New UBI Document List – In a major development, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has announced that all Special Relief of Distress (SRD) R350 grant recipients must undergo mandatory identity re-verification starting May 30, 2025. This step is not optional. It is a non-negotiable part of the transition toward the government’s proposed Universal Basic Income (UBI) program. The move comes as part of ongoing efforts to eliminate fraudulent accounts, outdated data, and ghost beneficiaries in the system. This reverification will ensure that only eligible South Africans continue receiving government support as the UBI grant replaces the temporary SRD grant in the coming months. Beneficiaries who fail to reverify in time risk losing access to monthly payments permanently.
Why Reverification Is Now Mandatory for SRD Grant Beneficiaries
The SRD grant, which was initially introduced during the pandemic as temporary relief, has since become a vital lifeline for millions of unemployed South Africans. As the country pivots toward a more sustainable and inclusive social support system, the introduction of the UBI grant marks a significant evolution in welfare policy.
To ensure a clean and fraud-free transition, SASSA is implementing a national re-verification campaign. This process will:
- Confirm that all listed beneficiaries are alive, active, and still eligible
- Eliminate duplicate entries or misuse of ID numbers
- Ensure that each payment reaches the intended person only
- Help create a cleaner database that is ready for UBI rollouts
The agency reports that nearly 10 million South Africans are expected to go through this verification between May 30 and July 31, 2025.
What You Must Know:
- Verification is 100% mandatory
- It must be completed online or at a SASSA office
- It applies to all existing R350 SRD grant holders, regardless of when you last applied
- If you skip the process, your payments will stop from August 2025
Complete List of Documents Required for UBI Reverification
To successfully complete the UBI re-verification, all SRD grant beneficiaries must provide updated and valid documents that confirm their identity, residency, banking details, and income status. These documents help SASSA verify eligibility for continued payments under the new UBI program. Missing or incorrect documents may lead to delays or suspension of your grant. Ensure all files are clear, accurate, and submitted through the official portal before the deadline.
Every beneficiary must submit the following updated documents to confirm their identity and eligibility. These documents help SASSA determine who qualifies for continued grant support under the UBI model.
| Document Type | Required For | Format Accepted | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| South African ID Book/Smart ID | All beneficiaries | Physical copy or clear photo | Must be valid and not expired |
| Proof of Residence | All over 18 | Utility bill / Lease | Not older than 3 months |
| Bank Statement | Those receiving bank transfers | PDF / Physical | 3-month statement required |
| Cellphone Number Verification | All beneficiaries | OTP process via SASSA site | SIM must be RICA-registered in your name |
| Biometric Photo (Selfie) | All applicants | Upload on SASSA app/portal | Must match Home Affairs ID photo |
| Declaration of No Income | Unemployed beneficiaries | Signed form from SASSA | To confirm UBI eligibility |
| SASSA Consent Form | All applicants | Download & upload after sign | Authorizes cross-department verification |
Submit your files on the official UBI re-verification platform:
https://srd.sassa.gov.za
Make sure all uploads are clear, accurate, and match the records on file with the Department of Home Affairs and your registered bank.
What Will Happen If You Don’t Reverify
Non-compliance will result in:
- August 2025 payment being stopped
- Status on the SASSA portal changing to “Inactive – Not Verified”
- You being removed from the automatic UBI migration list
- Manual re-application required, possibly including in-person biometric checks
For those who depend on the R350 or future UBI grant, skipping this step could mean months without any income support.
UBI Grant vs SRD Grant – Key Differences You Must Know
As South Africa prepares to shift from temporary COVID-era relief to a permanent Universal Basic Income, here are the major changes:
| Aspect | SRD Grant (Old) | UBI Grant (New) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Amount | R350 | R550 – R700 (region-specific) |
| Payment Cycle | Monthly | Monthly |
| Application Frequency | Every 3 months | One-time registration |
| Verification Type | Basic ID Check | Full biometric re-verification |
| Target Group | Unemployed due to COVID | All low-income South Africans |
| Linked to Government ID? | Yes | Yes |
| Means-Tested? | Yes | Yes |
| National Rollout Date | N/A | September 2025 |
The government hopes this move will help reduce extreme poverty and provide a safety net for South Africans who currently fall through the cracks.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing Online Reverification
SASSA encourages everyone with internet or smartphone access to complete the re-verification online. Here’s how:
- Visit https://srd.sassa.gov.za
- Click on the “Reverify for UBI” section
- Enter your ID number and cellphone number
- Submit the OTP you receive via SMS
- Upload your documents one-by-one
- Take and submit a live biometric selfie
- Download, sign, and re-upload the consent form
- Submit and wait for confirmation
You will receive an SMS once your submission is reviewed and approved. The average verification time is 3–5 working days.
Offline Option: Who Must Visit a SASSA Office?
Not everyone can complete the process online. If you fall into any of the following categories, you should prepare to visit your nearest SASSA office:
- You failed biometric matching during online verification
- You don’t own a smartphone or computer
- Your name was flagged due to previous grant fraud
- You are a senior citizen, disabled, or require in-person assistance
- Your documents were rejected or mismatched
Bring all original documents with you, and ensure you visit during official working hours.
The reverification campaign is not just an update; it’s the gateway to continued access to government support. Whether you’re unemployed, underemployed, or living in poverty, this new UBI grant system is designed to protect your dignity and basic needs.
SASSA Department Contact Details for Help and Support
If you are confused or face any issues during the verification, contact SASSA through any of the following channels:
| Department | Contact Information |
|---|---|
| SASSA National Call Centre | 0800 60 10 11 |
| Email for UBI Queries | [email protected] |
| WhatsApp Help | 082 046 8553 |
| General SASSA Website | https://www.sassa.gov.za |
| Reverification Portal | https://srd.sassa.gov.za |
| Nearest Office Locator | Use “Office Locator” on SASSA site |
| Office Working Hours | Monday to Friday, 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – SRD & UBI Verification
Q1: Is this re-verification for all SASSA grants?
No, this is currently required only for SRD R350 grant recipients, to transition into the new UBI program.
Q2: What if my ID is lost or expired?
Visit Home Affairs immediately to apply for a temporary ID certificate before the July deadline.
Q3: I don’t receive SMS or OTP – what can I do?
Ensure your SIM is RICA-registered in your name. If still not working, call the SASSA helpline for an alternate OTP method.
Q4: Can someone else do the process on my behalf?
Only legal representatives or guardians can assist. They must provide signed authorization and identity proof.
Q5: Will the amount increase automatically when I switch to UBI?
Yes, once verified and approved, your new payment amount will reflect as R550 to R700, depending on your regional UBI category.