SASSA Replaces SRD Grant with UBIG – What this Major Change Means for Millions in South Africa

SASSA has officially launched the Universal Basic Income Grant (UBIG), ending the R350 SRD grant as of May 2025. This marks a major shift in South Africa’s welfare system, offering longer-term support to unemployed and low-income individuals.

With R460 per month now being paid to eligible recipients, UBIG aims to provide a more stable financial safety net for millions.

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Let’s look into how the UBIG works, who qualifies, when you’ll be paid, and how to apply step by step.

Purpose

Why was the SRD grant scrapped? The SRD (Social Relief of Distress) grant served as an emergency COVID-19 measure. But that temporary plan couldn’t support people forever.

UBIG replaces it as a long-term solution with better payouts and broader coverage.

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Here’s why the change happened:

• SRD was short-term relief, not sustainable
• UBIG offers more per person (R460 vs R350)
• It’s built into government planning and budgeting
• It helps a wider group of South Africans, not just those impacted by COVID

Eligibility

UBIG is designed to help people stuck in the cracks—unemployed adults with no other government support. Unlike the SRD, UBIG has simpler, more inclusive criteria.

To qualify for UBIG, you must:

• Be a South African citizen or permanent resident
• Be aged 18 to 59
• Have no regular income (under R624/month)
• Be unemployed with no access to UIF or NSFAS
• Not be receiving any other social grants (child, old age, disability)
• Not be studying on government bursaries
• Have valid documents if you’re a refugee or asylum seeker

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This means UBIG is not for students, grant recipients, or people already getting help from the state.

Amounts

UBIG pays R460 per person, per month. That’s R110 more than the old SRD grant, giving recipients a small but important boost.

Payments are sent through:

• Direct deposit to your bank account
• Postbank
• Cash send options if you don’t have a bank account

Payment Schedule

You must apply each cycle or ensure your eligibility remains valid if already enrolled.

Apply

Applying for UBIG is pretty straightforward, but it’s vital to provide accurate info and submit the correct documents.

Application Process

1. Visit www.sassa.gov.za
2. Go to the UBIG Application tab
3. Enter your ID number, contact info, and bank details
4. Upload required documents:
   • South African ID (green book or smart card)
   • Proof of residence
   • Bank account confirmation letter
   • Affidavit confirming your unemployment (can be done at police station)
5. Submit your application
6. Wait for a confirmation SMS or email from SASSA

Once approved, you’ll start receiving your R460 monthly from the nearest payment date.

Tips

• Keep your phone on for confirmation updates
• Use a valid email and mobile number
• Update your banking info if anything changes
• Don’t try to apply if you’re already getting other grants

If your application is rejected and you believe it was a mistake, you can appeal within 30 days through the online portal.

FAQs