Widespread social media posts and conflicting reports have created significant confusion for millions of Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant beneficiaries.

 

 any are questioning whether the grant will end soon or be replaced by a new, higher-value Universal Basic Income (UBI). This article cuts through the noise to provide the official government position, separating fact from fiction about the grant's extension and the much-discussed UBI.

THE OFFICIAL POSITION: SRD GRANT EXTENDED TO 2026

The government has officially confirmed its short-term plan for the SRD grant. Beneficiaries can be assured that the grant is not ending in 2025.

During his 2024 Budget Speech, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana formally announced that funding has been allocated to continue the SRD grant. The current provision extends the R370-a-month grant until at least March 2026. This decision provides certainty for the millions of South Africans who rely on this critical support.

Key Facts from the Government:

  • Official Extension: The SRD Grant is funded and will continue until March 2026.

  • Current Value: The grant amount remains at R370 per month.

  • Source of Confirmation: This was confirmed in the National Treasury's 2024 Budget Review, which sets out the government's spending plans.

DECONSTRUCTING THE R510 UNIVERSAL BASIC INCOME RUMORS

Many beneficiaries have seen reports about a new R510 grant, supposedly a UBI, starting in June 2025. It is crucial to understand the context of these claims. While the conversation around a UBI is real, the rumors of an imminent launch are misleading.

Where Do These Rumors Come From?

The idea of a UBI or a permanent Basic Income Grant (BIG) is not new. It is a long-term policy goal for several influential groups, which is why it remains in the public conversation:

  • Political Manifestos: The African National Congress (ANC) has included the phased implementation of a permanent basic income support grant in its long-term policy objectives. This is a future aspiration, not a confirmed short-term plan.

  • Civil Society Advocacy: Organizations like the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) and Black Sash have been powerful advocates for a permanent BIG. They argue that the grant should be increased to at least the official Food Poverty Line to be truly effective. The figures they propose, which are often in the R500-R700 range, are likely the source of the R510 rumor.

  • Ongoing Discussions: The government has acknowledged it is exploring options for a permanent form of social support to eventually replace the temporary SRD grant. These discussions are complex and involve finding a fiscally sustainable model.

Expert Opinion: The Fiscal Reality

According to Busi Sibeko, a macroeconomic policy expert, the transition from a temporary relief grant to a permanent UBI is a massive undertaking.

"The extension of the SRD grant to 2026 is a pragmatic and necessary step," Sibeko explains. "It acknowledges the ongoing need for a social safety net while buying the government time to solve the monumental fiscal questions tied to a permanent UBI. The National Treasury has been clear about budget constraints. A sudden switch to a higher-value UBI for over 8 million people in 2025 is not financially viable without major economic shifts or tax reforms, none of which are currently on the table."

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR BENEFICIARIES

For now, beneficiaries should operate based on the confirmed facts, not on speculation.

  • Your Grant is Secure (for now): The R370 SRD grant is secure until March 2026, provided you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

  • There is No R510 UBI in June 2025: There are no official plans to implement this. Any claims to the contrary are unconfirmed.

  • Beware of Scams: Do not engage with any person or website asking you to "register" for a new UBI grant. All official information will come directly from SASSA or other government departments.

  • Focus on Official Sources: For all grant-related news, rely exclusively on information from the SASSA website (www.sassa.gov.za), the Department of Social Development, and official government news channels.

The national conversation about a permanent, more adequate Basic Income Grant will continue, but for the immediate future, the government's plan is the clear and confirmed extension of the current SRD grant.