SASSA New UBI Grant – Starting May 15, 2025, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) officially rolls out the new Universal Basic Income Grant (UBIG). This initiative replaces the former SRD grant and aims to provide long-term monthly financial support to low-income individuals. Designed to tackle poverty and unemployment, the grant is expected to benefit millions of South Africans who have been financially impacted post-pandemic and by ongoing economic challenges.
This article covers eligibility requirements, grant amounts, payment dates, application steps, frequently asked questions, and official contact information.
What Is the SASSA New UBI Grant?
The Universal Basic Income Grant (UBIG) is a monthly financial aid programme meant for unemployed and underprivileged South Africans. It replaces the temporary SRD R350 Grant with a more permanent income support structure.
Key Highlights:
- Grant begins from May 15, 2025
- Paid monthly to eligible applicants
- Targets low-income individuals aged 18–59
- Can be applied for online or in-person
- Linked to bank account or Postbank Card for payments
New UBI Scheme Launches in Place of SRD – New Grant System to Replace Old Structure This Month
Who Is Eligible for the UBI Grant?
To qualify for the UBIG, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen, refugee, asylum seeker, or permanent resident
- Aged between 18 and 59 years
- Not receiving any other social grant (excluding child support)
- Not employed or earning more than R624 per month
- Registered with SASSA and verified via biometric or ID checks
- Must reside in South Africa
NOTE: Recipients of the previous SRD R350 Grant must reapply and undergo fresh verification to continue receiving benefits.
Monthly Amount and Payment Frequency
The new UBIG provides a fixed monthly amount with potential for annual adjustments based on inflation or government budget allocations.
UBIG Payment Breakdown Table
Grant Name | Start Date | Monthly Amount | Frequency | Age Group | Income Limit | Delivery Method | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Universal Basic Income Grant | May 15, 2025 | R624 | Monthly | 18 – 59 years | R624 max | Bank or Postbank | Active |
SRD R350 (old) | Ended April 2025 | R350 | Monthly | 18 – 59 years | R624 max | Bank or Postbank | Terminated |
Child Support Grant | Ongoing | R530 | Monthly | Children | N/A | Bank or Cash Pickup | Ongoing |
Older Persons Grant | Ongoing | R2,180+ | Monthly | 60+ | N/A | Bank or Cash Pickup | Ongoing |
Disability Grant | Ongoing | R2,180+ | Monthly | 18 – 59 (disabled) | N/A | Bank or Cash Pickup | Ongoing |
Foster Child Grant | Ongoing | R1,180 | Monthly | Fostered Kids | N/A | Bank or SASSA office | Ongoing |
Care Dependency Grant | Ongoing | R2,180+ | Monthly | Disabled Kids | N/A | Bank or SASSA office | Ongoing |
War Veterans Grant | Ongoing | R2,200+ | Monthly | Veterans | N/A | Bank or SASSA office | Ongoing |
How to Apply for the UBI Grant?
Applicants must follow these steps to apply for the UBIG:
- Visit the official SASSA website: www.sassa.gov.za
- Click on “Apply for UBI Grant”
- Provide ID Number, Phone Number, and Address
- Upload required supporting documents (Proof of residence, income declaration, etc.)
- Undergo biometric verification at a designated centre or mobile van
- Wait for a confirmation SMS from SASSA
Alternative: Visit your nearest SASSA office for manual application if you don’t have access to internet or a smartphone.
Required Documents for UBI Grant
Document Type | Mandatory for Application |
---|---|
Valid South African ID | Yes |
Proof of residence | Yes |
Proof of income (if any) | Yes |
Bank account details | Yes |
Biometric verification | Yes |
UBIG Payment Schedule – May to December 2025
Month | Payment Start Date | Last Payment Date |
---|---|---|
May 2025 | 15 May | 24 May |
June 2025 | 14 June | 23 June |
July 2025 | 15 July | 25 July |
August 2025 | 14 August | 23 August |
September 2025 | 16 September | 25 September |
October 2025 | 15 October | 24 October |
November 2025 | 14 November | 23 November |
December 2025 | 13 December | 22 December |
What If My Application Is Rejected or Delayed?
Applicants whose applications are rejected or still pending should:
- Log in to the SASSA online portal and check the application status
- Ensure all documents are correctly uploaded
- Contact SASSA customer service immediately
- Submit an appeal within 30 days of rejection via the SASSA website
Appeals must include:
- Reason for appeal
- Supporting documentation
- Proof of original application
Common Reasons for Rejection
- Incorrect or missing documents
- Existing government grant already active
- Biometric verification failure
- Unverified income threshold
- Outdated contact information
FAQs – SASSA New UBI Grant
Q1. Is the UBI Grant permanent?
Yes, the UBIG is part of a long-term poverty relief programme, replacing the temporary SRD Grant.
Q2. Can I apply if I’m already receiving a child grant?
Yes, you may still qualify, but other full-benefit grants may disqualify you.
Q3. What happens if I move to another province?
You must update your address with SASSA either online or in person.
Q4. Can students apply for the UBI grant?
Only if they meet the income and age requirements.
Q5. How do I check my grant payment status?
Go to www.sassa.gov.za, enter your ID and phone number under “Check My Status”.
Q6. What if I lost my SASSA card?
Visit the nearest SASSA office or Postbank branch to request a replacement.
Official Departmental Contact Details
For any UBI Grant-related queries, use the following SASSA contact details:
SASSA Head Office
Private Bag X55662
Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083
Toll-Free Helpline: 0800 60 10 11
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sassa.gov.za
You can also visit your nearest SASSA regional office from Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM.
The new SASSA UBI Grant, starting from May 15, 2025, is a major step toward universal income support in South Africa. If you’re unemployed and fall within the required criteria, don’t delay your application. With regular monthly payouts, it’s a critical lifeline for many.
Stay informed and monitor all updates on the official SASSA portal to avoid missing important deadlines or payment changes.