SRD Grant Stopped – In a landmark policy shift, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has officially confirmed the termination of the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant, commonly known as the R350 grant, by mid-2025. This grant, which provided vital financial support during the COVID-19 crisis, will be replaced with a broader and more sustainable program, the Universal Basic Income Grant (UBIG). This bold move aims to reshape the country’s welfare landscape and address deep-rooted issues of poverty, unemployment, and social inequality. The transition from a temporary emergency support mechanism to a permanent income relief system is expected to impact over 7.8 million South Africans who have depended on SRD payouts in the past. With the economy under strain and unemployment levels still staggeringly high, the launch of the UBIG Grant brings both hope and a new set of responsibilities for eligible citizens.
Why the SRD Grant Was Discontinued
Introduced in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, the SRD R350 grant was designed as a temporary emergency relief measure. It was meant to cushion the economic impact for millions of unemployed adults who were previously excluded from any form of government support. However, as years passed, the demand for a more stable and inclusive social safety net became undeniable.
Key reasons for discontinuation include:
- Temporary Nature: The SRD was never built to be permanent. It was extended multiple times, draining resources and creating logistical challenges.
- Funding Gaps: With a limited budget and growing demand, the sustainability of the R350 grant came into question.
- Policy Pressure: Civil society groups, academics, and poverty advocacy organizations have long argued for a universal basic income model to replace fragmented support systems.
- Economic Strategy: UBIG will form part of a wider economic recovery plan, which aims to reintegrate beneficiaries into skills training and job creation initiatives.
This policy pivot signals the government’s commitment to move beyond crisis management and adopt a more long-term strategy to tackle poverty head-on.
What Is the New UBIG Grant for 2025?
The Universal Basic Income Grant (UBIG) is a new monthly financial aid program designed to replace the SRD grant and offer wider access to unemployed and financially vulnerable adults. Unlike the SRD, the UBIG will not be reactive to crises, it is a proactive tool for inclusive economic development.
Main Objectives of the UBIG Grant:
- Provide stable, unconditional monthly support
- Promote economic dignity and reduce absolute poverty
- Support employment-seeking behavior through linked services
- Ensure no South African adult is completely excluded from financial assistance
Core Features of UBIG:
- Monthly grant amount of R624
- Targeted at adults aged 18–59 years
- Nationwide launch starting August 2025
- Annual verification instead of monthly renewal
- Accessible through SASSA’s digital infrastructure
The R624 amount is benchmarked against the national food poverty line, ensuring beneficiaries can meet basic nutritional needs. However, further top-ups may be considered based on household size or disability status in later phases of the rollout.
Eligibility Criteria for the UBIG Grant
The UBIG grant aims to be broad-based yet targeted, ensuring only genuinely unemployed and financially distressed individuals receive support.
To qualify for UBIG in 2025, applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen or permanent resident
- Be between the ages of 18 and 59
- Be currently unemployed or earning below the UBIG income threshold (likely R624/month)
- Not be receiving any other adult social grant (e.g., disability or old-age grant)
- Have a valid SA ID and registered bank account
- Be willing to participate in skills development or employment readiness programs (optional but encouraged)
Special provisions will be made for caregivers, individuals living in rural areas, and those without internet access to ensure they are not excluded during the application phase.
How to Apply for the UBIG Grant in 2025
SASSA has upgraded its digital systems to accommodate the mass rollout of UBIG applications. With a goal of minimizing in-person queues and errors, the application process will be primarily online — though physical support will be available for those who need assistance.
Application Channels:
- SASSA Website: www.sassa.gov.za
- SASSA WhatsApp Portal: Submit “UBIG” to 082 046 8553
- Post Offices: Limited in-person support for rural and elderly applicants
- Local SASSA Offices: Community outreach and mobile units will assist with remote registrations
Documents Required for Application:
- South African Identity Document (ID)
- Proof of current unemployment or minimal income
- Bank account details (to enable direct deposit of monthly UBIG payments)
- Proof of residence (utility bill or official letter)
Applicants are advised to keep their contact details up to date, as SMS or WhatsApp messages will be used for application status updates and payment notifications.
UBIG vs SRD Grant – What Has Changed?
To understand how the transition impacts existing beneficiaries, here’s a comparison between the old and new grant structures:
| Feature | SRD Grant (2020–2024) | UBIG Grant (2025–Onward) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Amount | R350 | R624 |
| Age Eligibility | 18–60 | 18–59 |
| Target Group | COVID-affected unemployed | All unemployed adults |
| Renewal Frequency | Monthly | Yearly |
| Application Process | Online/WhatsApp | Online + expanded digital tools |
| Training/Job Linkage | None | Yes – encouraged but optional |
| Grant Status | Temporary | Permanent |
| Payment Method | Bank/SASSA CashSend | Bank account/SASSA card |
UBIG Payment Timeline & Important Dates for 2025
SASSA has released a provisional calendar to help applicants prepare for the grant launch.
| Key Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Portal Opens | June 15, 2025 |
| Application Deadline for August Payout | July 31, 2025 |
| First Round of Payments Begins | August 1, 2025 |
| Appeals and Corrections Window Closes | August 30, 2025 |
| Monthly Verification Review Begins | October 2025 |
| Next Review and Update Period | February 2026 |
Applicants are encouraged to apply early to ensure they are verified in time for the first round of payments in August.
The end of the SRD R350 Grant and the launch of the Universal Basic Income Grant (UBIG) in 2025 represents a defining moment in South Africa’s social protection strategy. With higher payouts, broader eligibility, and better administrative systems, the UBIG is expected to become a cornerstone of poverty alleviation. However, the responsibility now falls on eligible South Africans to understand the new requirements, apply on time, and ensure their documentation is in order. This is more than just a policy change, it’s an opportunity for millions to reclaim dignity and financial independence through consistent and structured government support.
Departmental Contact Details for UBIG Assistance
If you have questions or need help with your application, contact SASSA via the official channels below:
SASSA National Helpline
- Toll-Free: 0800 60 10 11
- Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
WhatsApp Support
- Send “UBIG” to 082 046 8553
Email Queries
- Email: [email protected]
Official Website
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. I’m currently receiving the SRD R350 Grant — will I automatically get UBIG?
No. You must apply separately for UBIG even if you were on the SRD system. The two grants have different eligibility checks.
Q2. What happens if I miss the application deadline?
You can still apply after July 31, 2025, but you may miss the first payment cycle and only start receiving UBIG payments from September 2025 onwards.
Q3. Can someone with a disability apply for UBIG?
No. If you are eligible for the Disability Grant, you should apply for that instead. UBIG is not a substitute for disability or old-age support.
Q4. Is UBIG a forever grant or will it end someday like SRD?
UBIG is designed as a permanent income support program, though it may evolve in terms of amounts or structure based on economic and budgetary conditions.
Q5. What if my application is rejected?
You can lodge an appeal directly through the SASSA website or WhatsApp portal. The decision will be reviewed within 30 working days.