New UBIG Grant – The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has officially declared the termination of the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant, which had served as a lifeline for millions of unemployed citizens since 2020. Starting from May 30, 2025, the government will roll out the Universal Basic Income Grant (UBIG) – a more permanent, structured, and inclusive financial support system aimed at providing income security to the country’s most vulnerable adults.
This move marks a historic transition in South Africa’s social welfare policy, shifting from emergency relief to a long-term poverty alleviation program. The UBIG is expected to replace the SRD grant entirely and reach more people with slightly improved benefits, consistent payments, and streamlined digital processes.
What Is the UBIG Grant and Why It Replaces SRD
The Universal Basic Income Grant (UBIG) is a state-funded social security benefit that provides monthly financial assistance to adults aged between 18 and 59 who are unemployed and not receiving any other form of government assistance. Unlike the SRD grant, which was launched as a temporary relief measure during the COVID-19 pandemic, the UBIG is a permanent initiative that aligns with South Africa’s long-term poverty reduction and economic inclusion goals.
Key motivations for replacing the SRD with UBIG include:
- The need for a sustainable, recurring support system for unemployed adults.
- Feedback from civil society and economists urging the creation of a universal grant.
- A broader scope of coverage, reaching citizens who were previously excluded from SRD.
- Better alignment with national development strategies aimed at eradicating extreme poverty.
Key Features of the UBIG Grant
The Universal Basic Income Grant (UBIG) offers a fixed monthly payment of R370 to unemployed South Africans aged 18 to 59 who are not receiving any other government grant. Unlike the SRD grant, UBIG is a permanent program designed to provide long-term income support. It features a fully digital application process, wider eligibility coverage, and annual adjustments to keep up with inflation. Payments are made directly to verified bank accounts, ensuring faster and more secure disbursement.
- Monthly Payout: Starting at R370 per month, with scope for annual increments.
- Eligibility Expansion: Covers a wider group than SRD, including informal workers with no income.
- Digital-First Application: Allows users to apply through SASSA’s web portal and mobile systems.
- Permanent Status: Not linked to national disaster declarations like the SRD grant.
- Inflation-Adjusted: Annual reviews to ensure value is not eroded by inflation.
- No In-Person Queues: Fully remote registration to ease access for rural and remote communities.
Eligibility Criteria for UBIG Grant
To be eligible for the Universal Basic Income Grant, applicants must meet the following specific conditions laid out by SASSA. These criteria are designed to target only those individuals with little to no means of income and who fall outside the coverage of existing social grants.
| Eligibility Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | Must be between 18 and 59 years |
| Income Limit | Must earn less than R624 per month |
| Employment Status | Must be unemployed |
| Not Receiving Any Other Grant | No access to SASSA child support, old-age, etc |
| No UIF Benefits | Must not be receiving Unemployment Insurance |
| Residency Status | South African citizen or permanent resident |
| Valid Identification | Must have a valid South African ID |
| Bank Account | Must provide a verified bank account |
| Consent to Means Test | Subject to SASSA’s income verification process |
How to Apply for UBIG Grant – Full Step-by-Step Process
The UBIG application process is fully digitized, making it easy for applicants to register from anywhere in the country without standing in long queues at local SASSA offices.
- Visit the SASSA Website : Head to www.sassa.gov.za
- Navigate to the UBIG Grant Page : Click on the “UBIG 2025” link or banner on the homepage.
- Complete the Online Form : Fill in personal, income, and banking details accurately.
- Upload Documents : Attach a copy of your South African ID, proof of address, and banking confirmation.
- Submit Application : Review and submit. You’ll receive a reference number.
- Receive Confirmation : An SMS or email will confirm your application submission.
- Track Status Online : Visit the status portal regularly to see approval or rejection updates.
UBIG vs SRD Grant – Detailed Comparison
The Universal Basic Income Grant is a major policy upgrade from the previous SRD grant, addressing many of its limitations. Below is a comparison chart showing key differences:
| Aspect | SRD Grant | UBIG Grant |
|---|---|---|
| Nature of Grant | Temporary pandemic relief | Permanent income support |
| Monthly Amount | R350 | R370 (adjustable annually) |
| Age Eligibility | 18 to 59 | 18 to 59 |
| Linked to Disaster | Yes | No |
| Application Method | Online | Online & Mobile |
| Means Test Applied | Yes | Yes |
| Appeal Process Available | Yes | Yes |
| Scope | Pandemic-specific recipients | Broader – includes previously excluded |
| Administering Body | SASSA | SASSA |
UBIG Payment Schedule – Monthly Disbursement Dates
Payments for the UBIG grant will be made on a monthly basis, directly to the applicant’s verified bank account. Beneficiaries are advised to monitor their SMS alerts and banking platforms for updates. Below is the expected schedule for 2025:
| Month | Expected Payment Date |
|---|---|
| May 2025 | 24 May 2025 |
| June 2025 | 25 June 2025 |
| July 2025 | 26 July 2025 |
| August 2025 | 27 August 2025 |
| September 2025 | 25 September 2025 |
| October 2025 | 26 October 2025 |
| November 2025 | 25 November 2025 |
| December 2025 | 20 December 2025 |
Payments may occasionally be delayed due to public holidays, system upgrades, or document verification errors.
How to Check Application and Payment Status for UBIG
Beneficiaries can check the status of their UBIG grant application by following these steps:
- Visit https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status
- Enter your ID number and the cellphone number used during application
- Click on “Check Status”
- View application outcome, payment processing dates, or reasons for delay
Applicants are encouraged to check regularly and ensure that their details remain up to date to avoid delays.
Common Issues and How to Resolve Them
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| ID and bank account do not match | Contact your bank to update your KYC information |
| Application status shows “Pending” | Wait for SASSA’s verification; no need to reapply |
| Rejected due to income | Reassess your income source and file an appeal if wrong |
| Wrong documents uploaded | Re-upload corrected documents on the SASSA portal |
| Receiving another grant unknowingly | Cancel duplicate grants or contact SASSA for correction |
With the launch of the Universal Basic Income Grant, South Africa takes a bold step toward ensuring financial dignity for its most vulnerable citizens. The end of the SRD grant marks the close of an emergency chapter, while the UBIG opens the door to a more permanent, inclusive, and scalable welfare system. Beneficiaries are encouraged to stay informed, apply early, and ensure all personal and banking information is accurate to begin receiving payments without delay.
Departmental Contact Information
South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) – National Office
Address: Private Bag X55662, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083
Toll-Free Number: 0800 60 10 11
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sassa.gov.za
SASSA Status Check: https://srd.sassa.gov.za
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is UBIG available to everyone?
A: No, UBIG is specifically targeted at unemployed adults aged 18 to 59 who are not receiving any other form of financial support from the government.
Q2: Will the grant amount remain the same every year?
A: No, the amount is subject to annual revision based on inflation and economic conditions.
Q3: Can someone who received SRD automatically get UBIG?
A: No. All individuals must submit a new application under the UBIG scheme.
Q4: Is there an appeal process if my application is denied?
A: Yes, appeals can be submitted online within 30 days of rejection.
Q5: Will the grant be deposited into mobile money wallets?
A: No, as of now, only verified bank accounts are used for payments.