How to update the Sisbén survey step by step

Last year, a mother from Itagüí wrote to us because she had been denied a housing subsidy. She had been waiting for months. The problem wasn't her or her application: her Sisbén record still said that five people lived in the house, when there were now seven. A baby had been born, and his brother had moved in with them. No one had told her that this seemingly insignificant detail was closing the door on her application.

If you're in a similar situation, here's the first thing you need to know: update the Sisbén survey You don't need to pay anyone. The process is free and you can do it yourself, either through the official website or by going to the Sisbén office in your municipality. Here we explain step by step when to do it, what documents to bring, and how long it might take, with information we verified through official channels in June 2026.

Information guide. The procedure is handled by the official entity. Always verify through the official channel. Hepacom does not charge or process payments.

When is the best time to update your Sisbén survey?

The rule of thumb is simple: every time something significant changes in your home, that change should be recorded. The Sisbén system classifies families according to their living conditions, and if the system's data is outdated, social programs will make decisions based on inaccurate information.

It is advisable to report any of the following:

• A child was born or a new member arrived in the home.
• Someone who was on the list has died.
• You moved house, neighborhood, or municipality.
• Someone started working or, conversely, lost their job.
• The type of identity document of some members changed.
• The household was divided or joined with another.

There's a difference worth understanding. Reporting a specific change (a birth, a death, a change of address) can be done on the portal in just a few minutes. But if what has changed is your underlying financial situation (you lost your main income, your house deteriorated, the breadwinner changed), then simply correcting a piece of information isn't enough: you need to request a new survey, And that means a pollster will come to your home. We explain this further below.

How do I request the update: through the portal or at the mayor's office?

You have two official routes, and both are free.

Via the internet, from the Citizen Portal. You enter portalciudadano.sisben.gov.co, You register as the head of household and report the change from there. The system asks you to attach the document that confirms the change (for example, the baby's birth certificate or death certificate). It works very well for specific changes and saves you from waiting in line. What the portal doesn't handle is a major change in your financial situation; for that, the in-person survey is still required.

In person, at the Sisbén office in your municipality. If you don't have internet access, if the change is significant, or if you simply prefer someone to guide you, go to the Sisbén office at your local mayor's office. In cities like Medellín, the process requires an appointment and is handled at the administration's service points. Bring your documents, explain the change to the official, and they will tell you whether you need to correct your record or schedule an appointment.

What documents do you need to bring?

It's best to have everything ready so you don't have to turn back. Depending on the official procedure, you'll need:

• Identity document of the person who heads the household.
• Documents for all members: ID card for adults, identity card for those between 7 and 17 years old, and civil registry for those under 7.
• If there are foreign members, the passport, the foreigner's identity card or the Temporary Protection Permit (PPT) as applicable.
• The supporting documentation for the change you are reporting: birth certificate, death certificate, or the document that proves the change.
• In some municipalities they may ask you for a recent utility bill.

A word of advice from those of us who work with families all the time: bring legible photocopies and, if possible, the originals too. A blurry copy is the most ridiculous reason why a document might be returned.

How long does the visit take and what does the surveyor check?

When you request a new survey because your score no longer reflects your current living situation, the municipality schedules a visit to your home. A surveyor arrives, asks the questions, and records the information as it exists today: how many people live there, who works and who doesn't, income, and the condition of the home (floors, walls, access to services).

There isn't a fixed time that works for the entire country, because each municipality manages its own schedule of pollsters. What is defined, however, is the processing time: in Medellín, for example, the update process has an official deadline of up to 30 business days. In other municipalities the timeframe may vary, so it's best to ask at your local office how long the visit takes and when the change will be reflected in your record.

One important thing about the pollster: they will never ask you for money. Their job is simply to gather information. If someone charges you "to raise your score" or "to expedite the visit," it's a scam.

Is it true that updating your Sisbén is free?

Yes. And we want you to remember this, because many people are taking advantage of this situation. All Sisbén procedures are free and without intermediaries. No person, private office, or "facilitator" is authorized to charge you for updating your information, completing the survey, or checking your score.

No one can guarantee you a specific Sisbén group in exchange for payment, because the classification is calculated by the system using your real data, not by a person. If you want to understand how that number is calculated, our guide on [topic missing] might be helpful. the Sisbén score and how they are interpreted Sisbén groups for subsidies.

What if I upgrade and they still deny me a benefit?

It happens, and it's not always your fault. Sometimes the change hasn't yet been reflected in the database, sometimes a document was missing, and sometimes the program you applied to has its own requirements in addition to the Sisbén. Before getting frustrated, check if the update has been recorded in your file and the specific reason for your rejection. We've compiled the most common cases in this article about Why was my grant application rejected?, which helps you identify where the fault was.

How to update the Sisbén survey, step by step

Updating your Sisbén registration ensures your classification reflects your household's current situation, especially if your income, housing, or who lives with you has changed. The process is free and official. This is the general procedure; the exact steps may vary depending on your municipality, so please confirm with the Sisbén website or your local mayor's office.

General guidelines. The exact procedure is defined by Sisbén and your municipality.

Common mistakes when updating the Sisbén

• Pay for the procedure: Updating the survey is free; no official charges you for doing so.
• Providing inaccurate data to improve the group: False information may invalidate your registration.
• Not reporting important changes: An outdated profile can leave you out of benefits you are entitled to.

Frequently asked questions about updating the Sisbén survey

Can I update my Sisbén online without going to the office?

Yes, for specific events like a birth, death, or change of address, the Citizen Portal allows you to report it and attach supporting documentation without leaving home. However, if your financial situation has fundamentally changed, then you will need to complete the in-person survey.

How often should I update my Sisbén record?

There is no mandatory date on the calendar. The official recommendation is to report any changes that occur in your home to keep your rating up to date.

Is there a cost for the surveyor's visit?

No. The visit is completely free. The surveyor is only collecting information; if anyone asks you for money during or before the visit, it's a scam and you should report it.

Does updating my information raise or lower my score?

It depends on what changed. The system recalculates your ranking with the new information, and it may go up or down depending on your actual situation. It's not something you can "request" to change.

Where can I find official Sisbén information?

On the official website sisben.gov.co and in the Citizen Portal. Any information regarding your specific case should be confirmed at the Sisbén office in your municipality.

This guide is part of our Complete guide to state aid and subsidies in Colombia, where we organize all the programs in one place.

How Hepacom accompanies you

At the Hechos Para la Comunidad Foundation, we work to help low-income families access decent housing. And we've learned something along the way: often, the dream of homeownership is thwarted by an administrative detail, such as an outdated Sisbén form that rejects an application.

That's why we guide you to ensure your paperwork is in order before applying for a housing program. We don't handle the application process for you (that's done by the official agency), but we do help you understand what they require, why it matters, and how to avoid losing an opportunity due to outdated information. If you'd like to learn more about subsidies and housing, visit [website address]. our blog.

Last updated: June 2026.