SASSA has stopped the Universal Basic Income Grant in October 2025. This change impacts many South Africans who needed the monthly payments to get by. The government is now starting new support programs to help people. These programs have different rules about who can get help and when they will receive money. The change means that people who got money before will need to check if they can join the new programs. SASSA will tell people how to apply for the new financial support. The rules are different now and payments will work in a new way. Many families will need to understand these changes to keep getting help from the government.
Why Did SASSA End the Universal Basic Income Grant in October 2025?
The government started giving out R350 monthly payments during COVID-19 to help people without jobs in South Africa. This payment system kept getting extended but started causing money problems for the country. Many people questioned if it could last much longer. The main reasons they stopped the payments wer.e:
– The country had too much debt & money was tight
– They wanted to help specific groups instead of everyone
– There was too much cheating in the system
– They hoped people would find real jobs instead of relying on payments
– The plan worked for a while but wasn’t meant to be permanent. Officials decided it was better to help people find steady work rather than keep giving out monthly money. This would be better for both the country and the people in the long run
Eligibility Explained: Who Can Apply for the New SASSA Grants?
The government has created new support programs to help people after the UBIG program ended. They now offer four main types of help.
– First they made the Social Relief of Distress Grant bigger.
– Second, they started a grant to help young people find jobs.
– Third, they created a benefit for workers who lost their jobs.
– Last, they’re testing a new system of vouchers that gives basic income support to people who need it. These programs aim to help people who were getting money from the old UBIG system.
Payment Methods 2025: How Future SASSA Grants Will Be Paid
SASSA is making changes to how people get their money.
– You will need a bank account or mobile wallet to receive payments.
– You can’t get your money at the Post Office anymore.
– Everyone must use fingerprints or face scans to prove who they are.
– Payment days will be different based on your ID number.
These changes will help SASSA work better and make fewer mistakes.
| New Grant Type | Age Requirement | Income Threshold | Employment Status | Monthly Payment | Start Date | Renewal Needed | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expanded SRD Grant | 18–59 | Below R624/month | Unemployed or Informal Job | R370 | May 2025 | Yes, every 3 months | srd.sassa.gov.za |
| Youth Employment Support Grant | 18–35 | Below R1,200/month | Not in education or job | R500 | June 2025 | No (6-month program) | www.dsd.gov.za |
| Unemployed Worker Transitional Aid | 36–60 | Below R1,000/month | Recently unemployed | R450 | July 2025 | Yes, every 6 months | Local Labour Office |
| Basic Income Support Voucher | 18+ | Below R750/month | Any status | Food voucher (R300) | August 2025 | Yes, every 2 months | SASSA Mobile App |
Action Required: What Current UBIG Recipients Must Do Immediately
If you got UBIG money before and want to keep getting payments you need to do these things:
– Send a new application if you still qualify Make sure
– SASSA has your correct bank info
– Get your fingerprints and photo verified
– Look online at srd.sassa.gov.za to see if your application is approved
| Payment Method | Availability | Verification Needed | Expected Deposit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank Account (Direct) | Nationwide | ID + Biometric | 24–48 hours from release |
| Mobile Money (eWallet) | Limited to partners | Cell Number + ID | Instant after approval |
| Retailer Collection Points | Selected stores | OTP + ID | Same-day |
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Official Helpdesk: SASSA & Government Contact Details for Assistance
Need help with SASSA? Here’s how to reach them:
– Call their helpline at 0800 60 10 11 They’re open weekdays from 8 AM to 4 PM
You can also: –
– Visit their website: www.sassa.gov.za
– Send an email: [email protected]
– Text “Hi” to 082 046 8553 on WhatsApp
Social Development matters:
– Call 012 312 7500 or check www.dsd.gov.za Want to visit in person? SASSA has offices in most towns. Just go to your nearest local office.
Final Thoughts: What the End of UBIG Means for South Africans
South Africa is stopping the Universal Basic Income Grant & changing how they help people. The new system will focus on giving money to those who need it most. This change might be confusing at first but should work better in the long run. If you get these payments you need to act fast so you don’t miss out on your money in May 2025. Make sure to check srd.sassa.gov.za often for news. Only trust official SASSA sources to stay safe from scams. The government wants this new system to last longer and help the right people. It’s important to stay informed about these changes to keep getting your support.
