SASSA SRD Grant Ending, Comparison SRD Grant Vs UBIG As South Africa tackles the economic impacts of COVID-19, millions can continue to rely on the government through its Social Relief of Distress grant. This support was launched in 2020 as a relief provision for the people affected during the pandemic.
Since then, it has become a much-needed financial source for more than 9 million jobless adults who are not getting other social grants or unemployment insurance. As the country enters another fiscal year, however, the grant has come under growing concern and debate over whether it will continue in the future.
SASSA SRD Grant Ending Overview
| Purpose | Provides financial relief to unemployed adults not eligible for other grants. |
| Current Monthly | Amount R370 (increased from R350 in 2024). |
| Extension Extended | until March 2025 as announced during the State of the Nation Address (SONA). |
| Future Plans | Discussions ongoing about replacing SRD with a Universal Basic Income Grant (UBIG). |
| Official Website | www.sassa.gov.za |
Extension of the SRD Grant Until March 2025
- Duration: Extended until March 2025.
- Budget Allocation: R33.6 billion for 2024, with planned amounts for 2025/26 and 2026/27.
- Monthly Amount: Increased from R350 to R370 (5.7% increase).
- Increased Support: The slight increase to R370 helps offset rising living costs for recipients.
- Economic Strain: The extension requires careful budgeting to sustain the program while balancing national economic priorities.
Comparison SRD Grant Vs UBIG
|
Feature
|
SRD Grant
|
UBIG
|
|---|---|---|
|
Scope
|
Limited to unemployed
|
Universal coverage
|
|
Monthly Amount
|
R370
|
TBD
|
|
Funding Requirements
|
Moderate
|
High
|
|
Duration
|
Temporary (2020-2025)
|
Proposed long-term solution
|
Will the Basic Income Grant replace the SRD Grant?
A Universal Basic Income Grant (UBIG) is under consideration for introduction, which would eventually replace the SRD grant. The BIG is a more sustainable and long-term solution to poverty and unemployment. Discussions and policy formulations are currently underway regarding its implementation. The focus is on the incorporation of this with the existing social support mechanisms without compromising economic sustainability. Time will tell how these discussions progress, but there is hope that those who need support will benefit from the BIG in the future.
Universal Basic Income Grant (UBIG): A Long-term Alternative?
The Universal Basic Income Grant (UBIG) is a long-term alternative to the SRD grant. The UBIG will provide sustainable solutions to poverty and unemployment in South Africa. Policymakers are debating its feasibility and integration with existing social support mechanisms.
Benefits of UBIG
- Universal Safety Net: Could replace fractured aid systems with a blanket safety net.
- Long-Term Solution: Envisioned to solve problems of poverty and unemployment in a larger scale.
Problem in Implementing UBIG
- Financial Feasibility: Needs huge amount of funding and resource reallocation
- Economic Stability: Government should ensure that UBIG is not an obstacle to its fiscal sustainability.
Important Link
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Homepage | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the purpose of the SRD grant?
The SRD grant provides temporary financial relief to unemployed adults who do not qualify for other social grants or unemployment benefits.
2. How much is the SRD grant currently?
The SRD grant has been increased to R370 per month from its previous amount of R350.