SASSA Makes UBIG the Official Long-Term Replacement for SRD – Full Benefits and Structure Out Now

SASSA Makes UBIG Official – In a monumental shift in South Africa’s social welfare strategy, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has officially confirmed the Universal Basic Income Grant (UBIG) as the long-term successor to the now-phased-out Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant. This transition, effective from June 30, 2025, aims to provide stable and structured financial assistance to low-income and unemployed citizens across the country. UBIG marks a new era in South Africa’s poverty alleviation framework, designed not as an emergency relief package like SRD, but as a permanent, reliable income source for those who fall below a specified income threshold. It reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring basic economic dignity for every South African adult.

What is UBIG and Why is it Replacing SRD?

The Universal Basic Income Grant (UBIG) is a transformative monthly support program developed to provide consistent financial aid to unemployed individuals, informal workers, and others with low or irregular income. Unlike the SRD grant, which was launched as a temporary response to the economic crisis caused by COVID-19, UBIG is structured to serve as a long-term social safety net. The SRD grant provided short-term relief of R350 per month, often plagued by limited eligibility and application bottlenecks. By contrast, UBIG offers significantly higher monthly payments, streamlined applications, and broader inclusion across different categories of the population. It also introduces a more holistic model that aligns with global trends in basic income distribution.

Key differences between UBIG and SRD include:

UBIG provides a monthly payment of R1,200, compared to SRD’s R350.
Eligibility has been expanded to cover informal workers, freelancers, and unemployed youth.
Automatic migration from SRD to UBIG is available for qualified individuals.
Additional financial top-ups are offered to caregivers and persons with disabilities.

Key Features and Full Benefits of the UBIG Grant

UBIG is more than just a replacement for SRD; it is a comprehensive financial inclusion plan. The program is designed to accommodate South Africans who may not qualify for traditional job-based unemployment benefits but still require monthly income to survive and support their families.

Here are the core features and benefits of UBIG:

Fixed monthly payment of R1,200, regardless of employment status.
Eligibility for any South African adult aged 18 and above.
Monthly income threshold capped at R3,500.
Payments issued via bank deposit, Postbank, or cash-send services.
Recipients may qualify for additional top-up benefits:
- R300 for primary caregivers of children under 6 years.
- R450 for individuals with a certified disability.
No need for reapplication if already approved under SRD.
Designed to operate alongside other targeted welfare schemes.

The aim is to remove structural poverty traps by ensuring that even the most marginalized citizens can afford essential goods and services every month. It is also anticipated to enhance economic participation by increasing consumer spending and promoting small-scale economic activity.

Eligibility Criteria for UBIG in 2025

Eligibility requirements for UBIG have been relaxed in comparison to SRD, which excluded a large portion of low-income informal workers and self-employed individuals. The new eligibility criteria aim to be more inclusive and transparent.

To qualify for UBIG, applicants must meet the following conditions:

Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or legal refugee with valid documentation.
Be 18 years or older at the time of application.
Have a monthly income of less than R3,500, verified through self-declaration, bank statements, or other documentation.
Not be receiving full-time employment income or other government financial assistance, such as NSFAS, UIF, or pension grants.
Be willing to undergo income reassessment every six months through the SASSA online system.
Maintain an active South African bank account for direct payment deposits.

Unlike SRD, applicants do not need to be unemployed, as long as their total income is below the threshold. This includes street vendors, part-time workers, domestic helpers, and freelancers.

SRD vs UBIG

Feature	SRD Grant (Previous)	UBIG Grant (Current)
Monthly Payment Amount	R350	R1,200
Type of Scheme	Emergency Relief	Permanent Social Grant
Minimum Age	18+	18+
Income Threshold	R624	R3,500
Reapplication Requirement	Yes (every cycle)	No for migrated users
Informal Worker Eligibility	Restricted	Fully Included
Disability or Caregiver Add-ons	No	Yes – Up to R450 extra
Bank Account Requirement	Yes	Yes or Postbank Option

This side-by-side comparison illustrates how UBIG is designed to be more comprehensive and impactful, meeting the real-world needs of South African citizens.

UBIG 2025 Monthly Payment Schedule

The new grant will follow a fixed payment cycle each month, offering beneficiaries consistency and predictability in their income. Below is the preliminary disbursement schedule for the rest of 2025:

Month	Payment Window	Notes
June 2025	June 27 – June 30	First UBIG disbursement
July 2025	July 25 – July 29	Regular monthly cycle
August 2025	August 26 – August 30	Cycle continues
September	September 25 – 30	Standard payout window
October	October 25 – 29	Early payments possible
November	November 26 – 30	All payments confirmed
December	December 20 – 24	Holiday-adjusted payments

Payment dates may vary slightly depending on weekends or public holidays. Beneficiaries are advised to verify payment dates via the SASSA website or WhatsApp support regularly.

How to Apply for UBIG – Step-by-Step Process

The UBIG application process is designed to be fully digital to avoid long queues and paperwork. If you are not automatically moved from SRD to UBIG, you can apply by following these steps:

Go to the official SASSA website: www.sassa.gov.za
Navigate to the “Apply for UBIG” section on the homepage.
Enter your South African ID number and mobile number.
Fill out the online form with your personal, banking, and income details.
Upload required documents, such as bank statements, affidavits, or income proofs.
Submit the application and wait for an SMS confirmation or email response.
Track your application status through the same portal using your ID number.

Processing time is typically 7–14 working days, but delays can occur due to verification procedures.

Documents Needed for Successful Application

To ensure a smooth application process, have the following ready:

Green ID book, smart ID card, or valid asylum seeker documentation
Proof of income, such as a bank statement (last 3 months)
Utility bill or affidavit as proof of residence
Contact number linked to your ID and banking profile

Applicants will be informed via SMS if any documents are missing or if additional verification is required.

Potential Challenges and Government Mitigation

While UBIG has been widely welcomed, some challenges persist:

Budget pressure on National Treasury to sustain monthly payouts.
Risk of fraudulent applications or identity misuse.
Need for widespread public education and awareness to avoid scams.
Requirement for updated databases to prevent duplication of benefits.

To counter these, the government is implementing:

Real-time bank verification systems.
Regular income reassessment audits.
Launch of SMS verification tools to confirm identities.
Integration with SARS and Home Affairs for data sharing.

Expected Impact of UBIG on South African Society

UBIG is anticipated to bring several positive outcomes:

Reduction in poverty and hunger levels across provinces.
Increased consumer activity and growth in local business ecosystems.
Enhanced economic security, particularly for informal workers.
Reduced dependency on emergency welfare schemes.

Experts also believe UBIG could pave the way for future reforms in national income distribution, social insurance, and employment policy.

The transition from SRD to UBIG is more than just a policy update—it represents a vision of socioeconomic inclusion, long-term welfare, and dignity for all South Africans. With a higher payout, broader eligibility, and transparent processes, UBIG stands as a permanent pillar of support for millions. Beneficiaries and new applicants are encouraged to stay updated through official SASSA platforms and prepare their documentation well in advance of the first payment cycle beginning June 30, 2025.

Departmental Contact Information for UBIG Queries

For any inquiries related to UBIG, reach out to the official SASSA channels below:

Department	Contact Type	Information
SASSA Call Centre	Phone	0800 60 10 11
SASSA Website	Web	www.sassa.gov.za
Email Assistance	Email	[email protected]
WhatsApp Service	Mobile Chat	+27 82 046 8553
SASSA Branches	In-Person	Nearest SASSA regional office

Use the WhatsApp number for fast application updates, and always check your status online before visiting physical offices.