policy
The bank account MUST be in your name.
- You cannot use your mother’s, husband’s, or neighbor’s account.
- If your name is “Thabo Joe Dlamini” on your ID, the bank account must be registered to “Thabo Joe Dlamini”.
Rule 2: Verification Time
When you change your details, SASSA has to verify the new account with the bank. This is not instant.
- It creates a “Verification Period”.
- Tip: Do not change your details during payment week (usually the last week of the month), or your payment for that month might be delayed to the next cycle.
Step-by-Step: How to Update Your Details Online
Follow this process carefully. You will need your ID Number and the Cellphone you registered with.
Step 1: Visit the SRD Website
Go to the official portal: https://srd.sassa.gov.za (Make sure you are on the legitimate .gov.za site).
Step 2: Find the “Banking Details” Section
Scroll down past the status check section. Look for the header that says: “How do I change my banking details” or “Update Personal Details”.
Step 3: Verify Your Identity
- Enter your 13-digit SA ID Number.
- An SMS containing a secure link will be sent to your registered mobile number.
- Click the link in the SMS.
Note: If you have lost your phone/SIM card, you cannot proceed. You must first update your phone number on the same website.
Step 4: Choose Payment Method
Once the link opens, you will see instructions. Select “Bank Account”.
Step 5: Enter New Details
Select your bank from the dropdown list (e.g., Capitec, FNB, Standard Bank, TymeBank, etc.).
- Type in your Account Number carefully.
- Double-check every digit. One wrong number means the payment bounces.
Step 6: Submit
Click “Submit” or “Update”. You should see a message confirming that your details have been captured and are pending verification.
Alternative: Switching to “Cash Send”
If you do not have a bank account, or your account was frozen/closed, you can select the “Cash Send” option.
- In the menu, choose “Cash Send” instead of Bank Account.
- Important: The cellphone number you use MUST be RICA’d in your name. SASSA will send the voucher to that number. If the number belongs to someone else, you cannot withdraw the money.
How Long Does Verification Take?
This is the most frustrating part. Once you submit the new account number, the status usually changes to “Bank Details Pending”.
- Process: SASSA sends a request to the National Treasury and your chosen Bank to confirm the account belongs to you.
- Timeframe: This usually takes 5 to 7 business days.
- Result: Once verified, the status will no longer say “Pending”. If it fails, it will say “Bank Details Failed” (usually meaning the name didn’t match).
Pro Tip:
If you update your details after the 20th of the month, the change will likely only apply to next month’s payment. The current month will still be paid to the old method (or held back if the old method is invalid).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes. SASSA accepts all major digital banks including TymeBank and Bank Zero. Just ensure the account is fully active and FICA verified.
Yes. If you still have a valid gold SASSA card, you can use that account number. However, due to recent technical issues at Postbank, many beneficiaries prefer switching to commercial banks (like Capitec) for reliability.
Check if you have a “Pay Date”. If you recently changed banks, SASSA might still be verifying the new account. Also, check your old account—sometimes they pay the old one one last time before switching.
Log back into the status check page (srd.sassa.gov.za). If your Banking Details section shows your new bank name and doesn’t have a red error message, it is verified.
Troubleshooting: Why Was My Update Rejected?
If you get a “Verification Failed” message, it is usually one of these reasons:
- Name Mismatch: Your bank account uses your maiden name, but your ID uses your married name. They must match exactly.
- Wrong ID: The bank account is registered to a different ID number.
- Inactive Account: The bank account has been dormant/closed by the bank because you haven’t used it in 3 months.
Solution: Call your bank to confirm your account status and the exact name format they have on file for you.
Conclusion
Taking control of your SASSA payment method is the best way to ensure you get your R370 grant smoothly every month. While “Cash Send” works for emergencies, a personal bank account is the gold standard for safety and convenience.
Remember, do not wait until payday to fix this. If your details are wrong, log in and update them today so that everything is ready for the next payment cycle.
Still waiting for your money? While you wait, check our Jobs & Careers section to see if you qualify for any of the new government learnerships opening this month.
(Disclaimer: The Mzansi Post is an independent information guide. We are not affiliated with SASSA. For official queries, contact the SASSA helpline at 0800 60 10 11.)