SRD Declined - Referred (Linked Risk Mobile)

Updated on 14 June 2026

If your SASSA SRD status shows "Referred Linked Risk Mobile", "Linked Risk - Mobile" or just "Linked Risk Mobile", SASSA's anti-fraud system flagged the cellphone number on your application - not your ID. The most common cause is mundane: someone you live with used the same phone number on their own SRD application. Less commonly, the number has a SIM-swap or fraud history. Either way, the fastest fix is to switch to a phone number registered only in your name.

What "Referred Linked Risk Mobile" means

SASSA's fraud-detection system checks every SRD application for risky patterns. One of those checks looks at the cellphone number: how many applications it has been linked to, whether it has been involved in SIM-swap activity, and whether it appears on other risk lists. If your phone number trips one of those checks, the application is "referred" instead of approved. Key points:

• The flag is on the phone number, not on your ID.
• "Referred" means held for human review, but in practice these applications are declined unless you change the number or appeal with proof.
• "Mobile" distinguishes this from other linked-risk flags like Linked Risk Bank Account.

Common causes

• Shared phone: a family member or someone in your household used your number for their own SRD application.
• SIM-swap history: the number was SIM-swapped at some point (legitimately or fraudulently), which lands it on risk lists.
• Recycled number: the SIM was previously owned by someone with a fraud record. Mobile operators recycle inactive numbers.
• Number used for fraud elsewhere: banking fraud, phishing, scam calls - all can land a number on the risk database.
• System error: uncommon but possible. The system links unrelated cases.

How to fix it

1. Step 1: Buy a new SIM card from any mobile operator. Vodacom, MTN, Cell C and Telkom Mobile all RICA on the spot if you bring your ID.
2. Step 2: Complete RICA registration in your own name. Keep the RICA confirmation slip. The number must be exclusively yours.
3. Step 3: Log in to srd.sassa.gov.za and update your phone number. You will need to verify with the new SIM via OTP.
4. Step 4: Submit a reconsideration with a sworn affidavit confirming the new number is yours alone and not shared with anyone.
5. Step 5: If you suspect identity theft (other unfamiliar applications under your ID, or other fraud flags), call the SASSA fraud line on 0800 60 10 11.

If your identity was stolen

"Linked Risk Mobile" alone is usually not identity theft - shared phones are far more common. But if it shows up alongside other fraud flags ("Referred to SAFPS", unfamiliar bank account, applications you did not make):

• Open a case at your nearest SAPS station and get the case number.
• Apply for SAFPS Protective Registration (free) - this shields your ID from further fraud.
• See our SRD declined: Referred to SAFPS guide for the full process.

Sample appeal wording

"My SRD was declined as 'Referred Linked Risk Mobile'. I have replaced my phone number. The new number [number] is RICA-registered in my name only and is not used by anyone else. Attached: RICA confirmation slip, copy of my ID, and a sworn affidavit. Please reconsider this decline."

How long does this take?

• New RICA-registered SIM: same day at any cellphone store.
• Number update on SRD portal: minutes; OTP verification.
• Reconsideration outcome: 30 to 60 days.
• End-to-end: 4 to 8 weeks.

See how long does each SASSA step take? for the full timeline.

FAQ

What does "Referred Linked Risk Mobile" mean?

SASSA flagged your phone number, not your ID. The number is linked to risk on their system.

Why was my phone number flagged?

Usually because it was used on another SRD application, or has SIM-swap or fraud history. Sometimes a recycled number with a prior owner's record.

How do I fix Referred Linked Risk Mobile?

Switch to a new SIM RICA-registered in your name only. Update the number on the SRD portal and submit reconsideration.

Can I keep my old phone number?

Possible in theory but rare in practice. Switching numbers is faster than disputing the flag.

Does this mean my identity was stolen?

Not usually. Shared phones are the common cause. If you see other fraud flags too, treat it as suspected identity theft.

See also

• All SRD declined reasons
• SRD declined - main guide
• SRD declined: referred to SAFPS
• SRD declined: identity verification failed
• SRD declined: biometric verification failed
• How to change your SRD phone number
• SRD appeals - step by step
• Check your SRD status

Sources

• South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) - sassa.gov.za
• SASSA SRD Portal - srd.sassa.gov.za
• SASSA fraud line - 0800 60 10 11
• Southern African Fraud Prevention Service - safps.org.za
• Department of Social Development - dsd.gov.za

About this guide: maintained by OurPower and updated regularly to reflect current SASSA procedures and payment amounts.