New R350 UBIG Scheme – In a major shift in South Africa’s social support system, the government has announced that the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant will be discontinued from July 2025, and replaced with a new and permanent Universal Basic Income Grant (UBIG). This change comes after months of speculation and policy debate regarding the future of the SRD grant, which has supported millions of South Africans since the COVID-19 pandemic. The new R350 UBIG scheme will launch in July 2025, continuing with a monthly payment of R350, but with revised eligibility conditions and long-term sustainability goals. The Department of Social Development (DSD) has confirmed that the new grant will form part of South Africa’s evolving social security framework and is aimed at ensuring consistent income support for the most vulnerable adults, especially those who remain unemployed and without access to other government benefits. What makes the UBIG different from the SRD grant is that it is designed to be a permanent feature of the country’s welfare landscape, not a temporary intervention. Government departments have assured beneficiaries that there will be no disruption in payment as the transition will happen automatically for most existing SRD recipients.
What Is the New R350 UBIG Scheme?
The Universal Basic Income Grant is a national-level initiative replacing the temporary SRD grant. It aims to offer continued income support for individuals aged 18-59 who have no other form of income or state support.
- Grant Name: Universal Basic Income Grant (UBIG)
- Monthly Payment: R350
- Start Date: 1 July 2025
- Administered By: Department of Social Development (DSD) and SASSA
- Purpose: Permanent financial support for unemployed adults
- Payment Method: Direct deposit, Post Office, SASSA card, or CashSend
- Target Group: Individuals with no income or other grants
New R350 UBIG Scheme : Key Differences Between SRD and UBIG
Here is a comparison showing the major updates in the new UBIG scheme compared to the outgoing SRD grant:
| Feature | SRD Grant (2020–2025) | UBIG Scheme (From July 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Grant Type | Temporary | Permanent |
| Monthly Amount | R350 | R350 |
| Duration | Renewed yearly | Ongoing |
| Application Process | Online with periodic renewal | Initial application, yearly check |
| Administering Agency | SASSA | SASSA & DSD |
| Target Age Group | 18–59 | 18–59 |
| Bank Account Requirement | Optional | Strongly encouraged |
| Number of Beneficiaries | ~8.5 million | Expected to grow beyond 9 million |
Eligibility Criteria for New R350 UBIG Scheme
To qualify for the new R350 UBIG scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria as announced by the DSD:
- Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee registered on Home Affairs database.
- Age must be between 18 and 59 years.
- Not receiving any other social grants or UIF benefits.
- Must not be employed or earn any income.
- Should not be receiving support from NSFAS or any other government bursary.
- Must provide a valid mobile number and ID number.
Documents Required During Application for New R350 UBIG Scheme
Applicants must submit the following documents during the online application process:
- South African ID document or smart card
- Proof of residence (municipality bill or signed affidavit)
- Bank account details (optional but preferred)
- Mobile number registered in the applicant’s name
- Signed declaration confirming income status
How to Apply for the New R350 UBIG Scheme
The application process for the UBIG scheme will be largely digital, similar to the SRD system. Here is how you can apply:
- Visit the official SASSA website at https://srd.sassa.gov.za
- Click on the “Apply for UBIG” link
- Fill in your personal details including your ID number and mobile number
- Upload supporting documents
- Choose your preferred payment method
- Submit the declaration form and consent for data verification
- Wait for SMS confirmation and follow-up verification
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying
Many applicants face delays or rejections due to simple errors. Avoid using an unregistered mobile number, submitting unclear or incorrect documents, or skipping eligibility checks. Double-check all details before submitting your application to ensure faster approval and uninterrupted R350 UBIG payments.
- Entering incorrect ID or contact information
- Not checking if the phone number is RICA registered
- Submitting blurry or incorrect document images
- Not reviewing eligibility criteria carefully
Payment Schedule and Processing Time
UBIG grants will follow a similar payment calendar to the SRD grant, with monthly disbursements made during the first two weeks of each month.
| Month | Expected Payment Week | Payment Channel |
|---|---|---|
| July 2025 | 1–12 July | Bank/Post Office/SASSA Card |
| August 2025 | 5–15 August | Bank/Post Office/SASSA Card |
| September 2025 | 2–12 September | Bank/Post Office/SASSA Card |
| October 2025 | 7–17 October | Bank/Post Office/SASSA Card |
| November 2025 | 4–14 November | Bank/Post Office/SASSA Card |
| December 2025 | 2–12 December | Bank/Post Office/SASSA Card |
| January 2026 | 6–16 January | Bank/Post Office/SASSA Card |
| February 2026 | 3–13 February | Bank/Post Office/SASSA Card |
What to Do If Application Is Declined?
If your application is rejected, you are allowed to appeal within 30 days of receiving the notification.
Steps to File an Appeal
- Visit https://srd.sassa.gov.za/appeals/
- Enter your ID number and phone number
- Choose the reason for appeal from the dropdown
- Submit your supporting documents if needed
- Wait for SMS confirmation of appeal outcome
Important Clarifications and Exceptions
Some categories of people are not eligible or need to follow special procedures.
Who Cannot Apply for UBIG?
- People receiving any existing social grants
- Individuals under 18 or over 59
- Those currently employed or earning any monthly income
- Beneficiaries of UIF or NSFAS
Appeals and Updates Process
If your status changes (e.g., you lose a job), you may reapply after 3 months, provided you meet all eligibility again. The grant can also be paused if you start earning income above the threshold, but you may requalify later.
Annual Verification
Each year, SASSA will verify your income and status to confirm continued eligibility. Failure to respond may lead to temporary suspension of your UBIG payments.
| Verification Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Income Check | Bank and SARS check |
| Contact Confirmation | Mobile number verification |
| Address Review | Proof of residence update |
| Document Renewal | ID re-submission (if expired) |
This new phase in South Africa’s social support structure marks a hopeful step toward reducing extreme poverty. The UBIG is not just a continuation of aid—it represents a structural policy commitment to economic justice and dignity for millions. Applicants are advised to ensure their documents and information are accurate and up to date to avoid payment delays or rejections.
Contact Details for UBIG Assistance
If you need support with your UBIG application or payments, contact the following:
- SASSA Toll-Free Helpline: 0800 60 10 11
- Email Support: [email protected]
- Website: https://srd.sassa.gov.za
- DSD Office: Department of Social Development, Pretoria
- Local SASSA Office: Visit your nearest branch (check SASSA website for details)
FAQs of UBIG Scheme
Q1: Will my SRD grant stop automatically?
Yes, SRD will end in June 2025. Eligible individuals will be moved to UBIG automatically in most cases.
Q2: Can I apply for UBIG if I was previously declined for SRD?
Yes, as long as you now meet the new eligibility criteria, you can apply again.
Q3: Is there any change in the amount of the UBIG?
No, the amount remains R350 per month, but the program is now permanent.
Q4: How do I check my UBIG application status?
Visit https://srd.sassa.gov.za and use your ID and phone number to track the application.
Q5: Can I receive UBIG and another grant like Child Support?
No, only one grant per person is allowed under current policy.